I was involved in a 60 mile chase outside of Cody, Wyoming – might have been 1982/83. Driving on some highway – just a two lane blacktop – I was tailgated for a weird stretch, then the dude pulled alongside and paralleled me, then passed. He buzzed ahead and then pulled over and I passed him. He caught up and tailgated, pulled alongside, then passed and pulled over. This happened several times. After the second round I started to sort of flipout. What were my options? This was before cell phones. I was in an underpowered VW bus. I was in open range country – nobody around – no other cars on the road. Scenarios flashed through my mind – dark scenarios. I was determined not to stop. I kept right on for another 45 minutes – weird dude behind me. I drove into Cody and rode around looking for the police station. I couldn’t find one! I finally determined that at least in a public place I wouldn’t be murdered. I pulled into a post office parking lot – the nose-in parking on wide boulevards. Dude pulled in next to me on passenger side. I hopped out and decided to go straight for him – I did and said something like, “What the hell are you doing, man?”
The Wyoming Chaser - Bounty Hunter and Brother Wannabe
“What’s your name?” he asked. I told him. His look softened, and he he sort of swooned and became friendly. “Goddamn if you don’t look like my brother! I thought you was my little brother. I haven’t seen him in 12 years. I thought you was him.”
“Jesus mister – you were sure acting weird out on the highway. I didn’t know what you were trying to do.” We chatted amicably – I felt no friendship toward him at all – after all he was responsible for some serious dread, angst and heartburn in me – my worst 60 miles on the road. He went on to say that he was a bounty hunter – mostly chasing after fugitives going into Canada. I have to say – that didn’t make me feel any better. I wanted to be sure I was rid of him before I headed out on the road again.
I was looking over my shoulder for the remainder of the day.
