Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-05-30
COOL DIAMOND THIEF FOILED
TRIES TO SHOOT HIS PURSUER, But
CARTRIDGES FAIL TO EXPLODE.
Then Hands Hack His PIunder and
Makes Good His Escape-Remark-
ably Daring Work on
Business street.

y nervy thief. clearly professional. with
slight aid from confederate. came within
an ace Of securing $500 worth of diamonds
fTCm Leroy Carton. a jeweler at 1231iz
GTGnd avenue, yesterday afternoon. He
attempted the old, but slick, trick of sub
sututing an empty envelope for one con-
tanning the diamonds. Suspicious of his
customer, Mr.. Carton at once detected the
swindIe chased the thief into the street
and for half block and grappled with
him only to let him go when the diamonds
had been restored to him. Although the
exciting episode occurred on a business
street and Mr.. Carton kept yelling for help
at the top of his voice. the bold thief es-
capped.
\ well dressed man entered Cartons
store Friday afternoon and said he wanted
to tuy some diamonds, describing two
stores of about the value of $500 which he
desired. Carton did not have the stones
in stock. but promised to procure them
and the man said he would return Satur-
day at 4 o'clock. Carton was just enter
ing his store yesterday afternoon at that
hour with the diamonds. one mounted and
one loose. when his prospective customer
came up. Carton stepped behind the
counter and displayed his diamonds. The
man examined them carefully and said
they would suit him. He drew small
yellow envelope which was filled with cot
ton from his vest pocket and deposited
the stones in it. Then taking out his pock-
etbCck, was apparently ready to pay the
bill of $500. He had carelessly placed the
envelope containing the stones in his
pocket. When he counted his money he
pretended that he found it $50 short.
Wait till l step around to saloon and
get a check cashed," he remarked. in u
matter of fact way. Don't go out with
my diamonds in your pocket" said Carton,
as the stranger started away.
The man turned back with a look of
surprise on his face and with beg your
pardon" on his lips. passed an envelope to
Carton. Carton made a hasty examination
of the envelope and saw that the diamonds
had been replaced by 'phony" ones. As
the man threw the envelope on the show
case he turned toward the door. Carton
dashed after him. The man cleared the
deer, and seeing Carton coming. broke
into a run toward Thirteenth street. Gar
ton followed. As he reached the sidewalk
another man. supposed to be the hrst
mans pal. stopped Carton. saying: Here,
/ want TO get my watch fixed. I've got 10
catch a train and can't wait
Let me 60" yelled the excited jeweler.
..Poiice, Police! Policer' he yelled. and
was off like the wind after the fleeing dia-
mond thief.
Where the cable tracks turn onto Grand
avenue from Thirteenth street, Carton
overlook the thief and grappled with him,
all the time calling loudly for the police.
The two men struggled back and forth;
The robber pulled a revolver and snapped
II twice in Cartons face, but he kept his
hold. When they had struggled a few
seconds, the robber. seeing the people com
ing from all directions and realizing that
in another minute he would be in custody,
reached in his pocket and pulled out the
die monds. Carton seized them eagerly.
This was the opportunity the thief wanted
and he fed. The robber ran TO Main street
where he leaped on southbound car ana
made his escape. The man wore brown
Checkered trousers and a black coat and
vest and hat. He was not tall and about
oil I 10 rH-or a p
button I'm the lapel of his coat.
It was i'm front of Cartons place that
WaIby and HattOn. the long and short
rren," were captured IN February, l&5.