BULLET IN A BAG.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1030, 20 January 1911, Page 5

BULLET IN A BAG.

SENSATIONAL OCCURRENCE AT TARADALE. SHOT FIRED AT CLOSE RANGE. AN ARREST. (By Telegraph—rress Association.) Napier, January 1!). At tho police court this morning, Alexander Strachan was charged that 011 January 18, at Taradale, ho did unlawfully dischargo a revolver at Herbert Sydney Bradley, with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Accused was arrested yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Cruickshank applied for, and was granted, a remand until Monday next, as tho alleged offence only look place last evening, and the police had not hail tho opportunity of preparing evidence in connection with the charge. The . alleged offence is supposed to have been committed on the Main Koad at Taradale. It is stated that two shots were fired at close range, and a bullet was subsequently found in. a bag Bradley was carrying.

Later. In connection with the Taradale shoot-, ing affair, it is alleged that about five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, as Brad-' ley and another man were passiug along Taradale Road, some distance past tho Motor Company's stables, tluy noticed Strachan behaving in an excitable manner, rushing in and out of his house. As they neared the house Strachan disappeared through the front door; and Bradley, suspecting that something was wrong, stopped to seo if anything would occur. A moment later Strachan, it is alleged, reappeared at the door, and, seeing Bradley, rushed towards him, and, presenting a revolver which he had in his haud, fired from a distance of a few feet. Bradley, who did not notice that the bullet had struck the bag, rushed at Strachan, and, after a fierce struggle, threw him, and secured the revolver.

Meanwhile, Constable O'Halioran, who was on duty closo at haud, hearing the report, came on the scene and arrested Strachan. When- arrested Strachan was iu possession of a six-chambered revolver, two chambers of which had been discharged, the remainder being loaded. A box containing forty-four cartridges was also found upon him.

Mrs. Strachan obtained a separation, order from her husbaiul at the Napier Magistrate's Court ou November, 21 last, and it is thought that this preyed upon his mind.

Bradley imagined that the bullet .went wide, until, on opening his bag this morning, he found it, and discovered the holes in tho serviotte. In view of the short distance at which the shot was fired his escape was miraculous.