Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1894-01-18
TOWN AFTER ROBBERS.
Five Burglars Were Discovered
In the Postoffice.
A LIVELY PISTOL FIGHT ENsUED.
The Burglars Reiterated and Escaped to
the Mountains With the Whole Male
Population at Their Hee1s-Huudreds of
Shots, but Only Three His.

The Burglars Reiterated and Escaped to
the Mountains With the Whole Male
Population at Their Heels-Hundreds of
Shots, but Only Three Hit.
SaAMoKIN, Pa, Jan 1S.-Fivs masked
outlaws made raid on the Danville post
office, but before they showed big pile of
greenbacks into q canvas bag the police
made their appearance. a desperate run
ming battle ensued, during which Officer
Van Gilger was mortally shot through the
lungs, while two of the outlaws dropped
from the firing, but were picked up by
their companions and bundled into a row
boat, after which a race across the Susque-
hanna river ensued, the entire band man
aging to escape into the mountains of
Northumberland county.
Dauvills is the county seat of Montour,
and the population of 5,00ois guarded by
four policemen. At q. M. Officer Lewis
Byerty was passing the postofface when he
saw masked man crouching in the door
way. Byerly drew his revolver, but before
he could fire the stranger slipped around
the corner.
a Fusillade Begun.
The policeman rushed to the homes of
Officers Dave Rissel and John Van Gilger,
which were close by, and told them that he
thought band of outlaws was robbing
the postoffice. In a few minutes the three
nren ran to the postoffice in time to meet
the mysterious stranger emerging from the
door, followed by a companion. They blew
loud, piercing whistle and commenced
firing revolvers at the police, who lodged
behind the lampposts and returned the fire
Ten shots were exchanged, when the rob-
bers were re-euforced by three more men.
Every one was we'll armed, and a continu-
GUS round Of firing commenced. The BAN
dts formed a square and Rugged the stone
steps leading TO the massive building,
where they were able to escape the police
mems bullets. Numerous citizens appear
ed armed with weapons of every descrip-
ton. The firing became 80 warm that the
robbers concluded to retreat to the river
bank
Thoy discharged three volleys at the ex-
cited t0wnsmen and ran eastward, each
side exchanging shots. Van Gilger, who
led the pursuers, suddenly threw up his
hands and fell, shot through the lungs
1he burglars Escape.
About the same time two Of the robbers
fell. Their comrades grabbed them, and
during a momentary halt of the pursuers
they managed to reach the Susquehanna
river. A rowboat was secured, and three
outlaws, after leaving their wounded COM
menced scullin9 in the direction Of the
Northumberland side.
The pursuers, now force Of 100 infurk-
ated men, secured as many boats as posi-
Bile, and an exciting chase commenced.
revolvers and rifles cracking at every turn,
but no person was hit Owing TO thetr
good start the outlaws succeeded in reach
ing the opposite side before the foremost
boat containing the police was half way
across, and when the pursuers touched
land the daring men We're in the noun
tains, which are now being secured on all
sides by the sheriff's posse.
It is thought that the bandits will seek
a cave in order to hide their wounded CON-
panions and to throw the police off the
scent. In the event of their being surprised
another desperate battle will occur. The
sheriff says he will bring back the slayers
of Van Gilger dead or alive.