New-York tribune., 1921-10-01
Lad, 8, Accuses
Boys, 10 and II,
Of $75 Hold-Up
Son of Wealthy Clothing
Man Says Juvenile Gang
sters 'SStuck Him Up as
He Was Playing on Drive
Had Cash in His Blouse
Police Have Four of Alleged
Band and Hunt Six More:
Say They Robbed Stores

Harry Tell, ten years old, of 1927 Sew
enth Avenue, and Matthew Croke,
twelve. of 81 West 117th Street, were
arrested yesterday at Public School 10,
1f7th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue,
as ringleaders in a gang of Juvenile
bandits lately engaged in robbing chill
dren of wealthy parents playing along
the parkway near 115th Street and Riv-
srside Drive.
Tell and Croke arc said by Detectives
Edward ENGLAND and Charles Kerr, of
the West 123d Street station, who made
the arrests, to have held up and robbed
of SIS in cash Harold Strauss, eight
years old, son of John D. Strauss, pres
i'ent of the Strauss Clothing Company,
T29 Broadway. Harold, the detectives
say. was playing with other children
nean his home, 629 West 115th Street,
when Tell and Croke, with four other
boys, compelled him to hold up his
hands Croke held Strauss, according
to the police. pinioning his arms, while
Tell searched his clothing and found
the SIS buttoned in a pocket of his
blouse
Ten Reported in Gang
The arrest of Tell and Croke fol-
lowed apprehension two days ago Of
William Crawford, twelve years old,
$40 West 116th Street, and John Camp
bell, whose home address the police
have been unable to learn. Crawford
and Campbell are said to belong to the
Juvenile gang which is believed to num-
Der ten members.
After Tell and Croke had been taken
to the West 123d Street station, mott
hcation was sent to the Strauss resi-
dence. Mrs. Strauss visited the station
accompanied by her son. Young Strauss
is said by the detectives to have iden-
tilted Immediately both prisoners. He
pointed out Croke as the one who
pinioned him and Tell as having
searched him and stolen his money.
Robberies of children of the wealthy
in sudden descents of the gang of
frequent during the last month. In
most instances loot consisted in hats
and articles taken from the victims.
who were also robbed of TOYS and
pocket money.
Money Left for His Mother
Mrs. Strauss is said to have informed
the police that her son. Harold, had
been given the SO by Mr.. Strauss with
an injunction to hand it to Mrs Strauss
when she returned home. Harold
said he thought the money would be
safer in his pocket than anywhere else,
SO he buttoned it in the pocket of hi 4.
blouse and went out to play. Fifteen
minutes later, while engaged in game
OF ball with six boy and girl compan
ions, he was approached by the gang,
OF which Croke appeared to be leader,
he said, and told to hold up his hands,
At first he thought it joke, but re-
celving several cuffs he did as ordered.
Croke, who was holding him, he said
was very strong. He was unable to re-
sist effectively.
Crawford and Campbell were ar
rested two days ago by Detective Fran
els Mulcahv. They have since been
held for the Chidrens Society. In
formation obtained from them is said
to have led to the arrest of the others
yesterday. All four are charged with
juvenile delinquency and will be ar
raigned in Children's Court today.
The police say Croke and Tell deny
completely in the Strauss hed-up, but
admit participation in half a dozen
store burglaries.