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The Astonishing Tale of Richard McNair’s Escape from Prison by Mail

You think you've heard it all when it comes to prison breaks, right? Think again. The story of Richard Lee McNair isn't just another escape; it's a testament to audacity, cunning, and a healthy dose of luck. This isn't Hollywood; this is the real deal, and it's wilder than fiction.

Richard McNair wasn't your average criminal. Described as incredibly intelligent, he made a series of bad choices that landed him behind bars. But prison walls weren't enough to hold him. He had a knack for escape, a talent that would make him infamous.

His first escape was straight out of a slapstick comedy. Handcuffed to a chair in a police station, he used ordinary lip balm to grease his hands and slip free. A foot chase ensued, culminating in a daring (and painful) jump from a three-story building. He was caught, but his legend had just begun.

McNair's time in various prisons was marked by attempted escapes and a growing reputation as a master of evasion. He squeezed through ventilation shafts, disguised himself, and stayed one step ahead of the law for months at a time. Each capture only seemed to fuel his determination.

Then came the escape that would etch his name in the annals of prison break history. Working in a prison mailroom, McNair hatched an audacious plan. He fashioned an escape pod inside a mailbag, complete with an air supply, and simply mailed himself out of prison.

Imagine the scene: a seemingly ordinary mailbag arrives at its destination, only to reveal a very much alive and breathing Richard McNair. It sounds impossible, but that's exactly what happened.

His time on the run was a mix of daring escapes, close calls, and a bizarre game of cat-and-mouse with authorities. He even sent a Christmas card to the warden of the prison he'd escaped from, a move that must have left them speechless.

McNair's story is a captivating blend of audacity and ingenuity. He outsmarted the system time and again, proving that even the most secure prisons weren't foolproof. His tale is a reminder that truth can be stranger (and more entertaining) than fiction.

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