By WBFO News
New York City, NY – Ralph Phillips claims in a "New York Times" interview that he disguised himself as a state trooper and even spoke with a trooper who failed to recognize him at one point during his months on the run last year.
Telling "The Times" that he "enjoyed" his time on the run more than he's enjoyed any other time in his life, Phillips confirmed some known details about his time on the run: he stole cars and entered unlocked homes and campers, usually moving around after dark. He also said he survived on a diet of rabbits and fish.
But some of his other stories could not be confirmed and the state police say they won't discuss or substantiate any of his claims. Phillips said he got a state trooper uniform from an acquaintance and on one occasion spoke with a trooper for an hour while he was wearing it.
Authorities said they haven't heard of any such encounter and doubted Phillips -- who was bearded and long-haired when he was caught -- could have passed for a trooper.
Phillips killed one trooper and wounded two others after escaping from the Erie County Correctional Facility last April.
He is serving 40 years to life in prison in the Clinton County Correctional Facility. Mark Scott, WBFO News.