New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-08-18
Federal OFFICERS
IN REVOLVER Fight
BootleSserS in Jersey Fire at Pur.
Suers-Many Liquor Cases

New York, Aug. 1s.-Federal Pro-
hibition officials and policemen were
fired at in New Jersey yesterday by
bootleggers who tried to prevent the
seizure OF nv trucks loaded with beer
on the way here from Philadelphia.
Police seized three trucks between
Metuchen and Perth Amboy after a
revolver battle with bootleggers on
seven other trucks which escaped.
Two other trucks were taken between
New Brunswick and Highland Park
by Adrian G. Cham berlain, State Pro-
hibition Director, who said bootleg
gers in an automobile fired revolver
shots.
Three prisoners were taken by the
policemen. Mr. Chamberlin captured
truck seized by him escaped as he
was making the other arrest. The
men in the automobile also escaped.
Looking for Trucks.
Chief OF Police Tonneson led the
squad OF policemen who set out early
yesterday to capture a caravan of ten
beer trucks on their way to the PSrth
Amboy ferry for Tottenville, - l.,
After the revolver battle on the road
all but three of the trucks turned out
of the expected route and escaped.
The prisoners described themselves
as William Hamsworth. 80 Park Row,
Little Neck, l.. L.; Timothy Mahoney.
~ Washington street, and Joseph
Adams, 20 East s9th street, both of
Manhattan They were held on
charges of illegal transportation.
Two More.
Mr.. Chamberlin was returning to
Newark after several raids in Belmar,
N. j., when he came upon a truck
stalled on the state bridge between
New Brunswick and Highland Park.
Another truck was at the end of the
bridge. Mr.. Chamberlin discovered
both trucks contained beer. As he
was arresting the driver of the stalled
truck the other driver escaped.
The prisoner said he was William
Wagner of this city, but refused to
give his address. When Wagner was
searched he had loaded revolver in
his possession, according to the Pro-
hibition officials. He was charged
with illegal transportation and resist
ing a Federal officer. These two
trucks are believed to have been part
of the other caravan.
Raided by Bandits.
Men representing themselves as en-
forcement officers have been raiding
truck as they pass through New
Jersey. Chief of Police Tonneson said
he had received several reports dur
| no w he hot =
badges have taken charge of trucks
of beer, which was transferred to
other trucks and taken away. The
bootleggers are believed to be heavily
armed to resist these "hijackers."
Customs men yesterday made three
seizures, including one motorboat
with four men and forty-six cases of
liquor aboard. The boat, the K-422s.
was chased a mile in the Narrows by
the customs boat Liberty and another
government boat. The prisoners said
they We're Charles Knutson, PSI Con-
over street, Brooklyn; Albert A. Re-
gan, 25S w. 4Sth street; Edward |
Kelly, 50 Bush street. Brooklyn, and |
walter Hogan, 666 Henry street.
Two Other Seizures.
Inc TWO otnef seizures, totalling |
forty-fve bottles, were made on piers
by customs guards and inspectors. |
Three prisoners were taken.
William r. Sanders, Deputy Sur
Veyor said yesterday, the auxiliary
schooner Casarco II, which has been
IN difficulties as a rum runner, has
been found and is being held in Coney
Island creek. Coast guard cutters
were asked Thursday to find her on
the seas and bring her into port pend
ing a hearing of charges that she had
been cleared on the representation
that she was British vessel. The
Casarco II. is being guarded by, Gus
toms men.
Schooner Captain Held.
Capt. Browne Willis, owner and
master of the steamship Virginia
Pretelt' was arrested yesterday ard
held in sl7.500 bail by the Federal
authorities on preliminary com
plant charging him with the larceny
OF 200 barrels of whiskey. worth
100000, manifested for Costa Rica.
Members of the crew made state
nents that instead of proceeding TO
costa RIGA the Virginia Pretelt
olned the fleet along Rum Row.