The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-09-02
NOT DONE WITH BIG FRANK.
BIS DdETNG ROBBERY or HEfNEY.
THE BROOhLrN PIWNBROKER.
Overpowcrcd by Three Men who Gnaued
Him, md then went through rgis Safe
Waiting to Take McCoy 20 Brootiyn.

Fo,a ne Hnsiign I,,Jt.
Three years and Il hall have elapsed since
the Hcaney robbery WIS committed. Monday
evening Feb =. 1875. tn" weather was bitter
cold and the ground frozen. At about seven
O'Clock Mr. Heancy was alone in his pawnshop
at 2i4 Atlantic avenue. two doors from Court
street. ono of the most busy neghborhoods
at that hour in the evening. thronRs
returning from New York by the fer
res. and passing that point. Ho had pulled
down the curtains IN the front windows and
was standing behind the counter arranging
goods when three mon opened the door and on
tered. the last one locking the door behind him
seized Mr.. HeHney throw him down. fastened Il
gag in his mouth ana put handrufs on rs
Heaney, while the other two cmptied the con-
tents. OF tho safc into big black bng. which
they brought with them. md which in Il few mo-
ments wus filled with gold wal, hes and
lewelry' 81 various kinds. worth $4,000.
The heavy ulstors they wore. The thieves wore
getting ready to take their departure. The
knob of the door was heard to move. and the
big man who was on ton 9i Mr.. Heancy raised
up Tor moment rs though frightened. ana the
latter took advantage oil the opportunity 10 make
ais way to the hall. from which he went To the
cellar, thence reaching the sidewalk Just ut tho
second when the robbers. with their plumber.
we're stepping out Of the door; Mr.. .Heaney
forced the gag from his mouth and boy
named George Koran. who is in his employ
ment, and was returning from supper. joined
In spite of the fact that his hands were man
acled and that he was suffering intense pain
from tho l.nggng. jumped vt the man who had
hold OF tho bag and trippod him up. causing
him to let 20 the bag
He picked himself up quickly. however. and
took to flight. and although Mr.. Heaney stuck
20 his heels for over two blocks the thief made
his escape, his companions being equally lucky
IN spite Of the fact that the hue and cry had
raised their
tracks. The value of the articles carried on
was about sl.2o0. and bad az, this was. Mr.
Heaney congratulated himself that the rich
booty in the black bag had been saved. Mr..
Heaney had fine opportunity 10 look ut
the maraudvrs and was able TO give most ac-
curate description OF them. One Of the men he
described as follows: About 30 years OF age !:
over six feet in height; light complexion
sandy moustache: smart and gentemany look
:. Detective Roche knew of two men in this
line OF work who exactly answered MIR. Heaney's
description OF two Of his hssailants. and these
were Francis Mccoy alias Big Frank, and
James Brady. who mad aliases innumerable.
Hsaney positively identified them. Whatever
hesitation he might have in swearing to the
aen ,hs S Bfad be aI nom Robs
boon on the lookout ever since. but the
first he heard Of his man was his ar
rest by Capt. Williams on suspicion Of being
implicated in the Stone robbery. A little in
Quiry on the part OF Roche satisfied him that
there would not be evidence enough to hold Me
Coy In the Stone matter. aud 10 be ready to act
In case OF his discharge, he procured warrant
for his arrest from Justice Ferry. on the sworn
complaint OF MIR. Heaney. and with this he at
tended all examinations Of Mccoy before jus
nce Murray at the jefferson Market Police
Court
The final hearing in reference 10 McCoy's
participation in the stone robbery was set down
ut noon Friday before Justice Murray nj the
JEFFERSON Market Police Court. Capt. Leayey
and Detective Roche were there as Interested
spectators. and accompanying them was Mr..
Heaney. who was rs positive that the prisoner
was one OF his assailants ~ he was Of his own
existence. Detective Roche had in his pocket
The identical handouts with which Heaney was
manacled. and which he intended TO place on
the wrists Of Big Frank" Ii was understood
that the case would have to 20 on Yesterday
there having been no less than four adjourn
ments, and II was admitted that there WAS
no evidence sufficient 10 hold Mccoy in the
stone case so that the Brooklyn officers were
faction OF bringing their man back 10 Brooklyn.
To their surprise, however. they were forced to
Buner another disappointment. n further ad-
Journment having been granted on the applica-
ton OF ex-Mayor A. Oakley Hall. McCoy's
counsel. II seems that there is no reason what
ever for the adjournment. other than the
presence OF Capt Leavey and Detective Roche
VINO, the prisoners friends ascertained. had
warrant for his arrest and had holy
horror Of his being taken to Brooklyn
and the latter. instead Of moving for the dis
charge OF the prisoner, which would have been
probably granted at once asked for an adjourn
ment. and the case. which has been unneces-
sarily and strangely stretched over two weeks
was postponed until next Saturday. There is
no question that this step was taken to prevent
Mccoy being brought TO this city
James Brady, one OF the Heaney robbers was
sent up over Il year ago for seventeen years on
wo charges OF attempted murder.