Barefoot Bandit’s mom plans to pen memoir

Pam Kolher, Colton Harris-Moore’s mother, called The Herald Wednesday, two days after calling a Seattle radio station to suggest her son fly relief supplies to earthquake-and-tsunami-ravaged Japan.

“He’s very charity oriented,” Kohler said about her son.

Harris-Moore, 20, is awaiting trial on federal charges that he stole airplanes, a boat and firearms. He’s suspected in a multi-state crime spree that lasted two years before his arrest last summer in the Bahamas. Harris-Moore became known as the “Barefoot Bandit” because he sometimes ran from crime scenes without shoes.

On Monday Kohler called KIRO radio’s “Ron and Don” show to suggest her son, who is in isolation in a federal detention center in Sea-Tac, fly a plane to Japan. The DJs suggested he borrow actor John Travolta’s Boeing 707.

When she called The Herald on Wednesday, she admitted the idea of her son piloting a plane across the Pacific wasn’t realistic.

“The whole thing is a pipe dream,” she said.

(Click through to keep reading.)Kohler said she spoke to her son on Tuesday and that he’s doing fine.

She said she’s now planning to write a memoir titled, “Tubby and Me.” Harris-Moore was a chubby kid and “Tubby” was a nickname she used with him, she said.

Her book will contain information that refutes years of court records and news reports about her son, she said. Kohler declined to elaborate.

“Me and Colt are the only ones that know the true story,” Kohler said.

She currently plans to self publish the book, she said.

Harris-Moore reportedly began stealing frozen dinners from neighbors near his childhood home on Camano Island. His mother’s cupboards reportedly often were empty.

He allegedly went on to steal electronics, credit cards, boats, car and five airplanes.

In addition to five federal charges, Harris-Moore also faces felony charges in three Washington counties and in Nebraska.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.