New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-08-06
RAILROAD CAR THIEVES CAUGHT
THE LEADERS OF A BAND OF DESPERATE CRIMINALS
TRAPPED NEAR ST. LOUIS
IBY TELEGRAPH To THE IRIAuNE.I


TRAPPED NEAR ST. LOUIS.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUyE.I
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 5.-A very neat piece of
railroad detective work fttngy crowned last night
at Brooklyn, colored village three miles north OF East
st. Louis by the capture of three leaders OF gang OF
desperate robbers whose depredatons continuing from
time to time in various localities among the miles of car
tracks and the stocards the other side Of the river
have cost the various companies interested Thousands OF
dollars worth Of property Three weeks ago the chief Of
railroad detectves Mr. Furong succeeded In running
down and capturing a band of car and hog robbers IN
East st. Louis, who awaiting trial at Belleve
the county seat About the time old man,
McLane by name. employed at East st. Louis az
watchman by the Western Union Telegraph Company,
was fired upon and severely wounded BY three negroes
whom he detected early morning in the act Of break
ing open freight the track of the Wabash Rail-
road between East st. Louis and Brooklyn. This act
suggested that of the robbers might be residents
OF the latter place. Furlong sent OF the most
trusted members Of his service make inyes
ugaton. This man succeeded In detecting the robbers
and insinuatng himself into their favor he accepted
proposition 10 become Of tho gang, and while stl
trusted by them he listened their confessions OF past
robberes and joined with them the planning Of rssh
undertaking.
All Of one night was spent selecting and marking
which gave evidence OF containing merchandise OF
great value aud the night was to be devoted TO
fore attempted While this was In progress three
bers OF the gang. e1conyict and desperado. Bill
Jones, and the e1convict "Tom Lindsey, whose ex-
pertness hogstealer has cost the National Stock
yards hundreds OF animas aud third, Ellis Rhodes,
acknowledged % the detective that they the mcn
who had shot McIane, tho western Union watchman.
Whether the detective displayed any emotion ct this
statement from other cause, the rob
bers from this time on. suspected him, and
on last Tuesday they ordered him TO leave Brooklyn,
He refused to and Wednesday Jones, Lindsey and
come other members OF the gang armed themselves with
shoiguns and went cunning" for him after the man.
ner Of Southern Illinois CITY Marshal Green interfcred,
and the Of his death and the fatal woundng Of
Jones which resulted have already been published.
Having made his way here, the detective Informed
Chief Furlong of what he had learned and plan was
organized capture the leading members of the gang
the excitement attendant upon the Marshals
murder had blown over. A expected the robbers
left home but finding that No steps being taken TO
them they returned 10 Brookyn yesterday
Ing. At IL O'Clock last night Chief Ful0ng a the head
Of ary OF six men armed % the teeth went to Brook
IN the morning but though backed by the law the party
knew they had desperate 10 deal With and took
precantion 10 give them perfect surprise The house
was reached about midnight and surrounded before
any Of the inmates became of what going on
outside. When they did, they found that q man
with doubi-cbsrreled shot gun was covering
They that they trapped and surrendered at
discretion. haudcufed and marched 10 East st.
Louis where they locked up The prisoners were
DcE" Lindsey aud his son. Thomas and Ellis Rhodes
Warrants out for Other members OF the rang who
will be picked up AZ opportunity offers THIS capture
puts end for tho time At least the extensive rob
river for months and the railroad officers are pleased
with the success Of their secret service men