National

Today in History: July 11

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A historical New York Times article, the “Barefoot Bandit” and COVID-19. See what events took place on this day in history.

Published

1 year ago

July 11, 2023

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THE BAHAMAS – On this day in history, in 1973 there was a news article from the New York Times about The Bahamas’ Independence.

Then in 2010, Colton Harris Moore also known as “The Barefoot Bandit” was captured by Bahamian authorities on Harbour Island. Moore was a suspect in a string of criminal offenses committed in multiple states in the U.S. including identity theft, burglary, illegal entry, flying a plane without a pilot’s license and attempting to elude. He received the title “The Barefoot Bandit” for carrying out some of his crimes while barefoot.

On 4th July 2010, a Cessna airplane was stolen from Bloomington, Indiana. Harris is believed to have been responsible for the theft when the plane was found crashed on the shore of Great Abaco. Shortly after there was a string of robberies on the island which included the theft of a 44-foot power boat. The boat was later located at Harbour Island where the Royal Bahamas Police Force had tracked down Moore. After being spotted he attempted to flee but the boat’s engine was shot out by the police.

Before being apprehended he threw his laptop into the sea and pointed a gun to his head. However, the police were able to talk him out of committing suicide and surrendering. He told police he had planned to flee to Cuba and then to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

After being taken into custody he was taken to New Providence where he was placed on trial and plead guilty to charges of illegally entering the country and illegally landing a plane. He was sentenced to either three months in jail or a $300 fine. His mother wired the money to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau which was paid to the court. That night Moore left The Bahamas to give charges in the U.S.

Grand Bahama recorded three additional cases of COVID-19.
This brought the island’s confirmed cases to six. These newly confirmed cases were all females two of which have a travel history while the other did not.
They were isolated and this brought the confirmed cases of covid in The bahamas to 111 with 11 active at that time.