EXCITING MIDNIGHT CHASE

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1868, 12 March 1913, Page 6

EXCITING MIDNIGHT CHASE

BURGLAR IN CONSTABLE'S BEDROOM. PURSUIT IN PYJAMAS. An exciting chase took place in Sydney in the early hours of one morning last week."

About 2. 15 Constable Patrick Sheehy, who lives at a boardingliouse in Jamieson Street, became vaguely aware that his bedroom door was creaking in a manner which it had no business to do at such an hour, and straining his eyes through the darkness perceived that a man had entered the room, and was quietly going through the pockets of his clothes. Sheehy, whose gold watch and chain, together with about twenty sovereigns, were lying on the dressing table, kept perfectly still until the intruder approached the bed, probably to ascertain if its occupant were soundly asleep. As he bent over, Sheehy sprang at him, seizing him by the arms. With an exclamation the intruder endeavoured to release himself, and after a short struggle burst his way out of the room and out of the house, slamming the doors in Sheehy's face as he followed in pursuit. The latter, who was barefooted, and wearing only his pyjamas, gave chase down the street, shouting "Police!" and "Stop thief!"

In the meanwhile Constable McCrystal and Mr Gordon Eeddingfold, watchman in Hunter street, were talking at the corner of Hunter street and George street, when they heard sounds of pursuit 7 coming from Bond street, which leads out of Jamieson street into Hamilton street. Running down Hunter street, they saw a man disappear out of Bond street into Hamilton street. There were no signs of him on their reaching Bond street, and it was quickly decided that he was probably hiding in Dean's Place. A hurried arrangement resulted in McCrystal goingjto the lower end of the lane, while Beddingford went to the other end. The latter had not gone far before he caught sight of a man whom he believed to be identical with the fugitive. A boot under each arm, the stranger took to flight at once, to be met by Constable McCrystal and a revolver. A strong hint as to the unwisdom of proceeding further decided the man to submit, and lie was promptly removed to No. 4 police station.