ESCAPE AND CAPTURE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3004, 27 February 1926, Page 3

ESCAPE AND CAPTURE

SMITH SURPRISED IN GARAGE. Auckland, February 25. The recapture of Thomas Smith, the prisoner who escaped by leaping from a train in the Parnell tunnel on Tuesday, was brought about by a resident of Pokeno, about 40 miles away from the city, notifying an adjacent police party that he had a suspect as passenger in his car, and was keeping the car help up on pretences that the engine needed adjustment. The police surrounded the building. One of them entered and recognised Smith, who surrendered quietly. He had secured a partial change of clothing, and had £l2 on him. He had a scar on the right hand and abrasions on the right knee and shinbone. The prisoner was brought to Auckland last night. When Smith and James Moyne were on their way to appear at Rotorua to answer a charge of theft of benzine, they were in a special compartment reserved for them and their escort, Sergeant Hammond. On entering the tunnel Smith was permitted to enter a convenience without handcuffs, Constable Johnston keeping one foot in the doorway. ’ Smith gave the Constable’s foot a terrific kick, locked the door, smashed the window, and jumped out of the carriage. The information was conveyed to the Auckland station and two police cars and several hired motorcars filled with police were rushed to the Domain adjacent to the tunnel, and every point was guarded. The search was continued all night. .The police were kept informed from time to time of the route Smith had taken, and of the fact that he had changed into a dark tweed suit. About 7.30 o’clock last night Smith asked Mr. Brown, the proprietor of a motor garage at Pokeno, to drive him to Paeroa, but Brown recognised Smith as the escaped prisoner, and conveyed the information to the police. Smith appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, charged with having escaped from custody, and was remanded until March 4. “It was unfortunate about the death of Constable Begg,” he said. “If I had known such an accident might happen I won hi never have got away. However, it’s done now, and what’s done can’t be undone. I’ve made ibis bed for myself, so I suppose I will have to lie on it.”