Joseph Devon "Joy Ride Joe" Hyatt

The Thrill-Seeking Outlaw: A Profile of Joseph Devon "Joy Ride Joe" Hyatt

Introduction

Joseph Devon Hyatt, better known as "Joy Ride Joe," was a notorious car thief and jail escapee who captured the attention of the nation in the mid-20th century. His daring stunts and audacious escapes made him a folk hero to some and a menace to law enforcement.

Early Life and Criminal Career

Hyatt was born in 1928 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He dropped out of school at a young age and began committing petty crimes, including car theft. In 1948, at the age of 20, he was arrested for stealing a car and sentenced to three years in prison.

After his release in 1951, Hyatt continued his life of crime, targeting flashy and expensive cars. He gained notoriety for his "joy rides," in which he would steal a car, drive it recklessly, and abandon it days or weeks later.

Hyatt's criminal career escalated in 1952 when he was arrested for stealing a car from a used car lot. He was sentenced to seven years in prison but escaped from a work camp in 1955. The escape earned him the nickname "Joy Ride Joe."

The "Joy Ride Joe" Legend

Hyatt's daring escapes and elusive nature made him a folk hero to some. He was featured in newspapers and magazines, and his story was turned into a movie in 1956. The public was fascinated by his ability to outsmart law enforcement and steal cars with impunity.

However, Hyatt's criminal activities also caused significant damage and inconvenience to his victims. He often left behind stolen cars in damaged or abandoned states, and his escapades sometimes put innocent bystanders at risk.

Capture and Imprisonment

In 1957, Hyatt was finally captured in Florida. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison and served time in several different institutions. While in prison, he continued to escape and attempt escapes, solidifying his reputation as a hardened criminal.

Hyatt was eventually released from prison in 1978. He lived a quiet life in his later years, passing away in 2017 at the age of 88.

Legacy

Joseph Devon "Joy Ride Joe" Hyatt's legacy is a complex one. He was a skilled car thief and escape artist who captured the public's imagination. However, his criminal activities also had a negative impact on his victims and society as a whole.

Hyatt's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a life of crime. It is also a testament to the thrill-seeking nature of some individuals and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with them.