Free Money: Man Reportedly Tossed $200,000 in Cash Out of His Car Window As Drivers Grabbed Bills The incident occurred on a highway in Eugene, Oregon.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

They say money doesn't grow on trees but in the state of Oregon, it apparently floats down highways.

Oregon State Police reported that Colin Davis McCarthy was throwing $100 bills out of his car window along Interstate 5 in Eugene on April 11, which caused havoc and confusion among drivers.

The 35-year-old claimed he wanted to gift the money to strangers out of kindness and that he tossed roughly $200,000 on the highway in total, though police were unable to confirm whether or not that sum was accurate.

"McCarthy was cooperative and agreed to stop leaving money on the roadway," Oregon State Police Capitan Kyle Kennedy told Today. "OSP is urging the public to avoid the temptation to go looking for money along the highway. These searches create a hazardous condition and put both the searchers and motorists at risk."

He noted that when law enforcement went to check the highway the next day for any remaining money, it was all gone.

According to local outlet KEZI, the money came from McCarthy's family's shared bank account, which he drained before the incident. The family has requested anyone who found the money to return it to OSP as it is "very much needed."

McCarthy is not facing criminal charges at this time.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Money & Finance

How Golden Visas and Second Passports Are Transforming Wealth Strategies

As financial strategies evolve, golden visas and second passports have emerged as essential tools for safeguarding wealth, optimizing tax exposure and ensuring personal freedom.

Business News

'No One Is Paying What They Used to': Job Hopping Isn't As Lucrative As It Used to Be, According to New Data

The data shows that switching jobs yields only slightly more salary growth than staying put.

Business News

Are You Leaving Work Before 5 P.M.? You're Not Alone, the Workday Is Actually Getting Shorter, According to a New Report.

ActivTrak's newly released 2025 "State of the Workplace" report found that the average American workday is ending at around 4:39 p.m.

Business News

Four Seasons Is Offering a $200,000 Private Jet Tour of Its Hotels — Including the 3 Featured in 'The White Lotus'

The luxury hotel chain reportedly said yes to Season 1 of the show before seeing a script. The move was a big marketing win.

Business News

'A Game Changer': Klarna Becomes Walmart's Exclusive Buy-Now-Pay-Later Provider

A Klarna loan option through One Pay will soon be available when checking out at Walmart.