The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-10-01
Private Watchman HankinS
Loses His Head.
Shoots Policeman Frank Whit
aker by Mistake.
MAKES A FATALWOUND
Hankins Takes the Policeman
For a Midnight PrOwler.
Chief Steele Blames the Hiring
of "Irrespdnsibles."

This morning at 2:5O o'clock Patrolman
Frank Whitaker of the police department
was shot by Private Night Watchman
John Hanlzins as the two men met in the
aIiey between Topeka avenue and Tyler
streets and Ninth and Tenth streets. The
bullet entered the left breast, went
through the left lung and punctured the
left wall of the heart, infiicting an in
jury which Will result in Whitaker's
death.
Frank Whitaker was stationed last
night in the western part of the city.
having in charge four special policemen
At 2:4O he took Special Policeman James
Verlin with him to Tenth and Topeka
avenues. They had been notified that
someone was seen prowling around in the
alley. When they started into the alley
from Tenth they walked north. Reach
ing the rear of the Frank grocery they
followed the turn of the alley. When
they started north again in the alley
they noticed that at a stable few num-
bers north light was burning. Two
men of rough appearance walked past
the door and the officers saw them The
two men, who We're Night Watchman
John Hankins and Mr.. Nelson, in the en-
came face to face with the two police
men. The darkness was intense and only
the appearance of a human form could
be seen. AS the two watchmen saw the
figures OF the policemen they stopped and
John Hanl1ins uttered stified exclama-
ton. and without further warning raised
his revolver and fired.
Patrolman Whitaker was but six feet
from Hankins and he fell to the ground
and exclaimed: Jim, I'm shot" Just
as the shot was fired Special Policeman
Verlin yelled; Don't shoot, we are po-
iicemen' But it was too late, for the
thoroughly frightened watchman had
pulled the trigger. Immediately upon
shooting Patrolman Whitaker. John Han
kins turned his revolver on Special Po-
Eliceman Verlin and with a trembling
hand pointed it at him. Then turning
about he leveled the revolver on watch
man Nelson. He was a greatly agttated
man. Frank Whitaker arose after be-
ing shot and told his companion that he
had been shot in the breast. He was
able to walk to Tenth and Topeka ave-
nues and Special Policeman Verlin tele-
phoned for the patrol wagon. Before the
wagon arrived Whitaker weakened and
fell to the ground. His pulse ceased and
a ghastly color came over his face He
was taken to his home on Fourth street
between jackson and Van Buren, streets
-
were summoned. Later DR.. J. c. OIcClin-
was called. The physicians, after
examination pronounced the wound a
fatal one. The left wall Of the heart was
cut by the bullet. but the cavity
was not punctured. Whitaker had hem
orrhage from the lungs and sank very
low
Today he has been unconscious part of
the time and has suffered great pain. The
physicians did not probe for the bullet.
1t is located near the surface of the back.
The doctors express no hope of recovery.
The heart wound is u most dangerous
one. while at any time the patrolman may
die from hemorrhage of the lungs.
Special Policeman James Verlin said
today: They came up to US and before
we knew it Hankins had thrown up his
arms and his revolver was discharged.
Then he turned it and his hand
trembled. He seemed so badly scared
that he couldn't say anything for fifteen
minutes"
John Hankins. the man who shot the
officer. said: Il was watching for Pick
ems. I was a deputy sheriff. When saw
those fellows in the alley I threw up my
hands and my revolver was discharged.
1 was pretty badly frightened. Whita-
ker sprang at me first and I tried to
push him away and my revolver went off.
1t was accidental"
Chief Steele, in speaking of it, said
THAT is the trouble of having irresponsi-
BILE persons sworn in. Whitaker was one
of my best workers.
The officers deny that Whitaker sprang
at Hankins in the darkness. Hankins was
arrested and is now in the county Jail
awaiting trial. On the death or recovery
of the patrOlman will depend the charge
to be placed against him.