AN EXCITING CHASE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16569, 5 June 1914, Page 8

AN EXCITING CHASE.

BURNHAM BOY AND CONSTABLE. FUGITIVE ESCAPES. Yesterday afternoon Constable DV. O’Dea, of the city police, had an exciting time. A Burnham escapee had been arrested by Detective Ward, and Constable O’Dea, who is on medical leave with a sprained ankle, was commissioned to return the fugitive safely to tho institution. With his charge he got into the 4.10 p.m. south train at the. Railway Station, but they had hardly been seated when a bunch of young fellows decidedly under tho influence of liquor got into the same carriage. The sight of a policeman’s uniform probably had the effect of making the inebriates unpleasantly awai’e of their condition, and they at onco proceeded to “ make up ” to tho constable, with the. result that they crowded round him with effusive protestations of good fellowship. Seizing tho opportunity the Burnham boy incontinently bolted. After him plunged Constable O’Dea, who was considerably impeded m his progress by his won id-bo friends, with tho result that by tho time he gained tho platform the fugitive had a clear start of some fifty yards. Along the rails the youth fled in tho direction of Colombo Street crossing, hotly pursued by tho officer of tho law, who made surprisingly good progress despite the damaged ankle. On reaching Colombo Street the youth made south past Hazel dean Road to tho next, corner by tho monumental works, when ho turned west towards ‘Addington. In spite of the constable's repeated calls the public refused to assist him in capturing tho lad until a publicspirited citizen offered the loan of his bicycle. Thankfully the constable availed himself of tbo machine and thereafter gained rapidly upon tho fugitive. But when tho latter saw what had happened lie showed his versatility by taking to cross-country work, and with tho constable in pursuit made his way through people s sections, climbed the fences in the backyards. and thus effectually discounted the advantage that tho bicycle, had given to his pursuer. Despite the utmost efforts of the police officer the youth inado good nis escape, being last seen in the vuunit\ of Antigua Street. The chase was viewed with much interest by a large section of the residents in the ' icinity, but as Constable O’Dea remarked, “'They won’t help it policeman.