In 2012, American criminal Jason Barnum attracted global attention — not only for his crimes but for his shocking appearance.
At age 37, Barnum appeared in court with a fully tattooed right eyeball, a rare and extreme body modification that led to his viral nickname, “Eyeball.”
But behind the viral photos lies a dark and violent criminal history. Barnum pleaded guilty to shooting a police officer in Anchorage, Alaska, during a confrontation that ended in a standoff.
While serving his sentence, Barnum also became the subject of a bizarre internet rumor linking him to actor Harrison Ford — a claim that has been proven false.
Let’s break down who Jason Barnum is, what really happened in 2012, and how he became an infamous figure online. A Life of Crime Catches Up With Him. Jason Barnum had a long criminal record before the 2012 shooting. Struggling with heroin addiction and homelessness, he had previously been convicted of numerous crimes, including burglary, theft, assault, and resisting arrest. In total, he had at least 14 prior convictions, including four felonies.
On September 12, 2012, Anchorage police were investigating a series of home burglaries and vehicle break-ins when they tracked a suspicious vehicle to a local hotel. Surveillance footage showed a man — later identified as Barnum — carrying bags from the car into Room 209. When officers entered the room, they detained a man and found a stolen firearm. A woman in the bathroom pretended to be ill, but when she came out, Jason Barnum appeared from behind her and opened fire on the officers.
Officer Dan Thyen, a 15-year veteran of the Anchorage Police Department, was shot in the back but fortunately survived. Barnum was also shot in the arm during the exchange of gunfire. Police quickly secured the scene and evacuated the hotel. SWAT officers were called, and after brief negotiations, Barnum surrendered.
According to Anchorage Police Chief Mark Mew, Barnum showed signs of recent heroin use and had clearly been living a dangerous and unstable life. “Someone just blasting away from behind a door, that’s unusual,” Mew said in a press conference after the incident.
The Eyeball Tattoo That Shocked the Internet
When Barnum appeared in court after his arrest, his heavily tattooed face — including skulls, skeleton teeth, and most notably, a completely black tattooed right eyeball — caught the attention of media around the world.
The tattoo, which covered the sclera (white of the eye), was done by injecting ink beneath the surface of the eye. At the time, this type of body modification was rare and extremely risky. Medical professionals have since warned about the dangers of eyeball tattoos, which can lead to infections, inflammation, permanent blindness, and even the loss of the eye.
Barnum never publicly explained where or why he got the eye tattoo. However, during his court appearance, he acknowledged that his appearance made it difficult for him to find work. “I was living on the streets, and I tried to get a job,” he said. “But of course, my beautiful face didn’t allow me to do that.”
Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison
Following the hotel shooting, Barnum was charged with attempted murder, felony assault, and weapons misconduct. He pleaded guilty to the charges in 2015 as part of a deal with prosecutors and was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Deputy District Attorney Clint Campion stated that while the case could have gone to trial, the guilty plea helped avoid potential legal challenges and appeals. “There’s always risk with going to trial,” Campion said, “and this resolution still ensures public safety.”
At the sentencing, Police Chief Mark Mew made a statement acknowledging Barnum’s right to express himself through body art, but emphasized that his violent behavior reflected a dangerous attitude. “He has the right to do this to himself,” Mew said, referring to Barnum’s tattoos. “But I think we can consider a guy’s attitude and his behavior.”
Viral Rumor: Is Jason Barnum Harrison Ford’s Son?
In the years following his conviction, Jason Barnum’s image continued to circulate online — often without context. At one point, a false and misleading advertisement went viral, claiming that Barnum was the estranged son of Hollywood actor Harrison Ford.
The rumor gained attention after an article, published by a questionable source, showed photos of Barnum next to Harrison Ford with the headline: “Harrison Ford has pretty much given up on his son.”
This claim is completely false. There is no evidence or reliable source linking Jason Barnum to Harrison Ford in any way. The actor has several children, none of whom have any criminal record or relation to Barnum. This kind of fake news, designed to generate clicks, only added to the public confusion around the already controversial Barnum.
Where Is Jason Barnum Now?
As of 2017, Barnum was reportedly serving his sentence at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska. No official updates have been provided about his current location or status since then.
Due to the extreme nature of his crime and the media attention surrounding his appearance, Jason Barnum remains one of the most recognizable criminals in recent U.S. history — not for the severity of his offenses alone, but for the shocking image that became a viral talking point.
Is Eyeball Tattooing Worth the Risk?
Experts agree that tattooing the eyeball is an incredibly dangerous practice. According to Dr. John Hovanesian, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, patients who undergo eyeball tattoos risk blindness, severe pain, and long-term eye damage.
If done in non-sterile environments — such as prisons — the risk increases dramatically. Dr. Kathleen Rice, of the Eye Clinic of Fairbanks, warned that tattoo ink made with unsterile materials like carbon and pen ink could introduce harmful bacteria and lead to serious infections. In some cases, the only solution to relieve the pain caused by these infections is removal of the eye itself.
Conclusion
Jason “Eyeball” Barnum is a disturbing figure whose crimes and appearance made headlines around the world. While his violent behavior and lengthy criminal record justified a long prison sentence, his viral fame raises deeper questions about how society reacts to appearance, identity, and extreme body modification.
While it’s easy to judge based on looks, it’s important to separate image from action. In Barnum’s case, his crimes — not his tattoo — are what truly defined his legacy. And as for the claim that he’s the son of Harrison Ford? That’s nothing more than internet fiction.
