Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-27
ADMITS He ROBBED
Police Think They Have Caught
"Dup|icate Key Man."
PART OF LOOT RECOVERED
Rodney Hawkins, Colored, Confesses
He Entered More Than Two
Dozen Places.
PART OF LOOT RECOVERED

Confessng that he has committed more
than two dozen robberies in the north
west section of the city during the past
three months. Rodney Hawkins, colored.
twenty-six years old. residing at 1905 26th
street northwest, and believed by the
police to be 1.-THE duplicate key man." to-
day was measured and photographed for
the rogues' gallery at police headquarters
Later he was taken by Policeman Gill
foyle, who arrested him, and he pointed
out a number of apartments and private
residences in which. he committed rob-
berries.
Much of the jewelry taken from the
various apartment houses and private
residences was recovered in the prisoner
room in the 26th street house, where he
resided with his wife and mother-in-law
His wife told the police she had refused
to wear any of the jewelry her husband
brought home, and she had feared the
large sums of money he brought meant
trouble in the future.
Hawkins says he is a cook by occupa-
ton. The police say he is a pool player
and that much of his time has been spent
in a poolroom at 1920 14th street north
west, where he was arrested Monday
about noon. He admitted to the police
mitted in the poolroOm, jewelry and
money being taken in December. while in
January a heavy iron safe was carted
from the establishment.
Heavy Litter" in Jail.
Toe Albany colored, an alleged partici-
pant in the safe robbery, who was men
toned as captain of the heavy lifters,"
is already in jail to answer for alleged
participation in the two robberies at Sat
terwhite's. 1t is said that a remark made
by Albany to policemen working to find
the duplicate key man suggested the
arrest of Hawkins.
Policemen Cullnane. Holmes and Gill
foyle labored necessarily to bring about
the arrest of the robber who had given
the police much trouble and caused resi-
uneasiness Capt: r. f. Doyle and Po-
liceman GilfOyle were together when
Hawkins was actually taken into Gus
tody. They felt certain they had the
right man. although Hawkins entered a
vigorous denial and assumed al dlr oI
injured innocence
AS soon as two dozen or more pieces
of jewelry were found in his house. how
ever he weakened. and last night he
started unfolding his tale. He committed
robberies in broad daylight and at night,
taking what he could when favorable OPP
portunities were presented. In some in
stances. he stated. he gained access to
homes of his victims by using duplicate
keys. while at other places ne broke
open doors and windows, and in still
other instances he found doors or win
dows unfastened.
Mentions Places He Robbed.
The prisoner mentioned the Ontario,
Imperial and Cordova apartments as be-
ing among the places he robbed. He
mentioned houses on Park road Swami
street, Riggs place and other thorough
fares as having been visited by him.
Joe Albany, mentioned as captain of
the heavy lifters," was arrested some
time ago by Policeman Gilfoyle and Gull
linane at a house about two and half
miles from Vienna, Va, and he frankly
admitted knowing something of what was
going on in the city. Testimony produced
BY the police was sufficient to have AL
bany's case sent to the grand jury, and
he Is now awaiting trial.
Jewelry and cash We're obtained from
Satterwhites place of business, Hawkins
saws but his share of the proceeds did
not amount to much. 1t was easy money,
however and there was no reason why
he could not make better hauls, he stated
He is a small man of copper color, is a
neat dresser and probably would not ex-
cite suspicion if seen entering an apart
ment house.
Probably the largest haul made by
Hawkins was at the house of James S.
Washington Gas Light Company. 1923
Riggs place. March l, where he took $3.50
in cash from Mr.. McIlhennys trousers.
Hawkins entered the house through the
dining room window, went to Mr.. Nc
trousers and took them to the lower floor
and distracted the cash.