Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-04-06
RoLPH MAKES BREAK FOR LIBERTY

Omcers and Citizens Ran Him Down
After n Chase.
William RoIph, under indictment for
breaking into a drug store ON West Broad
way about a year ago made desperate
attempt yesterday morning to get away
from Deputy Sheriff Groneweg, who was
taking him to the county jail His liberty,
however, was only short-liVed, as he was
soon recaptured while hiding under the
back porch Of house on South Seventh
street.
Rolph who has been out on bail bond
furnished by his father and other rela-
tives, was at the courthouse yesterday
morning in anticipation that his case might
be called for trial As there had been some
difficulty In securing his presence at his
former trial on another chanye arising out
Of the same burglary, County Attorney
Hess and Judge Wheeler decided that 1t
would be safest to place Rolph under lock
and key. and accordingly a bench warrant
was Issued for his arrest.
Deputy Sheriff Groneweg took Rolph into
custody and had taken him. ps far as the
coumty Jail door when Rolph made a break
away The officer was obliged TO let loose
Of Roiph for minute while he started to
open the jail door and ROlph seized the
opportunity to run. He dashed down the
alley between Willow and Fifth avenues,
and as he turned onto Sixth street. Deputy
Sheriff Groneweg took two shots at him
with his revolver. Detective Calaghan
happened to come to the courthouse and
Groneweg called to him to try to head of
Rolph by going around on Fifth avenue.
Callaghan jumped into buggy which was
standing in front Of the courthouse and
started in pursuit, while Gronewes took up
the chase down the alley.
Groneweg caught sight Of his man behind
a high board fence at the BarstOw residence
on Sixth street and fired another shot,
which caused Rolph to start on on the run
again. BY this time the shooting had at
tracted a big crowd and a number of men
took part In the pursuit OF the fleeing man.
AS Rolph was speeding west on Fifth ave-
nue. he caught sight OF Detective Caliaghan
in the buggy, and turning down Seventh
street disappeared in the yard Of one Of the
residences At first it was thought Rolph
was hidden in the barn. and while the OH
GERS were searching 1t some men in the
| crowd discovered him hiding under the rear
porch. Rolph refused to bulge until the
deputy sheriff pushed the muzzle OF his re-
svolver close to him and threatened to shoot.
Rol9h then crawled out, pouring torrents
OF abuse and profanity at the officers until
Groneweg was forced to give him a rap
over the head with the butt OF his revolver.
He was then taken back to the jail and
locked up.
Two indictments were returned against
! Rolph in connection with the robbing Of the
drug store. On the charge OF larceny from
building he was acquitted, as the state
failed to secure the necessary witnesses to
prove his possession Of the stolen goods
When the time came for his trial on the
second charge, which was for breaking and
entering the store, he skipped TO Omaha,
where he was later arrested and brought
back, but released on bonds furnished by
HIS father and other members of the family
His trial had been set for Thursday, but
was continued, as Rolph for the fourth time
changed attorney and the latter was not
prepared to go to trial. Rolph will BE- placed
| on trial Monday