GIBSLAND AMBUSH
WAYLAID
WEDNESDAY - MAY 23, 1934
"The Last Day for Bonnie & Clyde"
one of several versions
The Methvin farm was located southwest of Mount Lebanon. The posse team was expecting Bonnie and Clyde
to show up there in search of Henry. They selected a spot in the brush just off of the road leading up to it.
They were able to see any approaching cars from their vantage point, yet remain hidden from view. Ivy Methvin,
Henry's father, was traveling on that road in his old Model A Ford truck when he was stopped by the lawmen
standing in the middle of the road. They took him into the woods and handcuffed him to a tree and proceeded
to remove one of the truck's wheels so that it would appear to have broken down at that spot. The trap now set,
they took their positions in the thick underbrush. By dawn, after having spent the night in the woods, dirty,
tired and tormented by the ferocious insects and no sight of the desperados, they were ready to head back to
their motel rooms for a hot meal and a bath. However, they agreed to wait it out another thirty minutes before
"calling in the dogs." At about that time, the sound of a car could be heard in the distance traveling at a
high rate of speed. The lawmen then checked their weapons and readied their positions. As the grey Ford V8
came into view, it's occupants were now clearly visible. Frank Hamer said, "It's him"! then Bob Alcorn turned
and whispered to the others - "This is it, it's Clyde"! The car slowed down, upon seeing the familiar truck lying
on the side of the road disabled. It was now about twenty feet away from the lawmen. At Alcorn's command
to "HALT", Bonnie let out a scream! Barrow and Parker reached for their weapons, but never got to fire them.
The bullets found their targets! No less then 167 bullets were fired at the notorious outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde.
photo above, shows the spot where the possemen
had lain in wait for Bonnie and Clyde
Ambush site in 1934
STILL IMAGE FROM TED HINTON'S 8mm FILM
Bodies of Bonnie & Clyde seen still in car
Photo above shows Clyde's bullet-riddled coat, draped over car's headlamp
Photo above shows bullet-riddled rear window
Photo above shows bullet-riddled driver's side door
Photo above shows the Arkansas license plate
Gawkers mill around the death car in tow
Photo above shows bullet-riddled interior of driver's side door
Photo above, shows items recovered from death car
Twelve Headlines
Photo below, shows Maney Gault with Chief Louis Graham Phares in front of "death car",
which is displaying the many stolen license plates that were found inside.
GIBSLAND CONTINUES
The Gibsland Seal is the offical seal of the town of Gibsland La.
