The evening times., 1896-09-03
FUGITIVE SIMMONS CAUGHT
Desperate Lad Who Fatally Shot an
Aged Watchman.
Successful Escape of n Boy Whose
Father Lives Here From Mary
land Peformatory.

Edward Lee Simmons, formerly OF this
city, an inmate of the House OF Refuge, on
the Frederick road, near Baltimore, made
bold and successful dash for liberty at the
institution yesterday morning, shooting down
Benjamin F. Thomas, an aged watchman,
who stooiin his path, ,andinflicting wound
that may prove fatal.
HIS father is employed as a steward at
the Enrich Hotel, in this city, and The de-
tectivcs at once came here, believing thai
the fugitive would go to his relative.
The arrest of Simmons was, however,
made at $50 p. IN. yesterday at the home
of his aunt, Mrs. Mary Abel, corner of
Smith street and Argyle avenue, baltimore.
The arrest of the boy was a clever piece
of detective work, planned by Capt.
Shultz and carried out by his men. The
captain received information during the
day that an aunt of the boy lived on Ar
gyle avenue, near Smith street. Informa-
ton was also obtained that the boy was
seen coming in that direction during the
morning. Officers Forrest, Jacobs and
Elders Were detailed to surround the house
during the afternoon and search it thor
oughly. On the way up Pennsylvania
avenue, Scrgt Foster joinedthe squad. The
rear, and the sergeantentere the premises.
He Immediately went TO the second
story back room, and there he found the
fugitive in hiding. The boy made no re-
sistance whatever when placed under ar
rest. He was searched, and the pistol
with which the shooting was done was
found on him. He was dressed in the
clothes in which he escaped from the in
hat md l,n
lost in getting away. The wagon was
called. and he was taken to the station
house and placed in an upstairs cell
room.
Simmons told Captain Shultz that he
did not intend to kill the gate keeper, but
his idea was to shoot him in the leg so
that he would not be pursued. The plan,
he said, was Concocted while sitting on
the portico Tuesday night with two of
the boys They all three had made up
their minds to escape. he said. and means
to do SO were under discussion. One Of the
boys suggested that if pistol could be se
cured and pointed at the gate-keeper the
old man would fall down on his knees and
the rest would be easy This idea he said.
struck him as good one, and he thought
of the matter all night. He knew where
lDp DlSlOlS were kept anu ds htDll cs ne
could obtain access to the place. he said, he
meant to have try for his freedom.
When he was sent up to the guards room
yesterday morning he said he lost no time
IN breaking open the drawer and securing
the two pistols. He then made his break
for liberty.
During his flight he said, he lost one Of
the pistols. He talked to Capt. Schultz
freely about the matter and expressed sor-
row for what he had done.
Watchman Thomas is badly injured, and
the doctors at the hospital stated last night
that the chances of recovery were very
much gainst him He was shot in the right
side OF the abdomen, and his intestines were
punctured in thirteen different places. .
Simmons, whose home is at No q South
Arlington avenue. Baltimore, was com
mitted to the house OF refuge on the 7th of
July. Since being there, his conduct has
been above reproach. Some time a 90 Sim
mons parents separated. his father roing to
Washington. The lad remained with his
mother. Mrs. Lucrctia Simmons She is
almost heart broken at her boys deed.
Go to Rockville Fair and see the show
Convenient trains each day. 81 round
trim If