Tombstone epitaph., 1917-11-04
BOLD ATTEMPT TO
ROB FIRST NATIONAL

Probably the most bold and daring attempt at bank
bbey SINCE the pany days of Tombstone occurred TO-
day IN thiscty during the noon hour when man named
Fred Koch. entered the First National Bank IN broad
wight. between the hours of II and O'Clock. ana
drawing automatic 1910 revolver. commanded Cash
or T. H. Brandt to throw up his hands.
Bradford Brandt. assistant cashier and son Of Cash
:cr Brandt had left the bank and had to the post
office get the mail and Koch seeing his opportunity
entered and evellcd his revolver at Mr. Brandt.
crowd of people We're i'll the poSt"fiee. and hear
ing shot rushed to the just iii time TO man
emerge from the bank rlli and with revolver III
his hand. Several men took up tn" chase III an en-
deavor keep the direction of the fleeing bandit who
north Fifth street and over the hills toward the
road leading to Glecson.
accompanied by Immigration Inspector jeff Milton
of Farbank and the man was pointed ont I" WEIGH Just
he disappeared the hill. Mr.. Wech enlisted the
assistance Of Mr. Milton and getting int" the lattcrs
Ford racer. Immediately took up the trail.
They overlook the aS>;ant about two miles from
town on the GleeSon road and when he saw the officers
approaching. he left the roadway and started the
hill. Several we'll directed shots from the guns Of
Welch and Milton fell close about the fleeing robbcr and
ne threw his gun away. held up his hands. and SuIlrnd
cred at The gun could not be found
He brought to town and rushed to the county
Jail. where special guard was thrown about the priS
When persons entered the bank Mr. Brandt X
my in moaning from the pain of bullet wound
below the heart. He was rushed I" the Bunker Hill
hospital where the doctors Immediately began operate.
III desperate effort his life. Reports IL tine
fleet that no hope is held for his recovery.
The prisoner. When interviewed by PlO>ljcctOr
representative. shortly after his being Jailed told the fol-
lowing story
He arrived in Tombstone Yesterday morning from
Glecson. where he operated moving picture show in
Taylor'> hall until about TWO or three weeks He
stated that he had intention of robbnc bank when
ne came 70 town. but this is proven to be utter false
mood by the fact that he had a leather money sack.
belt strapped To his person and being fully armed. it is
evident that he came here for the special purpose Of
committing the crime. He also claims that the thought
Of committing the robbery occurred him only this
morning.
When he entered the bank he says he did not intend
10 shoot Mr.. Brandt. but that when he ordered him to
throw up his hands. Mr. Brandt made rush shot
lln and seeing that he would be killed he decided to
30 through with it. He does deny the shooting.
He says he attempted to gain make the
iau but that the door closed. Seeing that he
could not immediately enter and fearing that he would
he unprecedented if he did not got away once he turned
and fed
Besides the money belt and revolver and cartridges
the bandit was wearing two suits OF cloths evidently in
tending to make change i'll his personal appearance at
the first opportunity.
Koch is Il German. rather short and stout and is
well known in Glccson. and also known hv SIGHT by scy-
cral persons III this city.
Many persons Tccollect having seen the bandit oi-
terng around the First National and Cochise County
State Banks today. and he was no doubt awaiting am
opportunity to enter either place when was pres
cnt but the cashier He III the Coclsc County
state Bank few minutes after II o'clock
The prisoner upon being apprchcndcd by Deputy
WEIGH and Jeff Milton. rushed the county jail
of the reach of the indignant citizens. who had gathered
the street corners and of ynching party
were often heard A special guard put on the
jail by the shcrff's office. Sheriff Wheeler. who is in
Blsbce notified and is expected to arrive
POSSIBLE. The situation is too quiet