Chinese Man Stole About $22 from Gas Station and Hid in Cave for 14 Years Fearing Punishment

A resident of China, Liu Mufu, spent 14 years in a cave trying to escape justice. Fourteen years ago, the resident of Enshi, along with two accomplices, robbed a gas station. The stolen amount totaled just 156 yuan (approximately $22.50).

The police arrested Liu's accomplices. Realizing his arrest was imminent, the man fled into the woods and hid in a cave. He remained in the cave for 14 years, accompanied by a few stray dogs. Liu scavenged for food by hunting in the woods, rummaging through waste discarded by people, and occasionally stealing food from a nearby village.

He visited his family very infrequently and refused to surrender. He even did not inform his wife and parents where he was hiding. However, over the years, Liu began to suffer increasingly from loneliness. He missed his father's funeral, did not attend his son’s wedding, and never saw his newborn grandchild.

Eventually, the robber voluntarily presented himself to the police, stating that he deeply regretted everything he had done. Regardless of his 14 years spent in the cave, he still faces up to 10 years in prison, since the crime involved armed robbery, and it does not matter that the stolen amount was just $22.50.