DETECTIVE SHOT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 420, 10 June 1922, Page 5

DETECTIVE SHOT.

SENSATION NEAR HAMILTON.

INJURED MAN IN SERIOUS CONDITION.

(Per Press Association.) HAMILTON, June 9. A series of burglaries had a sensational sequel to day, when Detective Lambert was shot in the stomach when arresting William Alexander Crossan. Last night Thompson Bros.’ fruitshop was burglariously entered. The burglar was evidently disturbed and decamped, leaving his tools on the counter. Later Hallenstein Bros.’ shop was entered, and goods, including a pair of boots, wore taken.

From information gleaned, the police went to the Frankton railway station, where Crossan was seen on the platform. When interrogated, _ Crossan admitted the burglaries, saying that ho was wearing the boots be had stolen. He was then taken to his lodgings, where a search revealed a jemmy, sandbag, goggles, packet of cartridges, gloves, and other appliances suitable for housebreaking, also clothes, evidently the proceeds of a burglary. Crossan admitted having broken into metal stores a few nights ago and stolen s revolver and cartridges. Asked where these articles wore, Crossan replied that ho had “planted” them at Tamahore, four miles from Hamilton. A taxi, driven by Leo Jury, was requisitioned, and Crossan was taken 10 the locality. A search was made without success, and suddenly, when Detective Lambert and Jury were on the road with Crossan, and Constable Sutton on the bank, Crossan drew a revolver from his pocket and ordered Lambert and Sutton to “Stop dead, and hold your hands up, or 1 will shoot!” He then commanded Jury to enter tho car and start it. Jury said, “Don’t bo silly, it isn’t loaded!” Crossan retorted, “Isn't it?” He then pulled tho trigger and tired a shot into the ground. Jury rushed round the car, and Crossan pulled the trigger to fire at the taxi-driver, but tho weapon failed to discharge. Lambert then hurriedly approached. When only about a pace or two away from Crossan tho latter fired, and struck the detective in the stomach, and ho fell to tho ground. Crossan, still brandishing tho revolver, rushed in the direction of tho Cambridge cross road. After assisting Detective Lambert into the car, Constable Sutton and Jury drove lo the top of the hill. The injured man was left in tho car, and the others, with the assistance of three men who fortunately arrived at that moment by a tarry, sot out in pursuit of the fugitive. Gradually thev gained, and when Constable Sutton was'about 10 paces off, Crossan stopped, in the track, turned round, and faced tho constable. The latter ordered Crossan to throw the revolver to him and put hit hands above his head. Crossan at first placed the muzzle of the weapon in his mouth, and remarked, 1 A man ought tn carry on with it,” the inference being that he'should account for himself. On second thoughts ho withdrew the weapon, and handed it to the constable. It si ill contained cartridges. Hie constable placed the handcuffs on Crossan, who came away quietly, and was placed in the lock-up. The detective’s condition is serious, and his depositions have been taken in tho hospital. . Crossan, who is 2o years of age, has been a resident of Hamilton for 18 months. _ He is of very powerful build, and his height is 6ft 2in.