Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of suicide, violence, and murder.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

On July 15, 1946, police officer Max Taked stepped out of the hot sun and

into the Arkansas bus station. His eyes scanned the lobby for his target, an elusive car thief.

Little did Max know he was being watched too, as soon as he entered the station,

a tall, neatly dressed man locked eyes on the officer. At first, the stranger stood frozen,

like prey who'd caught the scent of a predator. Suddenly, the man leapt into action,

sprinting deeper into the station. Max noticed and gave chase, sprinting down the corridor

and into the stairwell. The officer flew up the stairs, skipping steps until he reached the second

floor. Max was used to chasing criminals, but this felt different. It was like the man was running

for his life. Finally, Max cornered the fugitive on the fire escape. The officer drew his gun.

The man begged him not to shoot. Max rolled his eyes and ordered the criminals to stay still so

he could check for weapons. As he patted him down, he told the man that he'd never shoot a man

just for stealing cars. But the car thief shook his head. He said, don't play games with me.

You want me for more than stealing cars. Every hair on Max's arms stood up. There'd been

something off about this guy from the very beginning, and now Max thought he knew what it was.

He didn't dare voice the thoughts racing through his mind, but he felt it in his gut.

He just arrested the phantom killer.

Hi, I'm Greg Poulson. This is Serial Killers, a Spotify original from podcast.

Every episode we dive into the minds and madness of serial killers. Today we complete our

exploration of the phantom killer, the unidentified serial killer responsible for Texarkana's

...