The Omaha guide., 1942-07-25
GEORGIA POLICE BEAT, JAIL
ROLAND HAYES
Continued from page ~

the sidewalk, Mr.. Hayes, who had
been in the nearby bank, walked mp
and asked: whats is the natter"
The clerk, breaking in just as the
manager was about to speak, shout
ed: "She cursed me and called me
old Hitler"
81 most certainly did not curse"
the indignant wife replied.
The proprietor then returned to
the store, and recognizing Mr. Hay
es as an old customer, sought to
settle the matter, urging him and
her family to come back in the
store. I'll be glad to wait on You
myself" he was quoted as saying.
The offer was declined by Mr..
Hayes who with his wife and dau-
ghter continued on down the street,
considering the incident closed. Mrs.
Hayes had walked into a nearby
grocery store and Mr.. Hayes and
his daughter were strolling up AMI
down on the sidewalk when a big
uniformed officer approached.
Walking up to the noted singer
without saying anything, he reach
ed out with his right hand and
gripped him b ythe belt Of his trous-
ers, dragging him backward to the
store. The frightened daughter,
still clutching he rfather's arm be-
gan screening.
rs this him." the policeman ask
ed the shoe clerk.
That's the man, but it was the
wench who cursed me and called me
a mold Hitler" the clerk whined.
my wife didn't curse you" Mr..
Hayes asserted, witnesses said in
describing the sidewalk scene.
Before Mr.. Hayes finished his re-
marks, a big fist smashed into his
face, knocking him to the sidewalk.
Two other policemen quickly appear
ed and pounced upon the noted AT
list, who is of slight build. Throw
ing his hat over his face, as if to
hide his identity, they began pom
melting him on the ground.
Mrs. Hayes ran from the store
and began begging the officers MT
to modest her husband any further.
The driver Of the patrol wagon
which arrived on the scene came up.
Two of the officers grabbed the bad
ly bruised singer by his clothing and
dragged him to the vehicle. Lift
ing him up bodily, they threw him
head first onto the floor.
ANOTHER policeman quickly round
| ed up Mrs. Hayes an dthe daughter
an dput them in front. Two police
men got in the back and bounced
on t hehelpless figure of one of the
greatest tenor the world has ever
known.
Wrenching his arms backward,
they clamped handouts across his
wrists. Another sat straddle across
his body while the second began
brutally beating him in the face
with his fists.
The daughter kept screaming,
drowning out the heart-breaking
| sobs of the badly frightend wife.
The big driver shouted, If you don't
shut up I'll give you some Of the
same thing"
Arriving at the city hall, in which
is located the Jail, the Hayes ere
rudely hustled to the lower floor
cells and stuffed into a hole with
another occupant. The daughter
was left seated in the corridor.
Mr.. HAYES chauffeur came to the
cell window and was told to find cut
! how much bond was wanted aid
what were the charges. Returning
to the police chiefs office, he was
told the bond would be $50. $25 Tor
each prisoner. The chauffeur was
turned down when he asked for tile
release of the little daughter.
After slightly more than two hours
the jailer came down and told the
couple the chief wanted to see them.