The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-07
EASILY FOOLED THE BAILIFF.
Charles He'll Worked Clever
scheme in the Police Court.

After having succeeded In escaping
from the police authorities in this city
twice. Charles Bell. colored. twenty
eight years old. now occupies cell in
the Second precinct station.
Last Monday I.ottie Washington. .yell
known character to the police authori-
ties, swore out warrant. charging Bell
with having assaulted her. Unluckily for
Bell he dropped into the station that very
night to see If a warrant had really been
sworn out for him, and Policeman hewitt,
who had the paper on his person. prompt
~ placed him under arrest. hewitt turned
his prisoner over to Patrolman Fugitt.
who started him back to the cell room.
Whiie unlocking the cell door, Bell, catch
ing the bluecoat off his guard jerked
away from his captor and made a mad
uash Tor liberty. running out the court
yard OF the station to Fifth Street. down
TO New York Avenue. with a crowd of
p9lcemen and specials in full cry.
He was caught at the corner of Fourth
Street and promptly taken back to the
station.
Tuesday morning Bell was placed in the
Black Maria and taken to court, where
he was sentenced to $40 fine. in default of
which he was committed to the work
mouse FOR sixty days. Right after his case
had been disposed of Bell managed to get
past the policeman in the court and going
down the side stairs to the cell rooms in
the basement was just about to pass out
of the door when Turnkey Madigan espied
him and promptly put him in a cell. de-
spite his protests Bell put up a bold
front. however and when the prisoners
names were being called to be taken to
the District jail. instead of answering to
his right name Bell, - he said his name
was Chapman, and consequently the van
drove off without him. Turnkey Niadigan
then took his captive up to the bailiff, but
Bell managed to make lightning change
hsf.N
official. He carried with him at the time
a small cap. which by the aid of few
twists could be quickly converted into
either Stetson or a cap. Giving the cap
the finishing touches until 1t resembled
a Stetson. he was marched up to the bal
lift and told that official his name was
Chapman and that he had simply called
to see his brother. who had been locked
not recognizing the shrewd Individual
with the changed hat. said that there was
no man by the name of Chapman wanted
or brought into court to his knowledge.
countenance, marched boldly out of the
court free man for a time only.
After his departure the officials of the
court found that they were one prisoner
short. and suspected BeTl at once A de-
scription of the missing prisoner was sent
to all the stations. and last night. Police
men Crowley and Bennett. of the Second
precinct. learned through the Washing
ton women. who had sworn out the war
rant. that Bell had sent her a note ask
ing her to meet him at First and l. Streets
northwest. Together with the policemen
she proceeded to the spot and when the
much wanted Bell put in his appearance
he was again arrested and taken to the
Second precinct. where he will be held
until this morning. This is not the first
time that Bell has played the police such
tricks. and he is regarded by them q s one
of the shrewdest prisoners ever caught
by the police.