The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-01-12
THIEVES ARE NABBED
Chief Jones and Detective
Force Bag Three,
STEELE GANG ARRESTED
For BurgIarizing Bush Alex
andria'S House.

The police yesterday succeeded in run
ming down and arresting three negroes who
are supposed to have been connected with
the burglarizing Of Bush Alexandria's
residence in this city last October, during
the absence Of himself and family, he be-
ing away threshing and his wife visiting
friends The names Of the three men, as
given to the police, are William Steele,
Lee Steele and James Steele, who is the
father of one or both Of the boys. 1t is
thought that one OF the younger men Is
not named Steele, but is thought to be
Stevens. The burglary for which the trio
was arrested for completely In was COM
mitted last October, when Alexandria
house, at lib South Moseley avenue, was
entered and robbed Of clothing, household
effects, a buggy cushion and a variety OF
other articles. The case was reported 10
the police station, and Chief Jones after
investigating the matter detailed Assist
ant Chief Massey and Detectives Sutton
and Cairns on the case. They worked up
on several clues, and finally hit upon one
that was made somewhat difficult, owing
to the fact that no person had seen anyone
enter or leave the premises and none of
the goods being offered for sale at any
of the usual places where stolen or second
hand goods are disposed of. The chief
and his detective force had fully made up
their minds that the burglary had been
committed by home talent, and at once
mapped out a plan to catch the burglars
whenever the goods should be offered for
sale. It has been nearly three months since
AleXandria's house was robbed, but each
DAY those who had the case in charge made
their rounds of the various places where
stolen property is usually disposed of, and
last Friday the goods began 10 show up.
The detectives laid their plans for a
complete capture of the gang who were
disposing Of the stolen property, when
enough had been brought out OF its hiding
pace and the rendezvous Of the gang had
been safely located. Assistant Chief
Massey nabbed Luke Steele and brou~ht
him to the police station yesterday after
noon and in less than thirty minutes De
tectives Sutton and Cairns walked into the
station with William Steele, or Stevens.
another one Of the thieves. Last night
they caught the old man of the gang, Jim
Steele, who it is said is the leader Of the
outfit.
When Assistant Chief Massey got his
man he found that he had also gotten hold
Of the thief who had stolen two coats yes
terday morning from a Mr.. Rather, who
lives on South Lawrence.
This case, as well as many others which
have been reported from time to time at
police headquarters, has received the
closest attention by the police officials and
has been thoroughly worked upon since
the time Of the robbery, and Chief Jones
ana his force are entitled to considerable
praise for the efficiency of the men who
have worked on the case.
The prisoners viii have hearing 3 soon
as state waTents are sworn out by the
county attorney. Much important testi-
mony viii then be introduced that may
havG something 10 do with connecting
the three men arrested with other bur
glaries which have occurred during the
past three months.