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Phillip Hutchinson: The True Crime Story and Key Facts

Phillip Hutchinson: American bank robber (1963–1988). The documented story, timeline and key facts of the case.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team4 min read✓ Fact-checked
Phillip Hutchinson
Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Phillip La Force Hutchinson was an American bank robber and escaped convict, known for his 1988 rampage in Denver, Colorado, in which he robbed a bank, murdered a police officer, and held a man hostage. He was pursued by police and a news helicopter that filmed his getaway in one of the first recorded police chases. Hutchinson was eventually stopped when the pilot of the news helicopter blocked his vehicle; Hutchinson was then shot dead by police when they surrounded him. A 1991 television film, The Chase, was based on his crime spree.

Why the case is remembered

The Phillip Hutchinson story remains one of the most discussed entries in true-crime history, covered in documentaries, podcasts and books. The summary above follows the publicly documented record.

Text adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Facts reflect the documented public record.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Phillip Hutchinson?

Phillip La Force Hutchinson was an American bank robber and escaped convict, known for his 1988 rampage in Denver, Colorado, in which he robbed a bank, murdered a police officer, and held a man hostage. He was pursued by police and a news helicopter that filmed his getaway in one.

Why is the Phillip Hutchinson case famous?

It is one of the most documented bank robber cases, widely covered by true-crime media.

Sources

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