Ralph B. Phillips Added to FBI Top Ten List

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York; United States Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the New York State Police announce today that Ralph B. Phillips has been placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list.

Phillips is being sought for the June 10, 2006, shooting of a New York State Trooper that occurred in Chemung County, New York. He is also wanted for questioning in the shooting death of a New York State Trooper and the wounding of another on August 31, 2006, in Chautauqua County, New York. He should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

On April 2, 2006, Ralph "Bucky" Phillips escaped from the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden, New York. Phillips had been incarcerated on a minor parole violation and was scheduled to be released within a week. Phillips escaped by prying open a roof vent in the kitchen area of the prison. He has been charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution based on his escape.

On June 10, 2006, at approximately 1:00AM, a New York State Police Trooper was shot and wounded during a traffic stop in a remote area of Chemung County, near Elmira, New York. Phillips has been identified as the likely shooter.

On August 31, 2006, two New York State Troopers were shot in the vicinity of Cassadaga, New York. As a result of the shootings, one of the Troopers died, and the other is in serious condition. Phillips is a suspect in these shootings.

Ralph "Bucky" Phillips is described as a Native American male, 6'0", 180 to 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was born on June 19, 1962, in New York State. Phillips has a scar on his left finger. He may be clean shaven or may have a moustache and/or beard. He may also wear eyeglasses. He has ties to New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Ralph B. Phillips is the 483rd person to be placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list, which was established in 1950. Since then, 453 fugitives have been apprehended or located, 147 of them as a result of citizen cooperation.

A reward of up to $100,000 is being offered for information leading directly to the arrest of Ralph B. Phillips. Individuals with information concerning Phillips should take no action themselves, but instead immediately contact the nearest office of the FBI, United States Marshals Service, New York State Police, or local law enforcement. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate.

Additional information concerning Ralph B. Phillips, including his wanted poster, is available on the FBI's internet website.