arrest. >> i would like him to get some help. >> reporter: for nearly two years, authorities blamed him for a series of burglaries in several states including north dakota and indiana. his calling card, leaving behind bare footprints. he's believed to have taught himself to fly from watching video games. his mom tells cnn affiliate kiro -- >> if he did, i'm quite proud because i was going to get him flying lessons, and if he taught himself to fly a plane, i'm very proud. >> reporter: the bandit became an internet cult hero, scooping up more than 60 thousand facebook followers, and websites sell t-shirt, that say, run, colten, run. fans idolized him in songs. back home and washington, locals scratch their heads.