New Britain herald., 1921-05-05
COP NEARLY Wins
GAS CO.'S. REWARD
Local WOrkmen Have Novel Elk.
perienCe in PlainVille

Light and Power company. John J.
Riley and Frank Schmidt, found
themselves in I'm embarrassing posi-
ton i'm Plainville yesterday afternoon
when they were arrested" on q
charge OF tampering with gas meters.
The men had been testing electric
meters and wires on Maple street.
Plainville. I'm search OF a break when
they were "apprehended" by Con-
stable Philip Marine and three repre-
sontatives OF the Bristol Gaa company.
Their appearance answered so per-
foctly description OF two young men
suspected of robbinE meters that the
constable refused to listen to explana-
tons. but, with n wide sweep opened
his coat. thrust out his chest. dis
played his shield OF authority,
reached for his shackles and prepared
to put the men ''in tho irons" Luck
lily for tho local men. another employe
OF the Gas company happened along
and explained tina situation.
Ahcm. Ahem! Pardon Me!
Constable Marine buttoned UP his
coat, sputtered a few apologies and
walked off. The Bristol men also ex-
pressed their regrets at the mistake
and invited tho electricians to accept
tho hospitality OF their car back to
New Britain. The offer was accepted,
the incident considered mt an end.
The incident was witnessed by
score OF people all of whom felt sure
that the mystery OF so many meter
breaks about tho town was about to
be clear ed up. Constable Marine was
congratulated upon his success in
running down. the cuIprits and in
"a aN.. rt. 81 60
bringing In tho persons responsible
for tho meter robberies. The reversal
brought about by tho friend OF Riley
and Schmidt was equally az en-
barrassin1 to the Plainville COP as
was tho arrest" to the local employees
OF the lighting company.
Enter. tho CuIprits.
IL appears that, earlier in the day,
two young men wero found tamper-
ing with n meter. One was rather tall
and wore a cap while tho other was
short in stature and wore a fedora
hat. Each carried a bag. This in
formation was furnished the authori-
ties and n search instituted.
A few hours afterward, Riley and
Schmidt stepped off the trolley ut the
Plainville center and started for Ma
pie street to test grounds. Schmidt.
who IL rather tall. was wearing a cap
and carrying bag of electrical tools.
Riley. somewhat shorter. was wearing
n fedora hat and also carrying a kit
OF tools.
Violence Ia Feared.
As the men were walking along the
street someone having the interests
or tho gas company mt heart phoned
the Bristol office and three represen-
tativea OF the company were delegated
In n high powered car to bring in the |
men sought. Fearing violence. they
enlisted the services of Constable Ma |
rino in Plainvilie and the chase be-
came hot.
AS they approached Maple street. |
they paused for n minute and scrutin-
ICED tho two men walking down tho |
with bags in their /
hands. meanwhile comparing notes |
with the descriptions furnished them. /!
They were unanimous I'm their deci-
sion that the local electricians were |
tho men wanted. Strategic moves |
were decided upon and Constable Ma |
rino was placed in charge OF their |
execution.
Then the Fun Began.
Acting under orders. the driver of |
the Bristol car drove up to the curb /
Ing near Riley and Schmidt and in /
CURED as to whether his rear tire was |
In need of air. As the men stepped |
out to kick the shoe. Constable Ma |
rino and ono of the Bristol men ran |
to the rear hemming in the two cleo |
triciana who merely looked up with |
open-eyed wonderment.
Get into that car" the constable |
ordered.
by whose authority" piped back |
Riley.
I'm the namo OF the law" replied |
the constable with a wide gesticula- /