PETONE SENSATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2472, 26 August 1922, Page 2

PETONE SENSATION.

CHARGE OF ATTEMPTED MURDER, \ FOLLOWS STRUGGLE IN COALYARD.

Sensational happenings in a coalyard in Fitzherbert Street, 'Petone yesterday morning led to the arrest of a man named Benjamin Jones on two charges of attempted murder, says “The Post.’’ The occurrence followed a visit to Jones’s premises by two constables.

Constables Harrison and Morrison, of the Petone Police Force, were instructed by Senior-Sergeant Bird to execute a distress warrant on Jones, who is a coal dealer at 39 Fitzherbert Street, Petone. On their arrival at the house, Jones came to the door, and the officers explained the nature of the duty they had to perform —the seizure of a vehicle. They then proceeded to take possession of the cart. Jones first attempted to shut the barrier leading on to the road, and also challenged Constable MorHson to touch the vehicle. Immediately afterwards, it is alleged, he drew a revolver, and fired at the constable, the shot going wide. Constable Harrison then went to Constable Morrison’s assistance, when Jones fired at him, this shot also missing. Harrison, who was nearest Jones, threw him on' the ground, and both officer's tried to secure the revolver. While the scuffle was going on, Jones fired two more shots at the constables. It is stated that he pressed the revolver against Constable Morrison's abdomen, but just before it was discharged the weapon was kicked out of Jones’s hand by Constable Harrison. The constables, assisted by Mr Henry Ryder, secured possession of the revolver, handcuffed Jones, and took him to the police station in his own carl.

It wa- only the courage and prompt action of the constables that averted a serious tragedy. Lliter accused was charged at the local Police Court that he did attempt to murder Frederick Charles Harrison, police constable, and also. in rhe same day,/he did attempt to murder Bert Spencer Morrison, police constable.

Accused was remanded until 2nd September, arid was removed to the Terrace Gaol. Joim.--, it is alleged, has become well-known to the public of Petone in connection with offences against the by-laws relating to wandering stock, and a. distress warrant, which was being executed, was to cover a fine imposed for ihat offence.