In 1887 the Apache Kid was left in charge of the guardhouse at San Carlos. He left his post in order to hunt down a man he believed was responsible for the death of his father. On his return to the guardhouse there was an argument with Al Sieber. During the dispute someone (not the Apache Kid) shot Sieber in the leg.

Apache Kid and three others were accused of attempted murder. He was found guilty and was sentenced to seven years in Yuma Territorial Prison. While being transported to the prison the Apache Kid escaped. During the fighting that took place three guards, Glenn Reynolds, Eugene Middleton and W. A. Holmes were killed.

Over the next few years the Apache Kid was accused of various crimes. However, if is impossible to determine how many of these he actually committed. A $15,000 reward for him, dead or alive, was promised by the Arizona territorial legislature. This did not result in his capture and after 1894 reports of his crimes came to an end. Some sources claimed he died at this time while others argue he had crossed into Mexico and lived to an old age.