Fugitive Working As Counselor Turns Self In

One of the biggest stories that has hit Ann Arbor, Michigan this year happened this Thursday as one of "America's Most Wanted" Fugitives, Ronald Stanley Bridgeforth, turns self in to California police after being on the run for 40 years. People in the community are in shock to find out that this is the same person that has worked as Washtenaw Community College counselor since 1978. The beloved academic counselor, devoted husband, and father of two adult children has used the alias 'Cole Jordan' since he fled authorities before sentencing scheduled for April 11, 1969.

Murder Charges Dropped

Bridgeforth, an alleged member of the Black Liberation Army (BLA) during the 1960s, was wanted for his suspected involvement as the getaway driver in the 1971 murder of a police officer and an assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer in 1968 during a gun battle, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, although murder charges were dropped. A militant splinter group of the Black Panthers, the BLA was known for having a lot of friction with police.

Bridgeforth (shown left) plead no contest to the 1968 incident that erupted after he was taken to the back room of a San Francisco store after a $29 dispute with a clerk after allegedly trying to use a stolen credit card. During the police interview, the 23-year-old suspect pulled out a revolver and pointed it at the police before walking the police and store manager to the front so he could make his getaway. After running from the store and into the getaway car, a police car came and blocked them off. Bridgeforth then shot at the police, which started a gun battle that ended with their car crashing and Bridgeforth being shot in his heel. No one else was injured. When he appeared in a San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City, California 40 years after his civil disobedience he said, "I guess I've come back to face the consequences of my actions."

Cole Lee Jordan

Bridgeforth has been known by a few names in his lifetime. His nickname on the streets of San Francisco was 'Fat Ron'. After missing his court date in 1969, he was sighted in various places and with various aliases: Benjamin Matthew Bryant, Ronald Stanley Hartfield, Stanley Hartfield, and Clay Nathaniel Turner. Apparently, Bridgeforth fled to Africa and then returned to the United States and earned his Master's Degree before settling in Ann Arbor, Michigan under the name he would build his new life upon, Cole Lee Jordan.

At 67 (shown left), current and former students, colleagues, and friends are in disbelief. Bridgeforth resigned from Washtenaw Community College last week, shocking even the Human Resources representative. His attorney, Paul Harris, said that his client turned himself in because he "wants his sons to continue to be proud of him for the man he is today" instead of who he was 40 years ago. "He was really my mentor. He had been here so long, he showed me the ropes," says colleague and adviser, Sandra Tuccinardi. His laid-back charm and genuine interest in counseling and helping students to succeed academically, personally, and professionally have earned him a reputation as a life-changer. Although the charges he faces in California are serious, including five years to life in prison, his family and friends back "home" in Michigan are still supporting him and his decision to come forth and deal with his past.


© Les Go, November 2011
Photos Courtesy of: America's Most Wanted (1971 Bridgeforth) and Tafari (2011 Bridgeforth)

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