The evening times., 1897-01-08
CLOSE GALL FOR PEARSON
Policeman Shot at by Burglar at
lexington Power House.
BULLET TORE HIS HELMET
Fellow Had Made an Attempt to
Break Into the when Pur-
sued by the Officer He Fired
Twice, One Shot Taking Effect.
Frank Tracy Arrested.

Policeman John A. Pearson is wearing
q helmet today with an air-hOle through
IL, which was made by a bullet from the
revolver of a desperate burglar, who tried
TO break into the lexington power house
about O'Clock this morning.
The patrolman's escape from being shot
down toy the thief is miraculous. The fel-
low fired two shots point blank at Pear
Ron. when they were only few yards
apart. One of the bullets tore through
the officers helmet, within less than an
inch Of his skull, while the second shot
whkaIed uncomfortably close to his ear.
The city bells had just tolled 2 O'Clock
this morning when Policeman Pearson
parted with the sergeant. who was on his
roupds. Heproceeded to the power house,
as was his custom, TO see Z everything was
all right. The daily receipts OF the Eek
ington and Soldiers home Railway and
their branches. amounting TO between $500
and $500, are kept in safe in the office.
Night Clerk Alarmed.
The noliceman found Night Clerk Frank
Rchoepf i'm the office. he was in state
of alarm. and informed Mr.. Pearson that
burglars had aroused him 10y trying TO
break into the power house. The officer
went noiselesSly outside TO look for the
thief or thieves. He had not proceeded
MANY steps before he heard a ruStling
sound. and man darted from his place
of coneealment in the shadows OF the big
building.
The morning was dark, but Pearson's
trained eyes saw the figure OF the burglar
as he ran for the woods.
I,rf II Z ~
"Bangr' came the reply from the fellows
pistol, the bullet tearing a hole through
Pearson helmet.
Again the burglar wheeled and fired at
the policeman, who was drawing his own
revolver as he ran along in pursuit. Pear
son then leyeled his gun and fired six shots,
emptying the cylinder as ne stumbled along
after the would-be murderer and burglar
The latter. however, was arrayed for
sprinting, while the patrolman had on bis
heavy winter overc0at. As result the
thief escaped in the darkness of the woods.
About 8 O'Clock this morning Policemen
Pearson and Yelton, while concealed and
watching about the power house, saw a
taH mulattO come along, and act Suspi-
ciously in the vicinity OF the place. When
commanded to halt he took to his heels, and
only stopped when the patrolInen threat
ened TO open fire on him.
He was taken to the Eighth precinct sta
ton. where he gave his name as Frank
Tracy. and his residence as DrapcrS alley
southwest. The charge OF suspicion was
entered opposite his name.
The police believe Tracy was the man
who made the attempt 10 shoot Pearson
earlier in the morning. They think he
threw away lis pistol while running from
the policeman, anu returned after day
light 10 look fOr IL when he was captured.
Tracy declared he was employed on the
electric railway, now under construction
from tins city TO Baltimore. and his story
VIII be investigated.
This is not the first time attempts have
been made to rob the lexington power
house office The days receipts, rarely
less than $500, are kept there. and this
large sum is anincentive to burglars 10 take
big risks in entering the place