MAN WITH REVOLVER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20254, 14 May 1929, Page 11

MAN WITH REVOLVER.

SCENE IN CITY HOTEL.

MENTAL TROUBLE SUSPECTED

Armed with a service revolver and dressed in ihis uniform, an ex-officer in the New Zealand Forces during the Great War was arrested in unusual circumstances in - the Hotel C'argen on Sunday morning. For some time the man, who had a brilliant war record, had been staying at Devonport, but early on Sunday morning he crossed to the city and visited the Grand Hotel, where he collected some belongings. He then went to the Hotel C'argen, and sat in a passage outside a room on the fourth floor. Ihere he was found about four o'clock, and when asked what he was doing, replied that he was waiting for a girl. Although he was informed that the room was empty lie refused to leave.

Later the police were advised, and Sergeant Clist and two ( constables visited the hotel. Aware that it would be dangerous to approach the man in his police tunic, Sergeant Clist donned a dressing-gown. So disguised, and on the pretence that he was going to the bathroom, lie passed the armed man. In doing so, he grabbed at the revolver arid a scuffle ensued.

The constables immediately rushed to (lie scene, and soon overpowered the man, After the arrest it was found that the revolver was fully loaded. There was no appearance of the man in the Police Court, yesterday, when he was called to answer charges of pointing the revolver at Sergeant Gist, and of unlawfully carrving the weapon. Accused, who was described as a soldier, or agent, was stated to be 39 years of age. On the application of Sub-Inspector McCarthy, the firearm was confiscated. Mr. McCarthy said that accused was to be medically examined, as ifc was believed that he was a mental case. Application was being made to have him committed to an institute.

The magistrate, Air. F. K. Hunt, remanded accused for a week for medical observation.