SHOOTING SENSATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1922, Page 3

SHOOTING SENSATION.

BURGLAR. WOUNDS DETECTIVE. IN A VITAL PART. AND IS THEN CAPTURED. [by TELEOBAPII—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

HAMILTON, June 9. A series of Inirglarios here had a sensational sequel to-day, when Detective Lambert was shot in tho stomach when arresting William Alexander Crossnn. Last night, Thompson Bros’ fruit shop .was burglariously entered. The burglar evidently was disturbed, and decamped leaving his tools on the counter.

Later oil, Hamilton Bros’ shop was entered, and goods, including it pair of boots, were taken. From information learned, the police went to Frank toil Railway, where Crosslin was seen on the platform. When interrogated, Crossan admitted the burglaries, saying lie was wearing the boots lie had stolen. He was then taken to bis lodgings, where a search reveal d a jemmy, a sandbag, goggles, a packet of cartridges, gloves, and other appliances suitable for bouse breaking, and also some clothes, evidently the proceeds of the burglary. Crossan admitted having broken into a metal store a few mights ago and stolen a revolver and cartridges. Asked where there articles were, Crossan replied that lie had planted them at Tninahere, four miles from Hamilton. A taxi, driven by Leo Jury, was requisitioned, and Crossan was t nice a to the locality. A search was made, without success.

Suddenly, when Detective Lambert and Jury were oil the road with Cmssnn, and Constable Sutton was oil the hank, Crossan drew a revolver from his pocket, and ordered Lambert and Sutton to “Stop dead! And hold your hands up, or I will shoot!’’ Then Crossan commanded Jury to enter the ear, and start it. Jury said: “Don’t be silly. It isn’t loaded." Crossan retorted: “Isn’t it h ” He then pulled the trigger, and fired a shot into the ground. Jury then rushed round the ear, and Crossan pulled the trigger to tiro at tho taxi driver, but. the weapon failed to discharge. Detective Lambert then hurriedly approached. When only about a pace or two away from Crossan. the latter firul. and s'ruck tho detective in the stomach, and he fell to the ground. Crossan still brandishing tho revolver. rushed in the direction ot ( ainbridge Cross Rond.

After assisting Lambert into the car, Constable Sutton and Jury drove to the top of a hill. Th" injured man was lott there in the ear. and (lie others, with the assistance of llitoe men who fortunately arrived at that moment by lorrv, set out in pursuit of the fugitive. Gradually tiny gafhed, and when Constable Sutton was about ten paces olf, Crossan stopped in h's trucks, turned round, and laced the constable. The constable ordered Crossan I" throw his revolver to him. and put his hands over his head. Crossan, at iirst. |>!ao<’(l the muzzle of the weapon in his innut.h and remarked:— “A man ought to carry on with it!” The inference being that he should account for hiniselt. On second thoughts, Crossan withdrew the weapon, and handed it to the constable. It still contained cartridges. The constable then placed the handcuffs’ on Crossan. who came away quietly, and was placed in the lockup. The detective’s condition is serious. His depositions have been taken in the hospital. . • Crossan is only 2fi years of age. and has been a resident of Hamilton for 18 months. He is of very powerful build, and his height is six feet, two inches.