The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-09-26
FRANK WILKINSON,
DETECTIVE, SHOT
BY Ex-C0NV|CT
FRANK LEskE, WHILE BEING Ar
RESTED, FIRES BULLET INTO
OFFICERS HEAD AND ESCAPES
IMAM WILL RECOVER.


central bureau, was shot and seriously
wounded by Frank Leske, also known
as Liska, an ex-convict, whom the Of
ficer had just placed under arrest
shortly before noon, Saturday. The
shooting occurred on Fourteenth-ave.
between Magnolia and Linden-sts.
Leska escaped and is now sought
by the entire police force of the city.
AS he Is still armed, II Is feared he
may again attempt to use his revolver
if cornered. for he Is known as des-
perate character. Detective Wilkin.
son Is in ST. Mary's hospital. While
the wound is Of dangerous nature,
his recovery is looked for.
Wilkinson lost none Of his game
ness, for which he Is Motel, after the
shooting. His first concern was Tor
the apprehension of Leske, not SO
much because OF the shooting. but be
cause the man had escaped from him.
His first words~to a police Office; VINO
rushed to his side were:
Get the boys out after Leske."
When Police Commissioner Smith
called to see him in the hospital. WI.
kinson apologized for not getting his
man.
Il did the best could. commission
er." he said
Wilkinson did not lose conscious
ness after the shooting and was able
to talk connectedly Of the affair, even
after he had been placed on the OPP
Grating table.
Tells story Of Shooting.
II was on my way home to dinner
in a Fourteenth car" said he. "On
Fourteenth-ave.. near Ma4nolia-st., I
saw Leske and concluded he was up
to some mischief, SO / Jumped OF the
car to pick him up. AS soon as he
caught sight Of me he started to run.
/ caught him between two houses. He
put out his hand and pretended to be
very friendly until he saw meant
business. | went through his pockets
and took out pair of nippers and sew
eral false keys, used in picking locks,
and was just going to snap the hand.
cuffs on him when he jerked his hand
away. Like fash he pulled out
gun. put It right up TO my nose and let
me have 1t. | droped In M tracks
and Leske beat II.
Il suppose | made a mistake In TAX
ing chances with Leske, for | knew
what kind of fellow he was. should
have searched him for a gun first. but,
OF course. wasn't figuring on his
trying to shoot. I'll know better the
next time"
The bullet entered Wilkinson's left
cheek, took away part Of the upper
jaw and couple of teeth with II.
passed through the hard palate and
lodged In the neck. DR.. Fl. Fl. Cook,
with the aid Of an X-ray machine. To-
Gated it just at the base of the skull.
and II was removed by DR.. F.. b. Walk
er. assisted by House Physician Gle
met.
Wilkinsons first thought after urging
the capture OF the fugitive, was for his
wife and at his request she was sent
for. She arrived at the hospital with
In few minutes after the ambulance.
accompanied by her son, William. aged
10. She collapsed almost Immediately,
but was able to go to her husbands
side a few minutes later.
Leske has bad police record, and
is known to have little use for police
men or detectives. He once threat
ened to shoot Detective Bob Palmer.
IL Is said
Leske was released from Marquette
prison about three years ago after
serving a l5-year term for burglary.
The police have kept close tab on him.
He. was picked up on suspicion by
Wilkinson and his partner, James Cot.
ter. only a few weeks ago, but was re-
leased because there was no case
against him. Leske is said to be a
pal OF August Oblaser, another well.
known crook. whom Justice Jeffries
sent to the house OF correction for 80
days a few months ago after he had
been caught in the act OF breaking into
a house.
Leske is 3s years old. Ave feet.
seven inches tall smooth shayen. with
brown hair and blue eyes, and weighs
about 40 pounds. II IL thought he
is sill IN the city. He lies az No.
III Russoil-st.
The East End ambulance. In charge
OF Peter j. Abt. made a record run TO
the scene of the shooting. covering
the ground In exactly eight minutes.
We'll Pete I-hever- Thought yott
would get me-" Wilkinson remarked
as he was placed on the stretcher.
Wilkinson sent for FIR. Philip Dunn.
jesuit priest. on reaching the hos
pital. and the latter came AT once.
Wilkinson has quite O reputation
for "lamping" crooks from descrip-
tions. lie referred TO bis record jocu.
larly as he lay on the operating table
II guess ! lamped' one too many"
he said
The detectives home Is at No. SAC
stsnley-ave.