The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-11
QUICK POLICE WORK
TWO ROBBERS ARRESTED BEFORE
THE ROBBERY WAS REPORTED.
Omer CaudeIl and Robert Poenitz Sc
cured Valuable Booty from
Mrs. Catherine Schwartz.

Inc discussion OF now one Woulu act IL
visited by burglars and the repetition of
the remark OF a woman was the cause of
the arrest about 3 o'clock yesterday morn
ing of two men Of previous good reputation
and they now have penitentiary sentence
staring them in the face.
Omer Caudell, formerly coremaker at
the Atlas engine works, living at No. 142S
Williams street. several days ago visited
farmer, Henry Roeder, who lives on the
farm of Mrs. Catherine Schwartz. one and
one-half mile east of Gallaudet, southeast
of the city. There he heard that Mrs.
Schwartz, who lives near by. had said that
she would give burglar all she possessed
rather than risk personal injury. The story
made an impression on him and he told 1T
to Robert Poenitz, of No. 2143 Fountain
street, fellow-workman. They decided
that money which might be had so easily
was worth making an effort to get and
taking some risk. They walked TO the
Schwartz farm Wednesday night. Mrs.
Schwartz had for her soc companion
fourteen-year-old girl, Cora Roeder.
Shortly before midnight entrance was
cured to the house by breaking a window
and Poenitz entered. Caudell waited out
side. as he was known to Mrs. Schwartz.
Poenitz lighted lamp and went to Mrs.
Schwartz's room, on the second floor. She
was awakened by the noise he made. in
breaking open two inside doors and was
astonished to see him enter the room. He
had the lamp in one hand and a revolver in
the other. Mrs. Schwartz screamed but
was silenced by choking and threats of
murder if she did not keep still. The girl
crawled under the bed. Poenitz demanded
of her what money she had and was shown
TO the dresser, where some was found. He
thought she must have more, and after
another assault Mrs. Schwartz showed him
where money and papers were hidden in a
closet. In all he got s7S9.15 in coin and bills
and checks and bank certificates amount
ing to about s1,S00. AS Poenitz left the
room with his plumber Mrs. Schwartz cried
that she would recognize him If he was
ever caught, and he then again threatened
her life If she said anything Of the matter.
HEARD ANOTHER VOICE.
AS Poenitz went out the door Mrs.
Schwartz heard some one outside inquiring
the success of his efforts. That was
the first she knew that her assailant was
not alone.
The next that is known of the men was
when Patrolmen Patrick Shea and William
Bailey saw them near Washington and
Rural streets about 2:45 o'clock yesterday
morning. They acted suspiciously and the
patrolmen, who were dressed in citizens
clothes, decided to stop and question them.
Disconnected stories resulted in both being
searched. On Caudell was found the coin,
paper money and securities taken from
Mrs. Schwartz, though this was not known
at the time to the officers. The men not
giving satisfactory answers were told that
they would have TO make further explana-
tons at police headquarters. after which
came an offer of money for their release.
Those on duty at headquarters expected,
after examination of the papers found
on Caudell, to receive a message advising
them of murder, thinking some woman
had been robbed. The detectives were at
once put on the case and Captain Kruger
and Patrolman Bailey drove to Cumberland
to investigate, most of the papers bearing
dress. There were several families in that
neighborhood of that name, and IL was
some time before they found the scene of
the robbery. Mrs. Schwartz was not at
home. About the time Captain Kruger ar
rived at her home she walked into the po-
lice station and reported the robbery. The
two men under arrest were being put
through an examination. She was per-
v,
she saw Poenitz she at once exclaimed
That's him!" The accused was visibly
affected.
CAUDELL CONFESSED.
The men had been in Police Court and the
cases were continued until Saturday. but a
few moments after the Identification of
Poenitz his pal Caudell confessed. Mrs.
Schwartz recognized him as an acquaint-
ance. He told everything and even settled
a question which Mrs. Schwartz was I'M
able to answer. She did not know how
much money had been taken, but Caudell
said all that found on him. with the excep-
ton of 60 cents, belonged to her. After the
confession the men were returned to court
and there waived examination and were
bound over TO the grand jury on charges of
burglary and grand larceny. When arrest
ed each had a revolver and small trowel
similar to those used by professional
thieves for securing entrance to houses
through windows.
Poenitz is married and has one child. He
has always borne a good reputation and
Atlas engine works, where he has earned
on an average - per day. He is said to
have several pieces of property in the city
and farm OF forty acres.
Caudell is the son of a Baptist minister
living in Brightwood. He is twenty-five
years of age and married. Up until two
months ago he was employed at the Atlas
works. Neither of the men have been in
trouble before so far as known.
The quick disposition of the case by the
police is remarkable, less than twelve
hours having elapsed from the time the
robbery was committed until the men, I'M
der confession, were placed behind the bars
of the Marion county jail under bonds of
5000 each awaiting the action of the grand
jury. The men were placed under arrest
without knowledge of robbery having