SENSATIONAL ARREST.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1922, Page 4

SENSATIONAL ARREST.

FUGITIVE SHOOTS DETECTIVE, CAPTURED AFTER CHASE. DETECTIVE’S CONDITION By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hamilton, Last Night. The series of burglaries here had sensational sequel to-day when Detective Lambert was shot in the stomach when arresting William Alexander Croesan. Last night Thompson Bros, fruit shop was burglariously entered, and the burglar was evidently disturbed and decamped, leaving his tools on the counter. Later Hallenstein Bros, shop was entered and goods, including a pair of boots, were taken. From information gleaned the police went to the Frankton railway station, where Crossan was seen on the platform. When interrogated Crossan admitted the burglaries, saying he was wearing the boots stolen. He guided the police to his lodgings, where a search revealed a jemmy, a sandbag, goggles, & packet of cartridges, gloves, and other appliances suitable for housebreakings also Jothes, evidently the proceeds of the burglary. Crossan admitted that he had broken into metal stores a few nights ago and stolen the revolver and cartridges. Asked where these articles were Crossan replied that he planted them at Tamahere, four miles from Hamilton. A taxi driven by Leo Jury was requisitioned, and Crossan was taken to thfe locality, where a search was made without success.' Suddenly, when Detective Lambert and Jury were on the road with Crossan and Constable Sutton was on the bank, Crossan drew a revolver from his pocket and ordered Lambert and Sutton to “Stop dead and hold your hands up or I will shoot.” He then commanded Jury to enter the our and start it. Jury said: “Don't be silly, it 1 isn’t loaded.” Crossan retorted: it?” He then pulled the trigger and fired a shot into the ground. Jury rushed round the car and Crossan pulled the trigger to fir£ at the taxi-driver, but the weapon failed to discharge. Detective Lambert then approached, and when only about a pace or two away from Crossan, the latter fired and shot the detect’ive in the stomach and he fell to the ground. Crossan, still brandishing the revolver, rushed in the direction of the Cambridge cross road. After assisting Lambert into the ofcr Constable Sutton and Jury drove to the top of the hill and the in jured man was left in the car while the others, with the assistance of three men who fortunately arrived at that moment by a lorry, set out in pursuit of the fugitive. Gradually they gained and when Constable Sutton was about ten paces off Crossan stopped and turned round .and faced the constable. The latter ordered Crossan to throw the revolver to him and put his hands above his head* Crossan at first placed the muzzle of the weapon in his mouth and remarked “A man ought to carry on with it,” the inference being that he should account for himself. On second thoughts he withdrew the weapon and handed it to the constable. It still contained cartridges. The constable placed the handcuffs on Crossan, who came away quietly and was placed in the lock-up. The detective’s condition is serious, and his depositions were taken in hospital. Crossan, who is twenty-six, has been a resident bf Hamilton for 18 months. He is of very powerful build, his height being 6ft. 2in. Hamilton, June 9. A boy of thirteen confessed to breaking into Franks’ motor shop and stealing a cash box containing £B. He was committed to the Weraroa Farm.