Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-08-21
AUTO THIEVES
CAUGHT AFTER
EXCITING CHASE
Extinguished Lamps on Ma
chine Starts Police Officer
After Buffalo Youths.

But for their accusing consciences
keeping them aware of the fact that
they had stolen the automobile they
were driving in South Broad street
last night, Kenneth Hooper, seven
teen years old, of 343 Huntington ave,
nue.. Buffalo, and Thomas Cannon.
eighteen years old. of 500 Elecut ave-
nue., also of Buffalo, would both be
free today Instead they are in the
Essex county jail awaiting the ar
rival of officers from New York State
charge of grand larceny. Their cap
ture was only effected after a spec
tacular chase through Newark streets
in another machine.
About 10 o'clock last night Motor
cycle Patrolman Skillman, who was
off duty and in civilians clothes, saw
an automobile at Broad and Kinney
streets with all its lights out. He
called to the driver to stop, intend
ing to tell him to light the lamps
The command was not obeyed and
greater speed was put on. Skillman
blew his whistle. but Hooper, who
was driving the car, paid no atten-
ton to it.
AS the automobile was disappearing
in Clinton avenue, Skillman sought
the services of DR.. Jean F. VOLTS s
automobile as the doctor drove up to
his home, at 1912 Broad street. The
doctor put on all power and a mad
race between the two automobiles be-
gan. 1t lasted until Johnson avenue
was reached, then Skillman stepped
from the running board of the physi-
clans automobile to that driven by
Hooper, while both cars were travel
ing, and placed the youths under ar
rest.
The prisoners and the car were then
brought to the First precinct station
house, where they were questioned by
Skillman and Acting Captain Patrick
Troy. Finally Hooper broke down
and confessed that he had stolen the
automobile from Julius Grass, of "a
Wallace avenue, Buffalo, on Sunday
night, and that they had driven here,
with the hope of selling the machine
for enough to pay their way to Chi
cago
Hooper assumed all responsibility
for the theft of the car, stating that
he had picked Cannon up in Buffalo
and had brought him along with him.
When the prisoners were searched
before being locked In cells fully
loaded revolver was found in Gan
mons pocket and a box of cartridges
was found in the automobile. The
car also contained a large can of
gasoline and a can of oil, which the
youths are alleged to have confessed
they stole, so that they would not
have to stop for fuel. Neither Of them
had any money.
Hooper took his arrest somewhat in
the nature of joke. He told Acting
Chief Thomas CORDIALLY that he was
stopped by policeman in New York
city and questioned about the car,
and laughed at the ease in which he
successfully lied to the officer, adding
that this Newark bull was not so
easy"
Skillndan was highly commended by
Acting Captain Troy and his fellow
officers for making the capture and
recovering the machine. 1t is FIVE
passenger 1914 model Paige-Detroit.
Hooper formerly lived with his
family in this city, on Peshine ave-
nue.. When arraigned before Judge
Hahn today in the First Criminal
Court he was recognized by Proba-
ton officer Matthew Smith as one
who had been placed on probation by
Judge William P Martin several
years ago as a Juvenile delinquent.
At first he denied that he had ever
lived here, but finally admitted hav-
ing done so.
Judge Hahn committed both of
them to Essex county Jail for thirty
days on technical charges Of lolter-
ing. to await the action of the Buff
falo police authorities.
Acting Chief CORDIALLY telegraphed
to Buffalo and told of the arrest and
recovery of the machine, and this
afternoon received an answer, stating
that Mr.. Grass would leave immedi-
ately for this city, and that the nee
essary papers to take the prisoners
back would be forwarded as soon as
they could be prepared.