White Pine news weekly mining review. [volume] (East Ely, Nev.) 1910-1920, 1918-05-05
HOWATT SHOOTS
UP NIGHT J|TNEY
rx.MENBER OF STATE POLICE
LANDS IN JAIL AFTER PERSON
ALLY CONDUCTED TRIP FROM
SHELTER CITY TO Ely.

Fred Howatt, for two years In the
smploy of the Nevada Consolidated
Copper company and for the past sew
sral months member OF the state
nolice from which organization he
was discharged on May q is In the
county jail facing a serious charge.
As an example of promiscuous gun
play, Howatt's stunt Is In a class by
itself, and that he Ia not at the pres
ent time facing a murder charge
seems matter of merest chance
Following his discharge from the
state police at McGill on Thursday,
Howatt proceeded TO get drunk. and
developed a most thorough and last
ing case of inebriation. Along about
II o'clock Thursday night he decided
that he wished to visit the bright
tights of Ely, and boarded one OF the
deep-sea jitneys for the night trip
from the smelter town to the county
capital. In order that he might have
companionship on the journey, How
att invited two men, erstwhile ac-
qualntances. TO come along too, and
they accepted the invitation. The
names of the two emergecny passen-
gers we're not learned.
After proceeding for couple OF
miles towards Ely. the jltney driver
asked Howatt II II was his intention
TO pay the fares OF his two compan-
ions, and upon receiving a reply In
the negative. the jitney captain turn
ed his outfit around and headed back
TO McGili. He had proceeded on the
reverse tack for about half a mile,
when Howatt Is said TO have pulled a
gun, poked II between the drivers
ribs, and told him he was going TO
Ely and not McGil. As the gat
seemed To command the situation.
the jitney man did not start any ar
gument. but made another turn
about, opened her up wide. threw In
the high and fed for Ely as fast as
the wheels could turn. As the pas
sengers were still on board they went
along also.
Howatt had the driver and his COM
panions I'm a docile mood and kept
the speedometer regulated TO his
satisfaction. This growing monoton-
Gus, and apparently wishing to I'M
press everybody with his sincerity of
purpose. he took a shot or so AT ran
dom and succeeded I'm puneturing the
radiator.
Arrived in Ely, the jitney. AZ orders
from Howatt. II is said. drew up In
front OF the Crescent bar on Aultman
street and stopped. Howatt alighted
and headed into the saloon, while his
two companions piled out on the OPP
poslte side. and with the jitney driver
headed up Aultman street, leaving
the machine without shutting on the
motor.
Deputy Sheriff Van Newman was
encountered at the Northern and
given the correct dope on the situa-
ton. and forthwith he and Deputy
AcCreary hot-footed II for the cres-
cent and their man. Howatt was In
Blackie's place when the officers ar
rived. On being told by Deputy New
man that he was under arrest, 1t is
said that Howatt attempted quick
pull of his gun. but was quickly over
powered and disarmed. He was taken
to Jail, where he has since remained
and his hearing Will probably come
up In the Justice court early this
week.
Howatt's heroics appear to mistify
those of his friends who know him
we'll. Inspector T. NJ. Pickett. In
charge OF the state police In the dis
trict, In an interview with represen-
tative of the News. states that during
his time of service with the state po-
lice, Howatt always seemed OF quiet
and orderly disposition. and faithful
and conscientious in the performance
OF his duties. II may be a case OF
nigh mental pressure superinduced by
nigh-power whiskey in high balls In
high altitude. At any rate, Howatt
appears to have had a high old time
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