The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-10-11
ROBBED A CRIPPLE.
Two Highwaymen
Do a Desperate
Piece of Work.
BOTH CAPTURED BY THE POLICE.
Each Of Them Put Up a
Hard Fight, but to
No Purpose.
BOTH CAPTURED BY THE POLICE.

Fred H. McDermott, a cripple, living
at SO Millbury street, was knocked down
and robbed of some money and gold
watch and chain yesterday about $50
o'clock on Bridge street beneath the
viaduct, by James Sullivan and Adolf
plus Bedard. two men who have been
in the hands of the Worcester police
several times before on similar charges.
The robbery was without doubt one
of the boldest that has ever been perpe-
trated in Worcester, and the men who
did the work did not let daylight and
numerous passersby
DETER THEM FROM CARRYING
out their purpose. Their liberty was
short lived, however, for Inspector W.
j. +. Stone captured Sullivan a half
hour later, after he ran away from
McDermott, and officer James Burke,
who travels the Franklin square beat
captured Bedard after hard chase, IN
which the criminal attempted to es-
cape. Both officers did good work in
getting their men, and both deserve
credit for their work.
According to the stories told of the
affair, McDermott had been drinking
y
noon met Sullivan and Bedard in a sa-
loon. He walked down Mechanic
street to Bridge street with them. never
dreaming that they intended tc rob
him. When the trio were under the
viaduct McDermott was suddenly
thrown to the sidewalk. and Sullivan,
grabbing his cane. beat him over the
head with it several times. Being ur-
able to defend himself and also being
very
UNSTEADY ON HIS FEET,
he was wholly in the power of the ruff
fans, and Bedard, waiting until he
dropped to the sidewalk, went through
his pockets, taking his gold watch and
chain, also some money, and both start
ed off on a run up Front street.
The assault was witnessed by a num-
Der of people, and it happened So
quickly that they were unable to get TO
the assistance of McDermott in tin1e 10
protect hun from the attack. c. w.
Campbell residing at Chandler street,
and Genery Stevens the produce dealer,
were among those who saw the snci-
dent and Mr.. Campbell ran up Front
street and
NOTIFIED OFFICER EATON.
Oficer Eaton Immediately telephoned
to Capt. Matthews at station 1, and Nc
Dermott, after getting on his feet,
picked up his cane, which Sullivan had
thrown into the street and walked off
Inspectors Patrick O'Day and Stone
walked up Mechanic street several min
utes Immediately before the assault oc-
Cured and saw Sullivan and Beaard
walking with McDermott. When In
spector Stone reached the station. Capt
Matthews told him of the assault, and
he Immediately started out to search
for the men.
He spied Sullivan coming over Bridge
street, and with his usual precision had
the crook nabbed before he knew it,
Sullivan walked along quietly for a lit
tie distance. but when the inspector
started to ring for the police team he
put UP fight. and Officer Tierney, who
travels on Front street, happened along
and a quietus was put on Sullivan
The inspector also put In an hour
looking for Bedard, but could get no
trace Of him. Mr.. Campbell, one of the
witnesses Of the assault, in walking
along Main street later In the evening,
saw Bedard trying to dispose of the
watch to man near the Boston store,
and, sending his boy who was with
him, to look for a policeman, he kept
an eye on the thief. The little fellow
saw Officer Burke, and Bedard was
pointed out to him.
The officer and Bedard saw each
other simultaneously. and Bedard lost
no time in placing distance between
himself and Officer Burke The officer,
putting his club in his pocket, started
on the run, and Bedard, running along
as quickly as he could, was no match
for the alert officer, and after a
HOT CHASE ALONG MAIN STREET
Bedard turned into Allen court and
jumped into doorway. Mr.. Chandler
also Joined in the chase, and he and
Of1icer Burke gatheraf the crook in the
doorway. where he sought shelter.
The chain. was found in his pocket,
but the watch was missing, and it is
thought that he must have thrown it
away. Both he and Sullivan were
booked for highway robbery, which is
a state prison offense. and the police
are confident they can convict both OF
them.
Sullivan has been convicted Of break
ing and entering, and Bedard has been
arrAsfed for larceny and drunk