Wild West Escape: Colorado Horse Thief Jumps from Moving Train in 1916

Back in the state’s infancy, Colorado was certainly a big part of the proverbial “wild west,” and because of this, there are plenty of wild stories from the Centennial State during this period of time.

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While tales of Buffalo Bill Cody and Doc Holliday are among the most famous, another wild story from 1916 has been making its rounds on social media recently that recounts an event of a much lesser-known outlaw.

Colorado History: Horse Thief Escapes Prosecution by Jumping Train

The story, which was recently shared by the Facebook page called Colorado Haunted History, recounts the escape from justice orchestrated by an outlaw by the name of Sam W. Berry.

In 1916, Berry was being transported from New Orleans to Golden, Colorado, on a train to face charges of stealing at least one horse.

However, while en route to the Centennial State, Berry asked to use the bathroom and, while unshackled, jumped from the train by way of the restroom’s window while it was moving at an estimated 40 miles per hour.

The fugitive’s escape took place near Guthrie, Oklahoma, a town roughly 32 miles north of Oklahoma City, and it was at this point that Berry found himself in a swamp filled with dangerous animals.

Luckily for Berry, he survived and made it out of the swampland, at which point he made his way to Canada, where, after escaping justice for his crimes, the fugitive made a bold request.

Despite remaining a wanted man, now for two crimes, Berry wrote a letter to authorities requesting that his luggage be sent to his new address. It’s unclear whether or not the fugitive was ever apprehended or if he received his luggage as requested, but it’s doubtful.

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Check out the full story here.