Christopher John Boyce, nicknamed “the Falcon” due to his falconry hobby, became a notorious figure not just for his original crimes but also for his daring escape from federal custody. This is the story of his recapture, a testament to the relentless pursuit by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Boyce’s escape was particularly significant as it occurred a mere three months after the Attorney General shifted primary responsibility for apprehending escaped federal prisoners from the FBI to the United States Marshals Service. Christopher John Boyce, therefore, became the first high-profile escapee to test the newly assigned agency’s capabilities. The ensuing 19-month manhunt spanned across the United States and even into international territories, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, France, and South Africa. Investigations involved over 800 interviews, countless investigative leads, and the debunking of numerous reported sightings, demonstrating the extensive efforts dedicated to finding Christopher John Boyce.
Alt text: Christopher John Boyce, under escort, exits the Courthouse towards Snohomish County Jail following proceedings related to his escape and recapture.
A significant breakthrough emerged in early August 1981, suggesting Christopher John Boyce was likely hiding in northwest Washington State. This crucial lead prompted the formation of a special task force on August 1st. This team comprised 19 Marshals Service Inspectors and Deputies, eight FBI agents, and a U.S. Border Patrol agent, highlighting the collaborative, multi-agency approach to apprehending Christopher John Boyce.
The task force initiated round-the-clock surveillance at various suspected locations. Deputy U.S. Marshals adopted undercover identities, seamlessly integrating into local communities as loggers, fishermen, and waitresses. These undercover operations proved fruitful, generating valuable investigative leads that gradually pieced together the puzzle of Christopher John Boyce’s whereabouts. Marshals Service Investigators, in conjunction with the FBI, uncovered crucial evidence – a driver’s license photo, handwriting samples, and bank surveillance photos – indicating Christopher John Boyce might be funding his fugitive life through bank robberies, adding a new dimension to the pursuit.
Focusing on Port Angeles: The Net Tightens Around Boyce
Based on the intelligence gathered, the task force narrowed their focus to Port Angeles, Washington, believing Christopher John Boyce was residing there. They established four specialized surveillance teams to maximize their coverage: one team to monitor hotels and apartment complexes, two mobile “rolling teams” to locate a vehicle suspected of Boyce’s use, and a backup team for routine patrols, demonstrating a strategic and layered approach to capturing Christopher John Boyce.
Alt text: Official mugshot of Christopher John Boyce, capturing his appearance at the time of his recapture, used by law enforcement during the extensive 19-month manhunt.
On Friday morning, August 21st, inquiries at local supermarkets yielded crucial eyewitness accounts. Several witnesses positively identified Christopher John Boyce from photographs as having recently purchased beer at a local store. This seemingly minor detail provided a tangible confirmation of Boyce’s presence in Port Angeles and further galvanized the search efforts.
Later that evening, surveillance teams concentrated on an area frequented by Christopher John Boyce. One unit cautiously patrolled the parking lot of a small Port Angeles diner, the “Pit Stop Restaurant and Drive-In.” Initially, finding no one resembling Boyce, they decided to broaden their search, planning to revisit the restaurant later, showcasing the patience and methodical approach of the task force in their hunt for Christopher John Boyce.
The Falcon Lands: Arrest at the Pit Stop
Around 8:30 p.m., the surveillance unit returned to the “Pit Stop.” This time, Deputies spotted a lone male seated in the only car in the parking lot. As the man looked up, the surveillance team instantly recognized him: it was Christopher John Boyce, the fugitive they had relentlessly pursued for 19 months.
Alt text: Late-model Oldsmobile vehicle in which Christopher John Boyce was apprehended by U.S. Marshals at the Pit Stop Restaurant in Port Angeles, marking the end of his 19-month period as a fugitive.
Backup units were immediately summoned and swiftly converged on the location. One unit positioned their vehicle directly beside Boyce’s late-model Oldsmobile. The long-awaited command, “Let’s do it!” was finally given. With weapons drawn, five U.S. Marshals Service investigators, accompanied by two FBI agents, surrounded the car and apprehended Christopher John Boyce without further incident, culminating the extensive search.
Christopher John Boyce was transported to the Task Force Command Post while arrangements were made for a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to fly him to Seattle, Washington. Approximately two hours later, the Command Post received the triumphant message, “C. P., the Falcon’s aloft!” signaling the successful recapture of Christopher John Boyce.
At the time of his escape, Christopher John Boyce still had 37 years remaining on his original sentence. His apprehension stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the Marshals Service personnel. The successful capture of “the Falcon,” Christopher John Boyce, serves as a powerful inspiration to law enforcement colleagues, highlighting the effectiveness of persistence and interagency cooperation in even the most challenging fugitive cases.
