Date: Fri 25-Sep-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

Laslo-Briscoe-crime-stories

Full Text:

CASE FILES OF DETECTIVE LASLO BRISCOE

By Andrea Zimmermann

Before Bob Campbell packed up and moved the Ft Myers, Fla., he had to satisfy

his curiosity. He was certain there must have been a turn-of-the century crime

in Laslo Briscoe's case files that related to Newtown's post offices. So

Monday, on his break from working the counter, he drove over to the police

station and asked to have a peak at the files.

Sure enough. In a tidy handwriting he found a 1907 account of how his

predecessors were approached by two men who were simply casing their marks at

the Sandy Hook and Hawleyville post offices.

No. 398 -- The Case of the

Handsome Postal Robbers

In the eyes of some, it is indeed true that "the dress makes the man." Or so

it would appear by reading newspaper accounts of the recent post office

robberies and hearing the testimony of those who were taken in by a handsome

wardrobe. To my way of thinking, a rogue is a rogue irrespective of what

finery may be employed to disguise the simple fact.

Not much was thought suspicious about the two well dressed men who came off

the train at Sandy Hook on Friday the ninth of May, 1907. But Sunday morning,

the town was treated to a genuine sensation when it was discovered $982.32 had

been taken from the Sandy Hook post office, and $328 in cash and $75 in stamps

from the Hawleyville post office.

One of the men was described as having a light complexion and wearing a light

overcoat. The other was in fine, dark clothing. As they came through Sandy

Hook, they walked a distance apart.

By happenstance, I passed the first man as he entered the post office at Sandy

Hook. Postmaster Page later related that the man had purchased fifty 1-cent

stamps and then inquired after a man named Welch, who he said worked in the

reclaiming plant. Mr Page told the stranger he knew of no such man but would

make inquires. Later the man returned to say he had found Welch. The

postmaster said during both visits he looked sharply at the safe and windows.

That same afternoon, a man pushed his way into the Hawleyville office and came

up to the desk where Miss Peck, the clerk, was at work. By way of explanation

he said he wanted to find the location of some names, none of which Miss Peck

had ever heard of.

Although the suspicious actions of these two men were recalled and reported

only after a crime of significant magnitude transpired, the accounts would

indicate these two men are likely to be the culprits. But, as I explained when

solicited for my opinion, if this be so, they are not simple men beneath fine

cloaks; they are well-practiced, efficient, and quite successful at the

profession they pursue.

No noise was heard at either post office. And although the robbers easily

opened the Sandy Hook safe with one hole drilled near the combination, they

had to resort to the use of powerful explosives to blow off the door. The gum

machines were unmolested, which indicates these robbers knew how to best spend

their time. Also, they well knew where to apply a portion of their haul for

greatest benefit. For what sheriff would not hesitate to approach and accuse a

well-to-do gentleman traveler of a crime such as robbery?

No. 410 -- The Case of

the Unsuccessful

Highwaymen Hold-Ups

The general store is full of talk that the recent two highwaymen hold-ups

present a chance for Deputy Sheriff Johnson to "get busy." Would the

townspeople imagine him to be sitting before a fireplace in a comfortable

chair, pipe in hand, awaiting some villainous act to enliven his

responsibilities?

On Wednesday night last, September 4, 1907, Mr and Mrs A.D. Fairchild were

driving to their home from Newtown Street when a man sprang at their horse and

seized the bridle when they neared the pond road. They told me three other men

made night hideous by yelling. Being quick of mind, Mr Fairchild hit his horse

sharply and the animal sprang away from his captor.

Thursday night, a band tried to hold up Alonzo Cree on his way home from

prayer meeting.

As the town grows, it will continue to attract not only increased numbers of

honorable people and businessmen but also a greater population of criminals --

whether transient or resident. Our deputy sheriff is not able to be at every

dark corner of the road throughout each evening to protect the townspeople

from those who would seize an opportunity to rob those driving abroad. Thus

was my remark to Mr Fairchild: As the town changes, so must our mode of

conduct transform; we must be alert to risks and take measures to avoid and

protect ourselves when traveling at night. No one would dispute a man's right

to protect his family and property.

No. 469 -- The Case of

The Inexcusable Assault

I was not hired to investigate the case of Edward Bevans assaulting his

daughter -- there was no need because the man confessed. It was in court, as a

witness, that I was to aid justice in its determination that this demon should

be removed from his family and community.

On February 16, 1910, Bevans was before the Superior Court where he was

sentenced to 25 years in state's prison for assaulting his young daughter. Had

this been a case of two adults engaged in brutality, the audience may have

found satisfaction in the sentence; but there was nothing to applaud today.

Those who attended left equally as grim as when they arrived at the

courthouse.