The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-05-13
Suspicious Characters Sent
Out of Town.
Three Shots Fired al a FIeeinu Man
Last Evening.
Amusing Incidents Attending the Pur-
suit of Objectionable Persons.

Recent depredations have seemingly
moved the Providence police 10 unusual
activity, and from latest reports sus-
picious characters within these domains
must lead precarious existence, rs well
ss several well known citiEens to whom
no suspicion can attach, unless because
they resemble crooks by being caught AZ
unseemly hours in unseemly places.
Last night, or rather this morning,
policeman Nickerson fired three shots
into the air, after a fleeing form, aud,
whether justified or not by the police
manual, persons say that il policeman
Pointer had done likewise when the
burglar was a-burglaring at Padelford's
restaurant, instead of trying to get q
watchman to open gate, real offender
would probably have been captured.
There have been several arrests recently
con suspicion" it seems, hich has not
heretofore reached the light of day.
young man giving the name of
Jones was found in the rear of the store,
corner Westminster and Jackson streets,
at 1;3O a. M, by officer Nickerson.
When the young man saw the
officer coming toward him he jumped
over a fence and ran. The officer COM
manded him to stop, but he did not, SO
MIR. Nickerson fred three shots from his
revolver. The man was captured
little later by two citizens on
Washington street, and was taken to the
Central Station. There he claimed that
he was obliged to answer O call of Nature,
and the fact was copclusively demon
strated by the disposition OF his clothing.
He had q revolver in his possession which
he tried TO hide when in the station.
After being carefully questioned ho was
allowed TO depart.
Some ludlcrous incidents attended the
chase, however. 1t seems that two we'll
known citizens were standing ON West
minister street, near Greene, when the
shots were fired, and looking in The direc-
tion whence they came. saw the hesing
youth, who was barely 20 years old. Said
one w. k. c. to the other: "Shall We stop
him 2"
"No," answered the other, I'VE had
better dodge those bullets" Just then
the fugitive, VINO was coming down West
minister street, turned into Greene street,
and at the same time reporter on q con-
temporary sheet rushed bareheadsd from
the all-night restaurant nearby, having
also heard the firing, and took part in the
chase with visions of murder and
scoops" in his alleged mind.
AS the newcomer turned into Greene
street, having caught sight OF the flying
form, three "chaps" came rushing down
Westminster street and grabbed aim.
You're the one," cried one of the trio.
"You oonfounded idiotI" yelled the hat
less man, "I've just come out Of that res
taurant andieft my hat there"
"No, you DON'T" chorused the others.
"We've got you and we'll keep you; we
heard three shots and you're the man."
In the struggle which followed, the cap
tured would-be capturer had his
coat torn to ribbons ana would
have been used more roughly
but for the timely arrival and explana-
tion Of the two men who had captured
the real suspect as he wSs running from
the alleyway from Greene to Jackson
streets, and turned him over to patrol
man Jackson.
or three other false arrests which have
happened within o short time, as told by
reputable persons, who are warm in their
approval of the action of the police,
but who have an appreciation
for humor as well. 1t seems
that one night last week q poor unfortu-
nate who has seen better days, but who
now does chores for Burke, the liquor
dealer, was arrested by "Jerry" Reardon
as suspicious character. He was re-
leased upon Identification, however.
Another night last week, 1t is said that
Sergeant Rowe saw a man looking up st
Fitggerald's big jewelry factory block on
Eddy street and Immediately corralled
him. tie was shortly afterward released.
Again, the story goes, Sergeant Rowe
and Policeman Mayno intercepted
straggler who had just left the New Bed
ford boat, Harry.
To be sure the hour was la,o and the
man, who bad been taking "night cap"
with friend, looked a little tough. Ito
was Intercepted and, recognizing tho
sergeant, thought he would play Q Joke
on him.
"wen you see, sergeant" said ne, "J've
got a compass under my coat thai
brought from the boat there"
"Do you belong ON tho boat2"
cert" was the answer.
"Let's see," was tue reply; and tba
officer marched him aboard and .nquired
of the watchman: "Does this man bsicrv
on hcre?"
eyes," came the response, "nat yc1
DON'T" and the policeman departed
However incongruous these tales ~.t~
seem, they are vouchec for, and segss;J
emp phasize -opaning statement c. ~
commendable efforts OF the police L. -
the city OF miscrcants.
HAVE SIZED UP THE PROPERTY.