The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-01-04
CLEVER DETECTIVE WORK
SpoiIS Nice Game for Inspector
Sparks.
CLAIMED HE WAS ROBBED
Stamps TO the Amount of $1,000
He Said Were Taken. He Was
Himself the Thief. A The
atricaI Story. Caught
in the Tolls.
BY Southern Assooiatei Press.

ClSOiSNATI. Jan. 8.-Ouo of the
boldest robberies TINT has taken
place in this city for years occurred
tins afternoon in the government
building. Within sight of hun
dreds Of passing pedestrians AS.
sistant Cnshier Sparks, of the post
oihco cashier s department, was held
up by two robbers who secured
nearly $1,000 and made their es.
cape.
Mr.. Sparks had returned from
his lunch and was alone in the Of
lice when two we'll dressed men en-
tered. He arose from his chair and
advanced towards them, intending
to ask what their business was. AS
he nenred tho two men jumped on
Sparks, knocking him down, mud
near y rendering him unconscious.
While one Of them held him the
other grabbed all the money in
sight. lie did it rapidly but coolly,
and Ill few seconds he had stored
away IN his pockets oil the money.
The exact amount is not known, but
1t Is estimated that 1t will amount to
something between $3.50 aud ST, 600.
Alter the robber had secured the
money his companion released his
hold on Sparks and together they
fled. They had hardly reached the
corridor when Spurks give the
alarm, but the fellows had evidently
timed their visit and had laid all
plans to get away. All sight OF
them was at once lost. Tho entire
detective force was set 10 work on
the case aud oil police stations were
notified and descriptions telephoned
nll over the country.
THE TRUE VERSION.
After three hours of the shrewd.
est kind Of detective work Chief of
Police Deitsch and his detectives
this evening caused Frank III. Sparks
to confess that he was IL thief and
that bis previous sensational state
ments were lies.
Sparks is assistant cashier of the
Postoilice money order department,
At 1880 p. M. be WAS found lying on
the marble floor Of his office, seem.
ingly III m unconscious condition,
by Jnnitor John Weihe, Sparks
was lying on his face with his head
in the direction of the door and
Weihe turned him over and asked
him what was the matter.
II have been robbed" be ey
claimed rs he pointed to the cash
drawer. He was lifted to seat,
after which Inspector Solomon was
notified. Sparks had two COMMISSIONS
on the forehead aud as he sat with
pale face, frequently resting his
hand upon the bruised head. he told
II sensational story. IL G snid he was
alone i'll the office when two men
entered. One of them asked for
change for 50 bill. He told them
to go outside tho railing and he
would get the money, but the fel.
lows grappied with him. One of
them struck him on the forehead
aud knocked hIm to the floor III an
! unconscious conditions. They then
stole all the cash III the drawer.
Sparks WAS escorted to police
headquarters, where he was closely
questioned. He adhered to his
| story, but as witnesses from time to
time were brought in who contra
dicted him. he began TO get worried.
Detectives confronted him with
proof that he had been living a fast
life unknown to his wife. After )
o'clock he was startled by the qucs.
ton from Detective White.
"How much are yon short in your
accounts"
70 "Only few dollars about So"
he replied, us pal!or spread over
his face.
"Ob come, now, how much is it:
1t is more than that.
"WelI, guess it is about $l50.
"Now, now tell the truth"
"We!l expect 1t viii almost
reach $500" aud WITH gasp Sparks
sank back In his chair. lie con
iessed having secreied the monev in
the Office. The confusion on his
head was produced by bis falling
purposely on tho floor at full length
aud buttlng ms head to bring blood.
Over 5000 was found where hu
had secreIed 1t, und lie was locked
up.