When 37-year-old Jason Barnum entered a courtroom in Anchorage, Alaska, to plead guilty to shooting a police officer, it wasn’t just his crime that drew attention—it was his striking appearance, particularly the tattoo that darkened the white of his right eye.

Nicknamed “Eyeball,” Barnum became a media sensation overnight. However, as news of his sentencing spread, so did an unexpected rumor: that he was the son of one of America’s most iconic actors.

In 2012, Barnum fired at a police officer after law enforcement entered his hotel room during an investigation into vehicle break-ins and burglaries in Anchorage. The officers returned fire, and the situation quickly escalated, prompting the evacuation of hotel guests and the arrival of SWAT teams.

The officer who was shot sustained non-life-threatening injuries, but Barnum was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for his actions. Authorities discovered stolen jewelry and valuables in his hotel room, linking him to a spree of car thefts and home burglaries fueled by his heroin addiction.

Barnum faced charges of attempted murder and felony assault, with his bail set at $500,000. When asked during his arraignment if he understood the charges and wanted an attorney, his casual response was, “Sure, why not.”

A repeat offender, Barnum had a criminal record that included 14 prior convictions. Yet it was his appearance that captured public fascination. Covered in tattoos, including the unique black ink in the white of his right eye, Barnum’s look was as unsettling as it was unusual at the time.

Anchorage Police Chief Mark Mew commented on Barnum’s demeanor: “It seems to me that he wakes up every day wanting to harm innocent people and makes no secret of it.”

During his trial, Barnum claimed his life of crime was a result of his inability to find employment due to his tattoos. “I was living on the streets, trying to get a job, but my beautiful face didn’t allow me to do that,” he said. He also criticized the Alaska Department of Corrections for failing to provide adequate support after his release from prison in 2010. “I tried, man. I apologize to those who got hurt because of this,” he added.

Police Chief Mew, addressing Barnum’s appearance, said, “While we can’t sentence someone for how they look, we can consider their attitude and behavior when determining their punishment.”

Today, Barnum is reportedly serving his sentence at the Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska.

At the height of public interest in Barnum’s trial, rumors began circulating that he might be the son of Hollywood legend Harrison Ford. This claim gained traction after a misleading Revcontent article featured a photo of Ford alongside Barnum, with the headline: “Harrison Ford has pretty much given up on his son.”

However, the speculation was quickly debunked, confirming that Barnum has no connection to the Indiana Jones star.

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