10 Years Later: Ralph "Bucky" Phillips Captured

The search for convicted killer Ralph "Bucky" Phillips is considered one of the most expensive manhunts in the history of New York State.  Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of his arrest.

For Cable Hollow Golf Course owners Marge and John Bortz, it’s a day they will never forget.

"We didn't know exactly what was going on,” said Mr. Bortz.  “We got word that Bucky Phillips was in the area, and they cornered him and knew exactly where he was at."

On September 8, 2006, the five month search for Phillips came to an end, after police arrested him in a wooded area on the Bortz’ property.

"Certainly it's a day that I'll never forget and I was just thankful that no one was hurt during this whole thing,” said Mrs. Bortz.  “There were police all over the place and it really could have been a tragic situation."

The search for Phillips began in April of 2006 after he escaped from the Erie County Correctional Facility in New York, by using a can opener to cut through a metal roof.

According to Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace, Phillips initially gained somewhat of a folk hero status.

“There were T-shirts running around (saying) “Run, Bucky, Run,” and a local restaurant had a “Bucky burger” they put on the menu,” said Sheriff Gerace.  “But that all changed."

Public opinion changed in June of 2006 when Phillips shot three officers in two separate incidents, killing one of them.

“People were really tense,” said Sheriff Gerace.  “Every little suspicious behavior was reported and checked out.”

Phillips is now serving a life sentence in a New York prison.