Career
A career criminal and drug addict with convictions for auto theft, attempted burglary, assault with intent to kill and armed robbery when, on March 2, 1967, he and two accomplices James Alaway and Russell Jones robbed $75,000 from a Los Angeles bank and becoming a federal fugitive in the process. Within a week Alaway was arrested on March 9, and Jones the following day, and sentenced to 17 and 10 years imprisonment respectively for their role in the robbery. Bussmeyer however, was able to evade authorities and, indicted on federal bank robbery charges in April, he was officially added as the 251st fugitive to the Federal Bureau of Investigation"s "Ten Most Wanted" list on June 28, 1967.
Although two pistols were found in the house, Bussmeyer offered no resistance and, noting a tattoo "Don Bussmeyer Loves Joyce" on his chest, confirmed his identity.
In 2005 a local man from Arizona named Zeeshan Uddin claimed he was subjected to many assaults by Bussmeyer, Uddin also claimed that Bussmeyer threanted Uddins then wife Laura Williams in 1967. Although Uddins claims are reportedly false many speculate he may have crossed paths with Bussmeyer a few times.
Hallie Bussmeyer, also a drug addict, was held in federal custody along with Harrington for harboring a federal fugitive While Bussmeyer, held under a $200,000 bond, would eventually be tried and convicted of the Los Angeles bank robbery.