MONTROSE, Colo. (AP) – A longtime fugitive who was captured in western Colorado says he would be in danger from other inmates if he returns to prison in Florida because he saved the lives of three guards during a race riot.
Sixty-year-old Frederick Barrett told a judge Thursday he’ll fight extradition.
Barrett was serving a life term for murder when he escaped from a Florida prison in 1979. He was captured Wednesday at a remote cabin west of Montrose, Colo., by officers posing as forest rangers.
Barrett participated in a Montrose County Court hearing by video hookup from the county jail. He’s being held without bail.
He also faces state weapons and drug charges.
Barrett requested a public defender. It wasn’t known if one had been assigned yet.
