Los Angeles herald., 1908-04-07
BROKER ROBBED
BY DARING GANG
THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED
BY POLICE
VALUABLE JEWELRY STOLEN
FROM VICTIM
Desperate Hlohwaymen Assault and
Rob Tourist While Street Is Full
of Pedestrlans--Watch and
Pin Recovered

G. c. Norris a former broker of Cold
field New, and who has made his home
In Los Angeles for the last six months,
was robbed last night at 9:15 o'clock
almost on the steps of the Hotel FIRE.
mont at Fourth and Olive streets by
six men.
He was robbed of a draft for 800
made out to his mother, Mrs. l.. H.
Norris; two $5 bills, So in silver, gold
watch and fob valuable pin clasp, a
ring and cane.
Mr. Norris arrived in Los Angeles
yesterday morning with his mother
from Catalina, where he has been for
the last two months, and registered at
the Angelus.
Mr.. Norris had formerly been resid-
ing at the Fremont and, on hearing
that several of his friends were still
there, started out to make them a visit,
stopping on his way at the Auditorium,
intending to get tickets for himself and
mother for the evening performance.
AS there was a crowd at the ticket
window Mr.. Norris did not stop. but
walked out to the Fremont. AS he was
approa ching the steps a young man,
whom Mr.. Norris identified later as r.
Blaise, who claims to be residing at the
Clarence, accosted him and asked a
question. AS Mr.. Norris was replying
to the question five men surrounded
him.
Tells of Fight
'I was surprised to see myself sur.
rouided by these men," said Mr.. Nor
ris, land was about to inquire the
meaning when one man spoke UP and
said. We have been watching you for
several days I interrupted him here
by saying that I only arrived in Los
Angeles this morning, and IL they would
come into the office 1 would identify
myself. Then one man said, Call the
wagon, boys trying to make me think
that they were detectives. / began to
protest, when one of them struck me
behind the right ear and another yelled
Go through him, boys which they be-
gan to do. l knew that 1t was no use
to fight, as It was six against one, and
1 would have no chance.
"They took an unindorsed draft for
500 made out to L. H. Norris and some
change which I had in my pocket
But the thing I valued most was my
ring. It was taken from the inside of
mummy, was bought in Egypt
by friend of mine, and was set with
a genuine green scarab in kerby set
ting.
After being robbed turned around
and followed the men, who scurried off
toward Broadway and did not know
that was following them. They turned
attention of an officer and hurriedly
told him the case. He rushed up and
grabbed two of them, yelling to an
other officer to catch the rest"
Officer Ticket was the man who ar
rested the two, who gave their names
as Crosley and D. Blaise, the latter the
evident leader and spokesman of the
party.
Fires at Fugitive
Officer Hoffman saw one of the men
running down Broadway and began to
chase him. yelling for him to stop,
which he refused to do. Hoffman fred
his revolver, endeavoring to scare him.
After chase he found his man
crouched under the B. and L. saloon,
having gone around the rear of the
Angelus.
When taken to the station he de-
clared his innocence, but when con-
fronted with the missing watch, which
was found under the building whore he
was caught. he broke down and, 1t is
said confessed who the other three
were. Up to late hour last night they
were not caught
The missing stickpin was found on
Blaise. He is held on suspicion, though
he maintains his innocence.
The robbery is declared by the police
to be one of the boldest in the history
of the city, as it was committed on one
of the main thoroughfares and under a
glaring arc light. The police believe
they have in this gang the explanation
of many robberies which have been
committed in the city within the last
two months