In 2012, Jason Barnum, known as “Eyeball,” gained global attention when he appeared in court with a black tattooed eyeball. He had pleaded guilty to shooting a police officer in Anchorage, Alaska, a consequence of his troubled past.

During a police investigation into vehicle break-ins, officers discovered stolen items linked to the crimes in a hotel room. As they apprehended a woman, Barnum emerged from the bathroom and opened fire, injuring an officer. He was arrested after a standoff.

Barnum’s criminal history included multiple convictions for burglary, theft, and assault. He claimed that his facial tattoos hindered his job prospects, leading him to a life of crime. In 2015, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder, burglary, and weapons charges.

Barnum’s black eyeball tattoo garnered attention, but it’s a risky procedure that can cause blindness and infection. The ink is injected under the eye’s surface and can damage the retina or surrounding tissues. Dr. John A. Hovanesian warned against the procedure, emphasizing the potential for severe consequences.

Rumors falsely claimed Barnum was the son of actor Harrison Ford, which Ford debunked. Barnum’s case highlights the risks and consequences of extreme tattooing, but it’s essential not to judge individuals solely based on their appearance.