From the archives | Special Report: Eric Rudolph tells how he eluded FBI

This story originally published on July 6, 2005. It is being republished as part of the commemoration of USA TODAY's 40th anniversary on Sept. 15, 2022.

ANDREWS, N.C. — During Eric Rudolph's five years on the lam, despite a nationwide manhunt and a million-dollar bounty, a transient appears to have come closer to catching the serial bomber than did any federal agent.