The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-11
OFFICER WREN IS FULLY EXONERATED Shot Alex Rodgers, Negro, Sat
 urday Night
DOGS DO FINE WORK
Trail Burners of Thomas Depot-craps Game Raided at AVerytstown. Funds Raised for Earth
 quake Sufferers.

Ensley, Januarq 1O.-(special.) )-Coroner Brasher held an inquest over the remains of the negro, Alex Rodgers, who was shot and killed while resisting arrest late Sat Urday night by Officer John Wren, in the negro quarters of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company. The coroner fully Investigated the case and exonerated the officer.
 The affair occurred about Il o'clock Sat urday night. In response to a complaint made by a negro named W. T. Colley against Rodgers, in which he claimed the deceased attempted to shoot him, Officers Wren and Boswell went to the house des- ignated by Colley Officer Wren went to the front door, Officer Boswell guarding the rear. The officer opened the door and Colley pointed out the man who he claimed had assaulted him. The negro had pistol and a bottle of whisky on the mantle. Wren placed Rodgers under arrest who apparently submitted, holding put his hands to be handcuffed. As Wren was adjusting the cuffs Rodgers suddenly grabbed the officer and secured his gun, R struggle ensuing in which the negro was shot twice. In the meantime Officer Bos- we'll hearing the shots. broke down the door and went to Wren's assistance. The two men were still struggling when Bos- well arrived. Wren fired twice more, the negro falling to the floor still grasping Wren's gun. He expired immediately. His remains were taken to the undertaking es- tablishment of Echol & Angwin, where the inquest was held this morning.
 Rodgers was employed by the Tennessee company at No. mines. He had not been here long, and as far as is known has no relatives in this district.
 Dogs Do Fine Work.
 The trained dogs of Dennis Echols were called to the Thomas depot of the South ern railway last night, which was sup posedly fired by incendiaries. MT. Echols was on the scene about an hour and half after the fire started, but notwithstanding this fact the dogs picked up the trail and followed 1t nearly six miles,
 Two men were seen near the Thomas depot just before the fire was discovered, and at a point near the car line at North Birmingham, where the dogs lost the trail, two men were seen to board an cleo tric car going toward Birmingham. The dogs did fine work, and had they been on the spot sooner it is believed would have run down the culprits.
 Craps Game Raided.
 Officers White and Ramage raided a craps game in Averytown Saturday night, and as a result five dusky sons of Ham will face his honor. Mayor D. F. Sugg, Monday morning to answer a charge of gaming.
 The case of J. Lehman, the young white man charged with burglary and grand larceny will be taken up Monday. The defendant denies the charge and has re- tained Attorney R. L. Daniel to defend him.
 Personal and General.
 Much interest is being manifested in the election at Wylam tomorrow, full vote being expected. The polling place will be at the city hall, Wylam.
 Ensley Lodge, B. P. O. E., will meet tomorrow night at their home on Avenue E. Several petitions will be acted on and other business of importance will come before the lodge. All members are urged to attend.
 The several Italian societies met this afternoon at Camps hall for the purpose of raising funds for the sufferers of the sicilian earthquake. committee took up H collection among the resident Italians and a neat sum was realized. Each so- ciety made generous donation. The fund raised in Ensley from different sources Is nearing the $500 mark.