Don't know, never read it - although I do plan to at some point. One thing is for sure though, plenty of crazies out there. Also being the guy I was talking about was the road partner of one of the best known road guys for 40 years on the east coast it is also quite possible that indeed it is the same person that is referred to in the book - only they were in town under assumed names. If u are doubting authenticity of story im quite certain there are quite a few old J & J crew that can verify this story. Hell maybe even JAM as im pretty sure she knows of the squirel im speaking of.
Oh, I'm not saying your guy didn't do it, just that I think Beard was writing about someone else. I know I've heard that story before, is all.