Ted Bundy's 1978 arrest location

This is the site where serial killer Ted Bundy was arrested in 1978.

It is located on West Cross Street in Pensacola, Florida.

Bundy's arrest occurred roughly five days after he abducted and murdered 12-year-old Kimberly Dianne Leach in Lake City, Florida. Following the killing, he decided to leave the Sunshine State and head west toward Mobile, Alabama.

On February 12, 1978, he stole an orange 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle from Rick Garzaniti, who had left the keys in the ignition outside a residence in Tallahassee.

After stealing the vehicle, Bundy drove 300 miles across Florida before stopping in Pensacola.

Oscar's Restaurant

At approximately 1 a.m. on February 15, 1978, Pensacola Police Officer David Lee noticed a Volkswagen Beetle stopped behind Oscar's Restaurant on West Cervantes Street. Moments later, the car exited the parking lot with its headlights off.

Suspecting criminal activity, Lee followed the car as it turned right and headed north on W Street.

Traffic stop

Lee ran a check on the Volkswagen's license plates while following the vehicle. Upon learning it was stolen, he activated his flashers and pulled the car over just north of West Cross Street.

Once both vehicles stopped, Lee radioed his position and approached the stolen car with his revolver drawn. He ordered the driver to exit and lie on the ground. Bundy, an escaped convict and wanted fugitive, complied.

After Bundy exited with his arms raised and lay on the pavement, Lee asked if anyone else was in the vehicle. Bundy lay on the concrete in silence and did not respond.

The officer suspected another person might be present because the Volkswagen was "full of objects."

Attempted escape

As Lee secured handcuffs to Bundy's left wrist, the suspect quickly rolled onto his side and kicked Lee's legs out from under him. Bundy then struck the falling officer in the head with the handcuffs.

By the time Lee regained his composure and fired his weapon, Bundy was sprinting south on W Street.

At the intersection, Bundy turned left and ran east on Cross Street. Lee pursued him and ordered him to stop, but he did not comply.

Arrest

After several warnings, Lee slowed, raised his pistol, and fired another round. When the shot rang out, Bundy collapsed to the ground and feigned injury.

Lee initially believed the bullet had struck the man. However, when he approached, Bundy began to kick and struggle again. During this altercation, Lee used his revolver as a club to subdue the suspect.

"I wish you had killed me"

Backup units arrived as Lee handcuffed the suspect. Pensacola police initially believed they were dealing with a car thief who had assaulted an officer to evade arrest. They were unaware the man was a serial killer and escaped convict who had murdered at least 30 women.

Bundy sat silently while being driven to the police station. His attempt to start over had ended due to a traffic stop in a city he only planned to pass through.

While being transported, Bundy reportedly broke his silence to tell Officer Lee, "I wish you had killed me."

Following his arrest, Bundy provided a fake name and refused to identify himself for two days.

When Bundy finally revealed his identity, lead investigator Norman Chapman did not immediately recognize the name. During one conversation with Chapman, Bundy reportedly admitted he was "addicted" to killing.

Bundy remained in custody for the rest of his life. Following this arrest, he was convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to death.

After several failed appeals, he was executed by electric chair in January 1989.