Introduction
Gustav Albert Koerner Sr.
GUSTAV ALBERT KOERNER SR. was born August 17, 1896. He served for many years with the Camden Police Department. He joined the force on June 16, 1923, and by February of 1928 was one of Camden’s motorcycle policemen. He later was promoted to Detective, and had reached the rank of Detective Sergeant by 1935. He was serving as a Captain of Detectives by June of 1944. When the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled he was living at 807 Haddon Avenue, with wife Mary and at least one child, a son, Gustav Albert Koerner Jr.
By December of 1951 Gustav Koerner had risen to the rank of Chief of Police for the City of Camden. He retired on April 19, 1960.
Gustav Koerner had moved to 430 North 38th Street in East Camden at some point after 1947. He was still listed in the New Jersey Bell Telephone Directory at that address as late as 1977.
Gustav Koerner passed away in January of 1987.
Broken Bottle Maims Officers Quelling Fight
Camden Post-Telegram —
Hurlock Severs Artery in Thrilling Battle to Subdue Men Engaged in Raid in East Camden
FIVE UNDER ARREST AWAITING HEARING
East Camden was aroused last evening over a report that two policemen, William Hurlock and Louis Shlam, of the Third district, had been killed and a colored man shot in a riot at Thirtieth and Pleasant streets, and that another man was surrounded in a house nearby by a posse of police and that shots had been exchanged.
District Detectives Shlam and Hurlock and Acting District Detective Raymond Stark received a call that there was a riot at Thirtieth and Pleasant streets. They responded and found a fight in progress among some drunken men.
There were both white and colored men, and when Officer Hurlock attempted to arrest George Hill, white, one of the men, a tussle ensued and as the men rolled over the floor a broken bottle on the floor gashed the wrist of Officer Hurlock and severed an artery in the struggle he fainted from loss of blood.
In the meantime Officer Shlam was struggling with two more white men when it is alleged that George Carpenter, aged 74 years, a husky negro, despite his age, tried to hit Shlam with an axe. The officer jumped just in time and retaliated by hitting Carpenter a blow over the head with his blackjack. The blow did not hurt the aged man who fled to a nearby house and barricaded the door.
In the meantime the patrol wagon had arrived as well as Motorcycle Policeman Gus Koerner, who picked up Policeman Frank Carle on the way to the scene. Policeman John Stanton also went to the scene.
Four men were placed under arrest. They gave their names as George Hill, Joseph Lohrman, Frank Nidle and Leo Helvins. They were sent in to the City Hall in the patrol wagon, while District Detective Hurlock was rushed to the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital in the car of Fritz Hager.
An attempt was then made to arrest Carpenter who had barricaded himself inside the house and defied the police for two hours. He was finally induced to come out into the street and was quickly nabbed.
Inability of Hurlock to appear in court to-day caused a postponement of the hearing. The officer was taken home after being treated at the hospital. His injury is causing him much distress. Hill is accused of assaulting Hurlock and Carpenter is charged with assault on Shlam. The others are accused of disorderly conduct.
City Employee Is Freed in Gun-Carrying Case
Camden Courier-Post —
When Paul Genovese, 48 years old, of 613 South 4th Street, a city gardener, was arraigned in police court this morning on a charge of carrying concealed deadly weapons, he told Judge Bertman he did not know it was illegal to carry firearms. Sentence was suspended after a severe reprimand.
Genovese was arrested Sunday night at Third and Washington streets by Policeman Gus Koerner. The case was postponed to produce additional witnesses.
In court this morning Koerner said he found Genovese chasing another man with the gun. The policeman said Genovese was intoxicated.
Bertman rebuked the defendant and told him that just because he was a city employee and wore a badge he was not entitled to carry a gun and blackjack. In suspending sentence he told him he could not carry a weapon at any time in the future under any circumstances without the proper permit.
Camden Cops Lose to Central Quintet
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Caveman’ Clayton Sparkles in City League Victory; Wayne Boys Win
Central Camden beat the Camden Police quintet to make it two straight in the Municipal basketball circuit at Convention Hall last night. By blanking Clarence Phifer, and holding Ott Laxton down to six points the Central outfit spiked the Coppers’ attack. Clayton and Grover Wearshing did the heavy work for the winners. Clayton held Phifer without a field shot and tallied four times from the field. Wearshing bagged a trio of double-deckers.
Gus Koerner was ejected from the game when Referee Keneman ruled him off the floor for abusive language.
The Wayne dribblers battled down South Camden under a 46–20 score in the other combat. Jimmy Reed and Devlin were the bright stars for the winners.
League Standing
Camden Courier-Post —
W., L., P.C.
Central Camden — 2, 0, 1.000
St. Paul — 1, 0, 1.000
Ninth Ward — 1, 0, 1.000
Camden Police — 2, 1, .666
South Camden — 1, 1, .500
Wayne Club — 1, 1, .500
Haddon A. A. — 1, 1, .500
First Ward — 0, 1, .000
Radio A. A. — 0, 2, .000
Thirteenth Ward — 0, 2, .000
Last Night’s Scores
Central Camden, 31; Camden Police, 21. Wayne A. A., 45; South Camden, 20.
CENTRAL CAMDEN
Fld, Fl, FT, TP
Mezger, rf — 1, 0, 1, 2
Phifer, rf — 0, 1, 3, 1
Wearshing, lf, lg — 3, 2, 3, 8
Clayton, c — 4, 7, 12, 15
Godfrey, rg — 1, 0, 2, 2
Chambers, lg, lf — 1, 1, 3, 3
Totals — 10, 11, 24, 31
CAMDEN POLICE
Fld, Fl, FT, TP
Laxton, lf — 3, 0, 4, 6
Bright, rf — 2, 0, 1, 4
Phifer, c — 0, 2, 4, 2
Bearint, rg — 2, 3, 4, 7
Koerner, lg — 0, 2, 4, 2
Schultz, lg — 0, 0, 0, 0
Totals — 7, 7, 17, 21
Score, first half—Central Camden, 18; Camden Police, 12. Referee—Keneman. Timer—Campbell. Scorer—Campbell and Molloie.
WAYNE A. A.
Fld, Fl, FT, TP
Reed, f — 4, 6, 8, 14
Devlin, f — 4, 4, 9, 12
Housman, c — 1, 0, 1, 2
L. Campbell, g — 2, 5, 6, 9
Lynch, g — 2, 4, 10, 8
Totals — 13, 19, 34, 45
SOUTH CAMDEN
Fld, Fl, FT, TP
Mahney, f — 2, 0, 4, 4
Gardner, f — 1, 0, 1, 2
McLoughlin, c — 1, 0, 2, 2
Costello, g — 1, 1, 4, 3
Devine, g — 3, 3, 6, 9
Krown, g — 0, 0, 0, 0
McKay, g — 0, 0, 0, 0
Totals — 8, 4, 17, 20
Score, first half—Wayne, 23; South Camden, 11. Referee—Keneman. Timer—Campbell. Scorer—Hall.
Detectives Holding 3 Burglar Suspects
Camden Courier-Post —
Clothing Stolen From Store, Teacher’s Desk Looted; Bell-Ringer Arrested
City detectives today were questioning three youths arrested in different sections of Camden, who are believed to be responsible for a series of robberies. At the same time police were investigating the theft of clothing from a store at Ann and Sycamore Streets, and the pilfering of $1.50 from the desk of a teacher of the Broadway School.
Francis Smith, 19 years old, of 1120 Locust Street, and Raymond Walker, 19 years old, of 747 Woodland Avenue, were arrested by Policeman James McTaggart, in the rear of a house at Broadway and Atlantic Avenue. The boys said they were “waiting for somebody.” McTaggart took them to police headquarters at 1.50 o’clock this morning. There, screw drivers were found when their clothing was searched. Captain of Detectives John Golden today declared that he believed Thomas Vanor, 21 years old, of 1242 Daley Street, Philadelphia, was the man who has been breaking into houses in North Camden, after ringing doorbells and not getting an answer.
Vanor was caught by Policeman Frank Evans near Front and Erie Street. When first questioned at police headquarters, Vanor was unable to explain what he was doing in that neighborhood. A telephone call that “a man is breaking into a store at Ann and Sycamore Streets” was received at police headquarters at 11.30 last night. Motorcycle Policeman Gus Koerner investigated and found that the store window had been broken by a bottle. Neighbors who were questioned reported that a man jumped from the window and ran up Sycamore Street, carrying some clothing.
Police believe boys broke into the Broadway School. Although several school rooms were ransacked, a check-up revealed that only $1.50 had been stolen.
Gangster Shot as Racketeers Open War Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Gloucester Man Near Death After Attack at Broadway and Kaighn Avenue
FELLED NEAR QUARTERS OF CAMDEN GAMBLERS
Brother of Frank Doris Accused After Police Round Up 10 Men
In Gang Shooting
JOHN DORIS
Brother of Frank Doris, who was electrocuted for murder in connection with the Olney Bank robbery. John Doris is under arrest for shooting an alleged racketeer here yesterday.
Shooting of an alleged racketeer at Broadway and Kaighn avenue, near the threshold of one of South Jersey’s notorious reputed gambling joints, threw Camden police into renewed warfare on gangdom yesterday.
Like the shots that riddled Hughy McLoon, the dwarfed Philadelphia hunchback—shots that blew off the lid off Philadelphia vice and police corruption—those that echoed in the recognized rendezvous of Camden gangdom promised to have far-reaching effects.
The victim was Joseph Connors, 28, of 135 North Broadway, Gloucester, alleged beer racketeer. With a bullet in his lungs and another in his abdomen, he was conceded “an even chance” to live at West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital last night
John Doris, 24, brother of Frank Doris, who died in the electric chair for murder during the Olney Bank holdup is under arrest charged with the shooting.
A roundup by a special squad of detectives immediately following the shooting resulted in the arrest of 10 men, among them some well-known gangsters and racketeers. All were held in bail as material witnesses.
Those netted in the roundup and the bail demanded follow:
Russell Sage, 426 Mechanic street, several times suspected in Camden gang shootings, held without bail for trying to help Doris escape; James “Jimmie” Toland, former Philadelphia pugilist and now operator of the Nonpariel Club, $2500 bail; Joseph Simms, cook in the Nonpariel Club, $500 bail; Charles Riehm, 1051 Haddon avenue, manager of the club; William Kelly, alias Leo Morton, 425 Van Hook street, $500; Harry Selah, 1240 South Third street, a spectator who named Doris as the assailant, $500; William J. Merrick, 1128 Liberty street, $2500; Lorenzo Cole, 920 Jefferson avenue, $500; Ernest Matsius, 506 Kaighn avenue, $500; Leo McKenna, 426 Mt. Vernon street, $500.
Motive in Doubt
Motive for the shooting was so tangled in the mazes of gangland’s intrigues of love, avarice and rivalry that police confessed they were unable to fathom it. Gangland’s glib explanation was that Doris and Connors quarreled over change for a $5 bill in the Nonpariel Club, Second and Kaighn avenue several hours before the shooting.
The shooting took place in front of the American Restaurant, 506 Kaighn avenue after the two men had engaged in a bitter quarrel at a table inside. Other patrons saw both arise and punch viciously. Doris suffered severe cuts on the face in the exchange. Then the fighters walked out to the street to finish the battle.
But as Connors raised his hands, the other pulled a pistol and began firing at point-blank range. Connors screamed and ran back toward the restaurant with Doris, the pistol still in readiness, in pursuit.
Shot Shatters Pane
Three shots were fired. One crashed through a window of the United Shoe Repair Shop on the opposite side of the street at 505 Kaighn avenue.
In his haste to escape, Connors lunged through the glass panel of the restaurant door, cutting his hands and face.
The wounded man ran through the kitchen into Amber street at the rear. Doris pursued him as far as Broadway, but turned from the chase when a group of pedestrians ran toward him. Connors collapsed near the corner as he cried “Get the wagon. I’m shot.”
Sage, the suspect denied bail, tried to put the fugitive board [sic] a Philadelphia-Pitman bus, police said, but the driver refused to take him as passenger because he said he was not permitted to make stops in Gloucester, where Sage asked the driver to discharge Doris.
Meanwhile available detectives and patrolmen were hurried to the scene. When the search ended Doris had been in a cell in Camden police headquarters several hours as a “drunk.”
Picked Up as Drunk
He was “sent in” by Policeman Joseph Leonhardt after telling an incoherent story of “bumping off a guy.” Leonhardt sized him up as helplessly drunk and arrested him near the Nonpareil Club less than 30 minutes after the shooting.
It was not until later, when Doris’ friends, a woman among them, called police headquarters for news of him. All asked for him by his right name except the woman. She asked first for Doris and then for “John King.” This was the alias Doris gave when “slated.” He was questioned in his cell by Detective Sergeant Samuel Johnson, but it was not until he actually was identified as the assailant that police were certain they had the right man.
As Detectives Koerner, Cheesman, Carpani, McGrath and Troncone continued to bring suspects into headquarters for questioning, Selah, one of those arrested near the scene of the shooting, was asked as a detective pointed to Doris:
“Is that the man?”
Selah nodded.
Doris Record Bad
Doris has a criminal record that dates back to his school days. Once, Judge James E. Gorman, Philadelphia, told him he was headed for the electric chair—an end that looms as a distinct possibility. Doris also was suspected in the murder of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, in Kaighn avenue, between Front and Second streets, a few doors from the Nonpareil Club.
So far as Camden authorities were able to determine last night, Connors has no police record. He has been linked, they said, to a beer racket and is known as a frequenter of gambling joints, police said, but local records show no mark against him.
Machine Gun Holds Mystery
Two mysterious elements stand out to further baffle scrutiny of the motives behind the shooting. One is the sudden closing of two South Camden gambling joints—one in a second floor room in Broadway, below Kaighn avenue and the other at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue. These places, both operating at full blast, closed their doors on Friday without an explanation that could be reconciled with the circumstances.
The other mysterious touch to yesterday’s affair was an apparently well-authenticated report that police arrested a man in a car with a machine gun. Efforts to learn the identity of this man were fruitless.
Speculation concerning the closing of the gambling houses jumped from rumors of a war of rival gamblers, to warnings of a holdup or of a police raid. Paraphernalia was removed from both places and sentries posted to spread discreet warnings for patrons to keep away. The place at Tenth street and Kaighn avenue was closed by police three months ago. Its reopening was unexplained.
The shooting spurred police officials to what Chief Lewis Stehr declared would be a wholesale cleanup of South Camden’s hangouts, and gaming dens.
“Orders went out three months ago,” said Stehr “to clamp on the lid. We have been working hard to keep it on. This shooting may have no significance in itself, but it stresses the need to wipe out the practice of carrying weapons.”
Extra details of plain clothesmen were on duty in the Kaighn avenue district last night, Stehr announced.
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd, Merchantville, recently appointed to serve the district including Camden, declared he intends to review the facts in yesterday’s shooting to determine if his intervention in alleged Camden racketeering is warranted.
Justice Lloyd’s charge to the April grand jury demanding a curb on the carrying of firearms and asking a campaign to curb the influx of Philadelphia criminals into South Jersey, caused widespread anticipation of a general review of vice conditions here.
Commissioner David S. Boone, director of public safety, said the police department “has its hands full” in attempting to execute orders for a cleanup he issued some months ago.
He declared he issued special orders yesterday to Chief Stehr as a result of the most recent shooting. But he declined to disclose their purport.
The shooting was subject of a lengthy conference of the county’s law-enforcement officers in the prosecutor’s office. Lawrence T. Doran, chief of county detectives and Rocco Palese, assistant prosecutor, refused to comment on the possible effect the shooting might have on demands for a review of conditions here.
Doran, who entered the investigation on orders of the prosecutor’s office, attempted unsuccessfully to induce the wounded man to name his assailant. He permitted Connors’ brother, Raymond, to see Joseph, hoping that the brother would aid him.
Instead, Raymond walked to his brother’s side and whispered:
“Don’t say a word. Keep your mouth shut.”
Doran arrested him immediately as a material witness.
Scene of Shooting That Renewed War on Gangdom
—Courier-Post Photo
This diagram shows where John Doris shot down Joseph Connors, alleged racketeer, in a mysterious feud of Camden’s underworld. Doris, gunman, gangster and racketeer, shot his foeman at point-blank range. The dotted line shows how the victim ran for his life into the American Restaurant, 506 Kaighn avenue, with the gunman in pursuit.
One-Legged Hiker Seeks Camden Kin
Camden Courier-Post —
Makes Trip From North Carolina to Find Sister.
Hitch-hiking from Winston-Salem, N. C., with the aid of but one leg, William Beale, 25, arrived here last night seeking relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Murphy, who live “near Camden.”
Beale was picked up in Wilmington by Rev. A. J. Kilpatrick, Trinity Church, Swedesboro, who drove him to Camden.
Beale told Detective Gus Koerner his aunt, Jeanette Beale, had married Edward Murphy, who lives several miles from Camden. Until last year, he said, he had corresponded with them and wished to visit them.
While police aid him in his search, Beale will be permitted to remain at City Hall.
2 Police Officers Made Lieutenants
Camden Courier-Post —
Rhone Reported Ready to Make Five Patrolmen Sergeant
Reports that five members of the Camden police department will be promoted to sergeants tomorrow were circulated, today after announcement that two sergeants had been appointed lieutenant.
Those who, according to rumors, will be elevated to sergeant are Nathan Petit, of the second police district, to be assigned to the traffic squad; Gus Koerner, detective bureau; Walter Rowand, first district; Frank Truax, Second district, and Edward Hahn, third district.
The two new lieutenants who took oath of office yesterday are Samuel Johnson and Thomas Cunningham. The former was a sergeant of police attached to the detective bureau and will continue in that department, while Cunningham, while a sergeant, was acting lieutenant in day command at the fourth district. He remains in that district. The appointments were announced yesterday by Commissioner David S. Rhone, director of public safety.
Both were immediately administered oaths of office by Dr. Rhone’s secretary, Bayard M. Sullivan, at the director’s office. Lieutenant Cunningham is already eligible for retirement, having served more than 20 years on the city police force.
The two appointments complete the seven lieutenancies created by a city ordinance. Ten members of the police department passed civil service examinations for the post, which pays an annual salary of $2500. Each must serve one year as lieutenant before becoming eligible to take examination for captaincy.
The five previously appointed lieutenants are George Frost, now night commander of the fourth district; Walter Welch, third district; Charles Laib, a sub-commander of the traffic bureau under Captain Charles T. Humes, traffic Inspector; Ralph Bakley, second district; and George Ward, first district.
The other three candidates who passed the examination, Sergeants John T. Potter, Herbert Anderson and Harry I. Newton, did not receive lieutenancies, although Potter had the highest percentage in the tests.
2 Held in Raid as Night Club Has Opening
Camden Courier-Post —
2 HELD IN RAID AS NIGHT CLUB HAS OPENING
Proprietors Fight Claim of Police They Operated in Violation of Law
NORTH CAMDEN PLACE HAS SHORT EXISTENCE
Case Sent to Grand Jury After Hearing in City Police Court
Although they were not included among the 500 guests invited to the “grand opening,” First district police last night visited the new Ambassador Club at 519 Main street on orders of Mayor Roy R. Stewart and arrested the two alleged proprietors and six other persons.
Stephen Kirby, 33, of 552 Bailey street, former boxer and city fireman, and Eugene Lorenzo, 33, who gave the club as his address, were held by Judge Garfield Pancoast, in $500 bail each for the grand jury as proprietors after they pleaded not guilty in police court this morning to charges of operating a disorderly house. The other six, including two women, were released in their own recognizance as material witnesses.
Police charged that the establishment had no soft drink license and that two half-barrels of high-powered beer were found on the premises. Kirby held that the place was privileged to operate as it had been incorporated by the state as a club and that he had a half-barrel of near beer.
The raid on the alleged whoopee house follows the raid made Monday night on a Chinese gambling establishment at 507 North Fifth street, one block distant. Both raids are part of Mayor Stewart’s announced program to “clean gangsters and their lairs from Camden.”
Police said that Kirby appeared at police headquarters last Monday night and offered bail for the 57 Chinese prisoners but that the bail was taken from another bondsman.
Although the establishment advertised in invitations a “grand opening” for last night, it had been in operation for some days past, said Lieut. George Ward, commander of the district who led the raid. He was accompanied by Detectives Alfred Shire and Walter Smith.
Incorporation Claimed
Kirby told police the club was incorporated by himself and six men, and that it had been closed on Monday night following a visit there by Lieut. Ward, Shire and Smith. This visit followed the complaint of Eli Carson, of 5101 Chester avenue, Philadelphia, that he had been robbed there of a watch, Kirby said. This was verified by police.
“We held a meeting yesterday,” Kirby maintained, “and decided that as a club, incorporated by the state, we had the right to open irrespective of police orders. We had even an official reopening and it was known as ’grand reopening.’”
Two barrels of alleged high-powered beer were found in the club, and bottles, believed by police to have contained whisky.
Lieutenant Ward ordered all the prisoners to be held as “principals” until identity of the proprietor could be established. On his order Sergt. Gus Koerner refused to accept a $1000 surety bond proffered for release of the seven other prisoners last night.
On Sunday night Detective Edwin Mills went to the club and received the watch Carson contended was stolen from him. Kirby declared that the watch was accepted as security for a $7 loan by Lorenzo and denied an allegation of Carson that women frequented the upper floors of the club.
Following the closing of the place Kirby said that an invitation was “sent out to 500 members for the official reopening.”
Kirby declared last night that the raid was unjust.
“I am an American citizen and ex-service man, as are three others arrested with me,” Kirby said. “We are incorporated as a club and make no disturbance, but we’re raided. I can’t understand that, in view of the fact that that Chinese place raided the other night still shows lights at 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning.
“I was released pending a hearing when I posted $100 cash, but the police would not accept a bond of $1000 for the other seven. They wanted cash, but finally the others were released in $500 bail each for a hearing this morning. And yet those Chinese arrested were released in $10 security.”
Camden Burglar Slain; Cop Wounded in Gun Duel
Camden Courier-Post —
TWO SUSPECTS HELD IN FATAL FIGHT AT STORE
Detective Robert Ashenfelter in Serious Condition at Hospital
NO WARNING IS GIVEN AS SLEUTH IS FELLED
‘Tip’ on Robbery at Thirty-Second and Pierce Given By Telephone
Wounded Sleuth and Companion
—Courier-Post Photo
City Detective Robert Ashenfelter, wounded three times in a gun battle with a burglar suspect early this morning, is shown in his bed at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, talking to Detective Benjamin Simon. The latter, who was two feet behind Ashenfelter when the latter was hit, is shown telling the wounded man that the burglar, Charles Rettberg, 21, was killed in the volley of machine gun and revolver shots. The shooting occurred at the rear of a chain store at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue.
CHARLES RETTBERG
Twenty-one-year-old East Camden burglar who was shot to death during a gun duel with police early this morning. Trapped in a chain grocery store at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue, Rettberg seriously wounded Detective Robert Ashenfelter. The latter emptied his pistol at Rettberg, while Policeman Frank Evans opened fire with a machine gun.
A burglar was shot and killed by policemen armed with a machine gun after he critically wounded a city detective during a gun duel in the rear of an East Camden store early this morning. The slain man was Charles Rettberg, 21, 1189 North Thirty-sixth street.
In grave condition at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital is City Detective Robert Ashenfelter, 39, of 119 Manheim avenue, Oaklyn. Ashenfelter, who is married, was shot three times, one bullet lodging over his heart, another in his right shoulder and another went through the right hand.
Two men are under arrest on suspicion of being Rettberg’s accomplices in the fatal attempt to rob the American Store on the southeast corner of Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue. They are Theodore Rettberg, 24, brother of the dead man, and a man who gave his name as Melvin James, 38, of Pottstown, Pa.
Theodore Rettberg was arrested at his home after the shooting when detectives found his clothing soaked by rain. James, who is believed to be a Camden man despite the address he gave, was found lying on the front step of the store prior to the shooting, ostensibly intoxicated. He was armed.
Police believe that James was feigning intoxication and actually was the lookout. Clothing worn by a third man seen running across a vacant lot immediately after the shooting tallied with that found in Theodore Rettberg’s room, according to the police.
A truck said by the police to be owned by Theodore Rettberg was found parked within half a block from the store.
Both James and Theodore Rettberg denied any implication in the attempted robbery, although they were subjected to questioning for several hours by Captain John Golden, of the city detectives, and Chief Lawrence T. Doran, of the county detectives.
Police was unable to determine how many times Charles Rettberg had been shot, or who had killed him. Detective Ashenfelter emptied his revolver at the trapped men, while Policeman Frank Evans manned the machine gun.
The fatality occurred at about 3.1[?] a. m. Desk Sergeant Gus Koerner received an anonymous telephone call at police headquarters shortly after 3 a. m. The caller declared that burglars were breaking into the American Store at “Thirty-second Bergen avenue.”
“You meaned Thirty-second and Pierce?” quizzed Koerner.
The caller mumbled something and hung up without giving his name. His mistake in the address — Thirty-second street and Bergen avenue run parallel to each other—led police to believe the caller was a stranger in that section of the city, if not in the city itself.
Koerner dispatched Policemen Evans and Charles Wainwright to the scene in a bandit chaser, which is equipped with a portable machine gun. Koerner also notified the detective bureau, and Ashenfelter and Benjamin Simon started out in another car. A third call was made to the Third district police station by Koerner, and the patrol crew, Joseph Shreeves and Elwood Humphreys, hastened to the store.
Evans and Wainwright arrived first, parking their car when they saw James sprawled on the front step. They questioned him, but he talked incoherently. Ashenfelter and Simon arrived in their car. Believing James was a lookout and that the burglar or burglars might still be in the place, the two detectives ran toward the rear to cut off escape from that exit.
Ashenfelter was about two feet ahead of Simon. With his gun in hand, Ashenfelter reached the rear of the building and started to turn the corner.
Burglar Opens Fire
Without warning a shot rang out from the interior of the shed at the rear. The bullet struck Ashenfelter in the right hand, tearing the butt off his revolver and then entering his chest. The revolver dropped from his hand.
Ashenfelter sank to his knees, crying, “They got me!” Nevertheless, he grasped his revolver in his uninjured left hand and emptied it into the shed, as four more bullets ripped through the door from the inside at the already wounded detective. One bullet struck Ashenfelter in the right shoulder, but the other three missed him.
Unable to reload, Ashenfelter drew himself to his feet and staggered out of line of fire. He fell into the arms of Simon, who pulled him out of danger.
Meanwhile Evans, hearing the shots, left Wainwright in front of the building with their prisoners, James. Seizing the machine gun, Evan’s [sic] ran to the rear. He pointed it at the door and shouted.
“Come out or I’ll shoot.”
There was no answer. Evans waited a moment, again shouted his warning, and then fired a burst from the machine gun. Seven bullets crashed through the door and wall of the shed.
The Third district patrol arrived and Ashenfelter was placed in it. He had attempted to rise three times, but on each occasion he slumped to the ground.
Hearing no sound from inside, police tore the door off its remaining hinge. They found Rettberg lying on the floor in a line with the door. He was dead. In his right hand was a 25-calibre pistol. All its cartridges had been discharged. Near his body also were a brace, bit and jimmy.
Policeman Wainwright then saw a man running east across the vacant lots in the rear of the store. Humphreys shouted to him to stop but when his command was not heeded, fired a shot at the fleeing figure. The fugitive disappeared on Bergen avenue, but not before Humphreys ascertained that he wore a yellow shirt.
Gun Found on Suspect
James was searched, and a .38-calibre revolver was found in his possession. He denied knowledge of the attempted robbery, and was taken to police headquarters.
A short time later, District Detectives Louis Schlam and Richard Donnelly, and Policemen Charles Johnson and Lewis Smith, all of the Third District, went to Rettberg’s home. There they found Theodore Rettberg clad only in underwear. He denied he had been at the store or with his brother, but the officers declared they found a bright yellow shirt and a pair of duck trousers in his room. The two articles of clothing were wet. As it had been raining at the time of the robbery, Theodore Rettberg was arrested on suspicion.
The manager of the store, Charles Schultz, 1618 Pierce avenue, stated it was the second time burglars had visited the establishment. About a month ago robbers stole $100 worth of goods, entering the place by forcing the shed door and then drilling a number of holes around the lock of the inner rear door.
This leads police to believe that Rettberg was implicated in the first robbery, as the same method of entrance was tried this morning. The thieves took off one hinge of the rear shed door and in that manner, opened that door this morning. Then the thieves attacked the door leading from the shed to the rear room of the store. A number of holes had been drilled around the bolt and a hole large enough to admit a man’s hand had been punched through the door.
However, Schultz had barricaded the inside door to prevent a second burglary. He had braced a heavy timber against the door, nailing the other end to the floor.
Hospital physicians at first feared that Ashenfelter had no chance for recovery. This forenoon, they said his condition had become fair, although it was too serious to permit them to remove the bullets.
The wounded detective was conscious this afternoon, and when Simon visited him, asked,
“Did they get him?”
“Yes, he’s dead,” Simon informed him.
“That makes me feel better,” sighed Ashenfelter. “That does me more good than medicine, and now I’ll get better quick. I’m glad they got him, for he tried to kill me and almost did.”
Where Burglar Was Killed and Cop Wounded
Here is the scene of this morning’s gun battle between a burglar suspect and police, as reconstructed by photographer and artist. The photo shows the rear of the American Store at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue, in which Charles Rettberg was shot to death as he opened fire on police who trapped him. Rettberg is pictured lying in the shed, a small revolver, discharged, grasped in his hand. Outside the shed is the figure of City Detective Robert Ashenfelter, wounded three times. Detective Benjamin Simon is shown pulling Ashenfelter out of the line of fire, not knowing whether the trapped man was dead or alive.
To Investigate Death of Man Found in Shed
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Benjamin R. Denny, John Cooper, South 2nd Street, and John Huston.
Victim of Amnesia Found Wandering On Streets Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Found wandering in the vicinity of Twenty-seventh and Federal Streets last night an unidentified man was sent to Cooper Hospital apparently suffering from amnesia.
Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner found the man, who said his brother is a New York policeman. The man was unable to give a coherent reply to questions about his name or address.
Fingerprints will be taken today, Koerner said, in order to determine whether the man has a police record. Koerner said he speaks with an Irish brogue, is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs about 145 pounds and has a prominent nose. He was dressed in a brown suit, gray overcoat, sweater and brown shoes.
Mystery Prisoner Tries to End Life
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Amnesia Victim’ Jailed Pending Examination by Physicians
Police still were attempting last night to identify the man picked up by police Monday night and who attempted to commit suicide on the way to the Bertillion room at police headquarters to be fingerprinted. Although he maintained he does not know his name or where he comes from, police believe him to be holding something back.
Placed In Jail
He was placed in the county jail on order of Judge Pancoast pending examination by county physicians. As he was being led into the Bertillon records room, the prisoner made a sudden dash for the window and tried to throw it open. Detectives William Boettcher, Clifford Del Rossi and Clarence Arthur dragged him away and subdued him after a violent struggle. While his incoherent responses to questions indicated he might be a victim of amnesia, Del Rossi expressed the belief the prisoner was “concealing something.” Copies of his fingerprints will be sent to Eastern police departments in an effort to identify him.
Brother a Policeman
The man was wandering in the vicinity of Twenty-seventh and Federal streets last night. Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner questioned him but the only information he could elicit was that the man had a brother on the New York police force. Koerner took him to Cooper Hospital and then to the city jail.
Bandits Rip Off Trousers And Take Worker's $500 Cash
Camden Courier-Post —
Trio Attacks Man on Way to Shipyard and Menaces Barber Who Goes to Aid With Revolver; Hurl Torn Garment in Victim’s Face
After holding him up and tearing off his trousers completely from his legs three bandits robbed Adam Wallace, 61, of 1021 South Second Street, of $500 at 7:00 a.m. yesterday.
A South Camden barber who attempted to assist the man as the bandits were struggling with him was threatened with death by one of the thugs who pointed a revolver at his face.
Wallace told Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner he was walking along South Second Street on his way to work at the New York Shipbuilding Company when three colored men approached him at Boyer’s Court, which is between Sycamore Street and Kaighn Avenue.
One of them grabbed him around the neck, he said, and he was dragged into a small alley. He attempted to struggle with the men he told Koerner, but they overpowered him and threw him to the ground. They then tore his trousers and took $500 he had in one of the pockets.
While the thieves were struggling with the man, Herman Bird, colored, a barber, of 1131 South Second Street, who was washing the windows of his shop less than 100 feet away heard the commotion and ran to Adam’s assistance.
One of the trio stopped him before he reached the alley and placed the revolver against his mouth and told him to “go back where you came from or you will get shot.”
After taking the trousers the bandits found the money and hurled the torn garment back at Wallace who was still lying on the ground.
He returned to his home less than two squares away and reported the theft to detectives. The money, he said, was cash that he has saved up in several years employment at the shipyard. He did not tell detectives how he happened to be carrying it today.
3 Boys Arrested, One as Burglar
Camden Courier-Post —
Others Captured on Roof of Vacant House; Oldest 13
Three small boys were arrested last night as lawbreakers.
John Greely, 13, of 419 Cedar Street, charged with malicious mischief and breaking and entering, was arrested by Detective John Kaighn on complaint of Carl H. Brummer, of 629 Clinton Street, manager of an American Store at Fourth and Elm Streets.
Two other boys, Victor Linkletter, 13, and William Hoy, 12, both of 506 Penn Street, are charged with trespassing. They were arrested by Detective Sergeant Gustave Koerner and Detectives Kaighn and Frank Crawford, who from windows of the detective bureau in new city hall, said they saw the boys on the roof of a vacant three-story building at 427 Market Street.
Climbing up the rear of the building they said they cornered the boys hiding behind a chimney, apparently planning to enter the building.
All three will be arraigned in police court today.
Camden Boy, 13, Held on Burglary Charge
Camden Courier-Post —
Charged with malicious mischief and breaking and entering, John Greeley, 13, of 419 Cedar Street, was sent to the Detention Home to await action by the Juvenile Court at a hearing yesterday before Police Judge Pancoast.
Patrolman Walter Patton testified he arrested the boy as he emerged from a chain grocery at Fourth and Elm Streets. Complaint against John was made by C. H. Brummer, 629 Clinton Street, manager of the store.
Two other boys, Victor Linkletter, 13, of 506 Penn Street, and William Hoy, 12, same address, arrested on the roof of a vacant building at 429 Market Street, were freed. Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner said he believes the boys were going to enter the place.
Four Men Arrested in Shooting Threat
Camden Courier-Post —
Four men were arrested last night as the result of an alleged threat to shoot one of them.
Michael Di Orio, 30, of 245 Pine street, was held in $1000 bail on a charge of threatening to kill George Hettrick, 23, of 905 Moore street, who was held in $500 bail as a material witness to the case. Others held as witnesses are Ralph Di Servio, 21, of 307 Pine street, and James Liccketto, 24, of 640 South Third street.
Hettrick, according to Sergt. Gustav Koerner, said Di Orio threatened to “give him the works” while he was attending a party Monday night. The others were with the accused, Hettrick said. Detectives Walter Smith, John Trout and Marshall Thompson nabbed the trio at a restaurant and said Hettrick identified them at police headquarters.
5 Men and Woman Held in P.S. Bus Barn Holdup, Marlton Bank Robbery
Camden Courier-Post —
Four of Notorious ‘Forty’
COPS ARREST 4 IN PHILA. HOTEL COUNTING CASH
Camden Police to Seek Extradition of Gang at Hearing Thursday
LICENSE NUMBER OF CAR LEADS TO RAID ON ROOM
Scores of Crimes Charged to Members of ‘Band of 40 Thieves’
Five men and a woman, reputedly members of Camden’s notorious “band of 40 thieves,” were arrested yesterday and formally charged with the holdup of the Public Service bus garage at Fifteenth and Mickle streets.
Efforts are also being made by local and state police to link the sextet with the $4000 Marlton National Bank holdup last Friday, and more than a score of other recent crimes throughout South Jersey.
All six will be given hearings Thursday. The five men are held without bail; the woman is in jail in default of $5000 bail.
Stanley Powell, 28, of 1256 Whitman avenue, and Stephie Ciesla, 22, of 1224 Chase street, were taken into custody in Camden.
John Lenkowski, 28, of Chestnut and Louis streets; Stanley Geda, 22, of the 1200 block Everett street; Stanley Krause, 19, of 1252 Sycamore street, and Mitchell Sadowski, 18, of 1200 Sycamore street, were arrested in Philadelphia. Lieut. George Ward, of the Camden detective bureau, is preparing extradition papers to have them returned to this city.
Suspected in Holdups
The six are also suspected of complicity by local and state police in the holdup ten days ago of the Genova Cafe, Third and Arch streets; the $900 payroll robbery last month of the Young and Metzner Company at Sixth street and Atlantic avenue; the attempted robbery of a Westville chain store last Friday when shots were exchanged with police; the holdup of an ice cream stand at Central Airport; the larceny of an automobile from the Cadillac-LaSalle agency in Westville, Friday, and the theft of more than a score of other automobiles.
A total of $187.50 was found in the possession of the quartet nabbed in Philadelphia yesterday. This was described as part of the loot from the Public Service garage job by Lieutenant Ward.
The spectacular capture of the four was hailed by local authorities as the first step in the breaking up of the notorious gang that has been operating in South Jersey for so long. The arrest of Powell and the Ciesla girl came a few hours later.
Lieutenant Ward and Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner, aided by (Continued on Page Two)
STANLEY POWELL (Above) STANLEY GEDA (Above) JOHN LENKOWSKI MITCHELL SADOWSKI
Lenkowski, Geda and Sadowski are three of the four suspects in the Public Service garage holdup early yesterday nabbed in Philadelphia and held without bail to await extradition at a hearing Thursday. The other is Stanley Krause. All are Camdenites. Powell was arrested with Stephie Ciesla in Camden, and also held without bail for a hearing Thursday. Bail of $5000 was placed on the girl. The six are suspected of complicity in the Marlton bank holdup last Friday, also.
5 Men, Woman Held in Bus, Bank Holdups
(Continued from Page One)
Philadelphia detectives, swooped down upon Irving Hotel, 917 Walnut street, Philadelphia, and smashed in a door to a second-floor room. There they found the four men, according to Ward.
Were Dividing Money
“They were dividing up some money,” explained the detective head. “It was stolen in the Public Service holdup yesterday. We are lodging a detainer against them with a warrant accusing them of that job. The Marlton bank holdup is a Burlington county matter. Once we get them over here we will question them about other local jobs.
“We have been looking for them for some time. We understood they had been living in Philadelphia for the past six weeks, and yesterday we learned they had moved to the Irving Hotel. So we planned the raid. The biggest factor in finding them was the cars they have been using. Police in both states were on the lookout for the car used in the Marlton holdup.”
The arrest of Powell and the girl came as a result of the Philadelphia raid. The license number of the car in which the four had driven to the hotel was checked, and traced to the girl’s mother.
Patrolmen William Feitz and Joseph Schultz went to her home and waited for the car to appear.
Powell was driving the car as it approached the Chase street address. When it stopped, the two policemen placed both Powell and Miss Ceisla [sic] under arrest. The man jumped from the car and ran, with Schultz in pursuit. After a chase of half a block, the cop fired a shot over Powell’s head. Powell stopped and surrendered.
Powell Denies Holdup
Powell denied any part in the garage holdup, saying he had slept at the Ciesla home Sunday night. He was held without bail as an accessory after the fact, however, and the girl was placed under $5000 bail as a material witness. They will be given hearings Thursday.
The four arrested in Philadelphia were given preliminary hearings today before Magistrate Charles Medway at Twelfth and Pine streets police station. They were held without bail for another hearing Thursday, when Lieut. Ward will ask that they be extradited to Camden.
At today’s hearing, all four denied any connection with the garage holdup. They testified that two men had come to their room in the hotel and left a bag in their care. They were in the act of counting the contents of the bag—$187.50 in nickels, dimes and quarters—when the police entered, they said.
Lankowski and Sadowski told the Court they did not know the identity of the two men, saying they were friends of Krause. But Krause said he didn’t know them either, whereupon Magistrat [sic] Medway held all four without bail for a further hearing Thursday.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia police are checking on recent holdups there in an effort to link the quartet with them.
Identified by Victims
Witnesses to the Public Service holdup yesterday were taken to Philadelphia and identified the suspects, according to Lieut. Ward. They also identified a photograph of Powell, he added.
Corporal George G. Small, of Berlin barracks, New Jersey State Police, and Detective Sergeant William P. Kelly, of Hammonton headquarters, went to Philadelphia last night in an effort to link the quartet with numerous robberies throughout South Jersey, including two chain stores in Pine Hill last week. Sergeant Kelly was the only one to question the men. Lieut. Ward did not, but explained that he will Thursday.
Thomas Thorpe, chief of Pennsauken township police, today asked Lieut. Ward for permission to question the suspects when they are returned to Camden, in an effort to link them with holdups in that community. Chief of Burlington County Detectives Ellis Parker is also interested in the case. The Marlton holdup comes under his jurisdiction.
Store Bandits to Be Quizzed in Chester on Feitz Murder
Camden Evening Courier —
Material Witness Will View Suspects Caught by Camden Sleuths
BRICKNER QUESTIONED BY COLSEY ON HOLDUP
Police Order All Persons Arrested to Face ‘Line Up’ in Slaying Probe
Seven men and women held by Camden as police as material witnesses in the murder of Detective William T. Feitz two weeks ago in an alleged South Camden disorderly house will look over two men arrested in Chester PA after a store holdup here.
This was announced today by County Detective Lawrence T. Doran, who is directing the investigation for Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando.
At the same time, Chief Doran disclosed that after a conference with Police Chief Arthur Colsey, orders were issued that every person arrested in Camden, whether the charge is trivial or serious, will be placed in a police “lineup” and the material witnesses will face them to see if any of Feitz’s killers are among them.
Chief Doran was not sure whether the Camden County authorities would be able to bring the two robbery suspects to Camden because they are also wanted in Pennsylvania for almost a score of other holdups and burglaries.
Will Visit Chester
In the event that Chester authorities will not turn the two men over to Camden detectives, the witnesses will go to Chester to examine them, Chief Doran said.
Those held in Chester in connection with the holdup Wednesday night of the candy store of Michael Guzik at 1301 Sheridan Street identified themselves as Peter Muraska, 10, of 342 McDowell Street, and Ray Tuttle, 30, of 2529 West Ninth Street, both of Chester.
While neither Chief Doran nor Chief Colsey believe Muraska or Tuttle may be implicated in the murder of the detective because they are not known to be killers, both declared the suspects will be questioned as to their whereabouts at the time Feitz was shot to death.
“We are letting nothing slip through our fingers at this stage of the investigation” Chief Doran said.
While waiting for Chester police to bring the suspects here, Chief Colsey was making inquiry into the actions of Patrolman William Brickner during the holdup.
Questioned by Colsey
Brickner was summoned to Chief Colsey’s office at City Hall today to explain why he had rushed from his home at 1263 Chase Street to the scene of the holdup when told by neighbors that it was taking place and then gave his gun to his son Elmer so he could watch the place so he the policeman could telephone police headquarters for help.
According to Guzik, the proprietor of the store, the bandits were in his store 30 minutes. They locked the doors behind them and gagged Guzik and guarded his wife, Blanche, and her sister, Mary Pitura, 18.
Grand Jury Vice Probe to Be Ordered by Lloyd; Stewart Quizzes Cops
Camden Evening Courier —
FEITZ MURDER, CITY GRAFTING TO FACE INQUIRY
Action Follows Parley With Orlando and Mayor on Conditions
MORE SUSPENSIONS OF POLICE INTIMATED
Mickey Blair Quizzed on Detective’s Killing; Stewart Warns, ‘Clean Up’
Questioned in Feitz Murder
Michael Tenerelli, 25, known in pugilistic circles as Mickey Blair, is shown above during a lull in the questioning by detectives investigating the murder of District Detective William Feitz. Tenerelli surrendered to police yesterday and on order of Prosecutor Orlando was held without bail on charges of being a material witness and with conspiracy in a robbery in connection with the holdup in progress in the South Camden alleged disorderly house at the time Feitz was shot.
Ward Reported on Way Out as Detective Chief
Reports around Camden police and detective headquarters today were to the effect that Lieutenant George Ward was on “his way out” as head of the Detective Bureau.
Dissatisfaction with the manner in which both police and detectives have handled the investigation so far into the Feitz murder will result in Mayor Stewart, director of public safety, ordering a change in detective chiefs today, it was authoritatively learned.
Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, commander of the First Police District, will succeed Lieutenant Ward as it was reported, the latter being sent back to that police precinct which he formerly commanded.
“A sweeping investigation of all phases of “crime” in Camden County, will be the first order given the new September Grand Jury today after it is sworn in at Camden Courthouse by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
That was the decision reached by Justice Lloyd after three hours of separate conferences with Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, of Camden County, and Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of public safety. During the conferences held in Justice Lloyd’s offices at City Hall-Courthouse, the murder of District Detective William T. Feitz, alleged graft and corruption in the Camden police department and protected vice were thoroughly discussed.
Today, Mayor Stewart, who has inaugurated his own personal investigation of existing conditions in the police department, continued to question and take statements from police officials, patrolmen and detectives. Twenty-three patrolmen and detectives were ordered before the mayor yesterday in addition to the 12 others who were indefinitely suspended by order of Police Chief Arthur Colsey.
Tenerelli Quizzed
Michael Tenerelli, 25, also known as Mickey Blair, former Camden lightweight boxer, was still being questioned at police headquarters in connection with the murder of Detective Feitz. Tenerelli who surrendered to police here yesterday after returning from New York, is booked as a material witness and on a charge of conspiracy in a robbery. Both charges were ordered placed against Tenerelli by Prosecutor Orlando who has assumed direct charge of the investigation. He is being held without bail.
Seven other men and women taken into custody by police after the shooting of Feitz in the alleged disorderly house operated by the late Mrs. Emma Heisler at 243 Sycamore street, were to have been arraigned in Camden Police Court today on orders of Prosecutor Orlando and then turned over to the county authorities. Bail, Prosecutor Orlando declared, would be “sufficiently high” to insure their later appearances when wanted.
However there were no appearances of material witnesses or others in the Feitz investigation before Judge J. Harry Switzer in Camden Police Court during its session today and it was unofficially reported that the prosecutor had changed his plans.
Police Chief Colsey warned all detectives and patrolmen in the department that further suspensions will follow justified complaints of vice anywhere in the city limits if it can be traced to police neglect.
Chief Colsey also admitted that the 12 patrolmen and detectives suspended yesterday on his orders, will receive no pay as long as their suspensions last.
In addition to Lieutenant Bakley, Sergeant Cornog and Acting Sergeant Leonard, the others suspended include Sergeant Walter Mattison of police headquarters; Sergeant John Garrity, District Detective Joseph H. Leonhardt who was with Feitz when he was shot; Patrolmen Leon Branch, George Weber, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmot, John Houston and Vernon Jones, all attached to the Second district station.
Interviews Police
Three of the suspended officers, Mayor Stewart revealed, were among those interrogated yesterday. They are Lieut. Ralph A. Bakley, commander of the Second Police District or Division “H” in which territory the alleged disorderly house existed where Feitz was fatally shot; Sergeant Richard Cornog and Acting [lines between the bottom of crop 15 and the top of crop 16 are not captured in the scanned crops]
Edwin Andrews, Winslow township; Joseph Dougherty, 140 Prospect avenue, Merchantville.
William Tomlinson, Glendale, Voorhees township; Edmund S. Stafford, 546 Stevens street; Harry Buffington, 123 East Clinton avenue, Oaklyn; Samuel A. Dobbins, 2599 Baird boulevard; Charles H. Thatcher, 129 Kendall boulevard, Oaklyn; Richard S. Thompson, East Zane avenue, Collingswood; Benjamin F. Stemmer, 420 Third Avenue, Haddon Heights; Horace J. Harvey, 721 Amherst avenue, Audubon; H. B. Cox, Evesham avenue, Voorhees township; Dr. Walter F. Wood, Collingswood; John W. Underwood, 801 Cumberland street, Gloucester; Clarence Alloway, Blackwood; Charles A. McWilliams, Blackwood; Louis G. Clark, Barrington; Albert J. Cline, 18 East Crystal Lake avenue, Westmont; Robert Bushbeck, First avenue, Pine Hill, Harry Burkhardt, Bell road, Mt. Ephraim; George T. Schuster, 223 Woodland terrace, Collingswood; Chesley L. Hutchins, 711 Market street, Gloucester and Otto Vierling, Evergreen avenue, Runnemede.
The order of Justice Lloyd for a wide grand jury probe of crime follows upon a decision he made 10 days ago to have the same body open an investigation into the “numbers” racket in Camden city and county. At that time he declared he did not believe any graft or corruption existed in the Camden police department in connection with the operation of the lottery game here.
Tenerelli was identified, Colsey said, as a frequenter of Mrs. Emma Heisler’s disorderly house at 243 Sycamore street, where Feitz was killed, and was booked as a material witness in the Feitz murder, and on a charge of “shaking down” Mrs. Heisler by force, prior to the murder.
Unlike Mrs. Heisler, who leaped to her death after 60 hours freedom in the detective bureau, Blair was slapped without bail into the “cold storage” or incommunicado cell in the bureau.
Blair, after surrendering to Colsey, was sent to the “downstairs” jail and kept there until about 4 p. m. yesterday. Then he was questioned for an hour and a half by Prosecutor Orlando and Colsey.
Blair denied all knowledge of the murder, Colsey said, after the grilling ceased, but added that two inmates of Mrs. Heisler’s house, whom he would not identify, named Blair as one of several men who had come several times to Mrs. Heisler’s place, attempted to extort money from her and, failing, had “held up the place” or a “shakedown.”
This coincided with the statement of Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner, on the day Feitz was killed, that the place had been held up several times, and Mrs. Heisler, because of the nature of her occupation, would not report the holdups.
Prosecutor Orlando, subsequently, had stated that Feitz met death in an attempt to block a “shake-down” holdup of the place.
Boxer Is Identified
Both the inmates of Mrs. Heisler’s place, held incommunicado, looked at Blair in the new detective bureau “lineup” room and identified him as a shakedown visitor, but said he was not in the house on the night of the murder, Colsey said.
The chief then was asked if he believes friends of Blair staged the fatal shake-down and killed Feitz, and replied:
“That’s what we want to know. We don’t know yet. But we are getting somewhere and will solve this case.”
The two inmates of the Heisler house were brought back to the lineup room a second time, took another look at Blair through the screen that made him a “high-lighted” figure and prevented him from seeing them and reaffirmed their previous statements, Colsey said.
Upon the suspension of the twelve members of the force and the installation of a new acting second district commander and new acting sergeants to relieve those suspended, Chief Colsey said he issued the following order to the entire department:
Calls for Cleanup
“All vice must be eliminated absolutely and entirely in Camden. This means all types of vice, including the numbers racket, gambling houses, disorderly houses, horse-race bookmaking speakeasies and everything else though it may not be specifically enumerated here.
“In the future if any complaint of vice comes in, and is proved to be justified, and is attributable to negligence on the part of any patrolmen of police officer [sic], immediate suspension of the negligent members of the force will follow without exception.”
Chief Colsey also said he will recommend that bail of $2000 be set in all numbers racket cases in future, and that all arrested be held for grand jury action, except in cases where innocent players are brought in.
‘Prompted by Facts’
In making public the suspensions of the policemen, Chief Colsey said his action was “prompted by facts” uncovered during the course of his investigation.
In announcing the taking over of the murder investigation, Prosecutor Orlando said:
“As a result of my conference with Justice Lloyd it has been decided that the prosecutor’s office from this time on will take charge of the murder investigation.
“In doing so, however, it does not mean that the city police will cease acting in the matter and will act with just as much zeal as is within their command in bringing about the apprehension of those responsible.
“This investigation has been taken over by this office by reason of the policy assumed in other murder investigations. Hereafter all murder investigations in Camden county will be under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office and at the same time through co-ordinated efforts of this office and the police department of the particular community where the murder takes place.
“As far as developments are concerned, there is nothing new in the case except the arrest of Mickey Blair, who was surrendered by his counsel and who is in the custody of the police until he is committed.”
Lieutenant Walter Welch in command of the Third Police District was assigned by Chief Colsey to replace Lieutenant Bakley and make the suspensions of all sergeants and patrolmen in that precinct effective immediately. Sergeant John Potter of the Third District was named an acting lieutenant to replace Lieutenant Welch as commander of that precinct.
Welch said he will instruct every policeman under his new command that he must work in harmony with earnest efforts to stamp out vice.
“If they do not do this,” Welch said, “I do not want them. They will be of no use to me. They know what to expect if they fail to cooperate. My efforts will be directed to maintaining order without vice in the Second district, just as I have done in the Third.”
Feitz Witness Dies in 5-Floor City Hall Jump
Camden Evening Courier —
Should Have Been Kept in Cell, Stewart and Orlando Say
WOMAN TRIED IN VAIN TO TALK WITH WARD
Colsey Will Conduct Investigation in Attempt to Fix Blame
A complete investigation was ordered today by Mayor Roy R. Stewart into the suicide yesterday of Mrs. Emma Heisler, 38, who plunged five floors from a detective bureau window in city hall.
Mrs. Heisler was the key witness to the murder early Sunday of Detective William T. Feitz. It was in Mrs. Heisler’s alleged disorderly house at 243 Sycamore street that Feitz was killed.
Mayor Stewart, ordering the investigation, freely admitted today that Mrs. Heisler should have been locked in a city hall jail cell instead of being permitted to roam about detective headquarters.
Colsey to Conduct Probe
Mayor Stewart delegated Police Chief Arthur Colsey to conduct the probe and determine whether there is evidence of police laxity in the suicide of Mrs. Heisler.
From two sources since the woman was taken into custody were the police warned against permitting her to walk unguarded in city hall. The warnings were ignored.
Only yesterday, a short time before the woman leaped to her death, a Courier-Post reporter made the comment in detective headquarters:
“You’d better watch that woman, or she’s liable to jump from a window and sprain her ankle.”
A similar warning that Mrs. Heisler should be locked in a cell was delivered by Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando.
Less than an hour before she took her death leap, Mrs. Heisler had pleaded with Lieutenant Ward to let her talk to him.
“I’ve got something in my heart I must let out,” she told Ward, interrupting him as he gave a last-minute telephone report of the murder probe to Mayor Stewart. The mayor was about to catch a 4.20 p. m. train to his Ocean City summer home.
Three times, Ward said, she tried to drag him from the telephone as he talked to Stewart, each time insisting she had something to tell him.
Ward Refused to Listen
Ward concluded the conversation with Stewart and then left the bureau instead of talking to her.
At 5.12 p. m. Mrs. Heisler rushed from the detectives’ room into Ward’s private office, raised the only window not guarded by a glass ventilator and leaped to her death.
Whatever she had in her heart was still there.
She never regained consciousness fully and died at 6.12 p. m. in Cooper Hospital.
With her, police believe, went their best chance of learning the identity of Feitz’s slayers.
After Ward brusquely rebuffed the woman as she attempted to tell him something that he, by his own admission, believes might have been the identity of the killers, she went back into the desk room where all detectives sit when idle.
A Courier-Post reporter was outside the counter separating the detectives’ office space from that area reserved for the public—barred from the inner sanctum by Ward’s orders.
The reporter said the woman was disheveled in appearance, her blonde hair straggling about her face, her eyes showing that she was under a severe emotional strain.
Detectives Laugh
“You’d better watch that woman,” he told Detective Robert Ashenfelder. “She’s liable to jump from a window and sprain her ankle.”
The detectives laughed.
A few minutes later she sat at a desk near the entrance to Ward’s
(Continued on Page Two)
(Continued from Page One)
private office, in the corner of the bureau.
“She was about to break. I think she was ready to tell us who killed Feitz,” Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner said afterward.
After Ward refused to let her unburden herself—possibly of information the entire department has been seeking night and day since Feitz’s death—she appeared highly agitated.
The woman leaped from her desk and rushed into Ward’s private office.
Body Broken Badly
She raised the only window not guarded by a ventilator and leaped. She landed on the iron windshield bar of a roadster, and the force of her fall almost cut her body in half. She bounced into the seat of the car owned by Andrew Stewart, 143 West Cottage avenue, Haddonfield.
Detectives Clifford Carr and Robert Ashenfelter were the only members of the force in the bureau. Carr was answering a telephone. Ashenfelter was questioning Camillo Cinelli, 848 South Third street, a former pugilist known as Billy Hart, about some matter not connected with the murder.
“We were standing almost at the door of Ward’s office,” Ashenfelter said. “Cinelli wanted a drink of water and I followed him to the water bottle, away from the door. We drank and started back.
“Cinelli was in front of me and I could not see the woman. All of a sudden we heard the sound of tinkling glass. Cinelli ran into Ward’s office. I followed him. The woman was gone. We looked out the window and saw her in a roadster with the top down.
Takes Her to Hospital
“I went downstairs in the private elevator, loaded the woman into a car and went with her to Cooper Hospital. Carr went downstairs with me, but he had to return to the office.”
Carr said he was answering a telephone when he heard the sound of glass, looked about for the woman and saw she was gone. Then he too rushed to Ward’s window and looked out to see her in the car below.
The woman’s skull was crushed. Her fall bent the metal bar of the windshield almost to the dash and shattered the glass—to give notice of her death to her previous captors upstairs.
At the hospital, Dr. Roscoe Kandle examined the woman and shook his head, then ordered her removed to a ward cot. She was in a semi-comatose state.
Carpani and Lieutenant Ward, who had rushed to the hospital for his delayed reception of her story, found her unable to tell what was in her heart.
Her brothers, Albert and William Slonski of 1300 South Broad street, Philadelphia, arrived before she died.
Father James Foley, pastor of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, administered extreme unction to the woman. He happened to be in the hospital, asked if she were a Catholic, and gave her the last rites of her faith for the living.
Neither Mayor Stewart nor Chief of Police Colsey would criticize any member of the detective force for the woman’s leap, but Prosecutor Orlando was outspoken in his belief that police laxity, in spite of a warning from him, had caused her death and had removed the state’s chief witness against Feitz’s slayers, “if they are caught.”
Orlando Warned Mayor
“At 2 p. m. today,” Orlando said. “I told Mayor Stewart that woman ought to be locked in a cell and held on the charge of maintaining a disorderly house.
“It is a regrettable thing that she was permitted to commit suicide. It may prove costly in the prosecution of Feitz’s slayers, if they are caught.
“I am not having much to do with the investigation. I am hoping the police will bring it to the point where I can prepare to prosecute.”
“I will not criticize any member of the force for Mrs. Heisler’s leap,” Chief Colsey said. “We had agreed to allow Ward to have his way. He felt, and convinced us, that we could get more from her by treating her kindly.
‘She Appeared Contented’
“As a matter of fact, she appeared contented. When Mayor Stewart and I questioned her earlier in the afternoon, she appeared in better condition than at any time since she was brought here.
“If she had wanted to leap from a window, she had had ample opportunities. She could have leaped while the mayor and I were questioning her, for that matter. We did not suspect she would attempt her life.
“She anwered [sic] questions better—more straightforwardly—for Mayor Stewart and me than at any time before.
“I believe she knew who killed Feitz. She said she didn’t. I think she would have told us tonight who killed him. She was beginning to open up.”
Ward, silent since Monday morning, said virtually the same thing, although he insisted he was “not talking anyway.”
Ward Calls It Fear
“She was about ready to tell what she knew,” the chief of detectives said. “It probably was fear that had kept her from it before. She feared she would be killed if she did tell. I think she knew who killed Feitz.
“She came to me three times while I was talking to Mayor Stewart on the phone and I had to put my hand over the phone to send her out,” Ward confessed. “She kept saying she had something to tell me. I think she was ready to tell it all.
“I had to leave the office after talking to the mayor,” Ward continued. “I didn’t get to question her further. I wasn’t here when she jumped. I’m not talking, anyway,” Ward said.
It was Mayor Stewart who revealed that the woman told Ward “I’ve got something in my heart and I must let it out.”
This, the mayor said, Ward told him on the telephone, interrupting the conversation to hear that much and then leaving the bureau before hearing what it was.
Disagrees With Colsey
Mayor Stewart’s opinion of the woman’s nervous condition was the reverse of Chief Colsey’s, however. He said:
“The death of the Heisler woman is very unfortunate. But we believe it will not retard our investigation into Feitz’s murder. We are hopeful that there are others who know just as much as Mrs. Heisler knew.
“I noticed this afternoon as Chief Colsey and I questioned her that she was in a very nervous condition. Several times she became flustered and appeared bewildered when attempting to answer questions.
“Her mind at times seemed to become a total blank.”
‘Ward’s Idea’
Asked why the woman had not been booked and locked in a cell, Mayor Stewart said:
“This angle had been gone over very carefully several times and it was Ward’s idea that Mrs. Heisler be given freedom of the bureau and treated with kindness, with the hope that she would reveal valuable information.
“I am sorry now I did not insist that she be placed in a cell.
“In the future, definite steps will be taken to prevent like happening.”
Asked whether any disciplinary action would be taken against members of the detective bureau as punishment for laxity in watching the woman, the mayor said:
“No. There will be no such action. I acquiesced in Ward’s desire to allow the woman freedom, trusting his judgment that this course might reduce the best results.”
Voluntary Prisoner
Mrs. Heisler was allowed many privileges during her detention. She was held as a voluntary prisoner, Chief Colsey said, adding:
“But if she had wanted to leave, we would have booked her and put her in a cell.”
He admitted the woman was held—though technically not held—in excess of the 48 hours police are permitted to hold a prisoner without filing charges.
“You can hold them as long as necessary in a murder case,” Colsey said.
Rests in Comfort
For two days the Courier-Post Newspapers had been printing pointed stories to the effect that Mrs. Heisler was allowed free run of detective headquarters, being treated as a guest while all others linked in any way with the murder were locked up in cells.
She was not even sent to a cell to sleep. Detectives converted a bench in the line-up room, which opens onto their quarters, into a bed, using blankets, overcoats and other pieces of clothing and bedding, impounded as stolen, to make her comfortable.
Detectives Served Her
An unidentified friend was permitted to bring her $10 in cash. She was allowed to smoke at will, to eat when and what she desired, and to have coffee brought to her by detectives at any and all hours.
That the Heisler woman had operated disorderly houses for six or seven years in Camden was generally known, although police would not admit the knowledge.
She ran a place at Sixth and Spruce streets for a time; then operated another house at Third and Mechanic street, a third at Ninth and Pine streets, and still another at Second and Chestnut streets. Then she ran a house at 242 Sycamore street, moved away, and then opened a new place at 243 Sycamore street, where Feitz was killed. This place had been in operation about seven months.
Sergeant Koerner said the woman had shown every indication that she was on the point of “breaking.”
‘Bad Break’ for Police
“She would walk up to me and other men as though she wanted to tell us something. Then she would turn and walk away. She was getting ready to tell everything, I believe. It is a bad break that she is dead.
“I think she knew who killed Feitz. The men had been there before. They had asked for her by name at the door, and she had admitted them. She is bound to have known them.
“She was ready to tell who they were, I believe, but every time she got to the point of telling, something would come up in her throat. I think it was fear.”
Chief Colsey continued to drive all members of the force night and day on the investigation, determined, he said, to clean it up as soon as possible.
Arrest of Six Links Numbers and Fake Cash
Camden Courier-Post —
12 Questioned, 2 Men Held in Murder Probe
Camden Evening Courier —
COLSEY LEADS CITY-WIDE HUNT FOR BANDIT KILLERS OF COP
Comrades Eager to Avenge Feitz, Shot 4 Times in Back at Holdup
ORLANDO CONDUCTS OWN INVESTIGATION
Mad Scramble of 20 to Escape Tragedy Scene Described by Sleuth
The greatest man-hunt in the history of the Camden police department was under way today to apprehend the murderers of Detective William T. Feitz, slain early yesterday when he surprised bandits holding up 20 persons in a South Camden disorderly house.
Feitz, recently promoted from a patrolman, was shot four times in the back as he attempted to reach the front door of the establishment at 243 Sycamore street to summon aid.
Police today said they “had a pretty good idea” as to the identity of his slayers, although none has been charged with the crime.
A “mystery blonde” was arrested in the case early today in Atlantic City by Detective Stanley Wertz [sic]. Police refused to reveal her name and will not allow anyone to talk to her.
A man, first believed to have been the trigger-man, arrested in Philadelphia early today, was released by police after a few minutes’ questioning.
Two men are being held “incommunicado” in connection with the case, while a dozen material witnesses were being questioned at detective headquarters.
Probe Rushed
The investigation into the shooting, begun within a few minutes of the slaying continued throughout the day and night without a break.
Police Chief Arthur Colsey took personal command of the probe with Detective Lieut. George Ward and Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner.
Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, who “sat in” yesterday as police questioned a score of witnesses, stated this morning he will open his own investigation today. He intimated “new developments” may throw a startling light on the case.
Feitz’ slayers escaped as 20 inmates and frequenters of the alleged disorderly house scrambled mainly for freedom beneath the eyes of Detective Joseph H. Leonhardt, who sat outside the place in a police radio car.
Leonhardt told his superiors he was so startled by the shooting he failed to act until after the slayers had escaped.
Feitz and Leonhardt had driven to the scene in the radio car, after trailing a suspicious sedan for 15 minutes through a maze of South Camden streets.
Followed 3 Men
The sedan had stopped near the Sycamore street place and three of the men had entered the dwelling. Feitz followed and Leonhardt remained in the car.
Mrs. Emma Heisler, 38, alleged proprietress of the house, and Cornelius Murphy, 50, doorkeeper, headed a list of 14 witnesses held by police for questioning or as material witnesses.
Murphy was booked early today as a material witness, with Thomas Bonelli, 27, of 207 Walnut street; Edward Grapatin, 32, of 246 Kaighn avenue; Joseph McKenna, 30, and Catherine Lougheed, 32, an inmate, and Edith Miller and Edna Butler, colored domestics employed by Mrs. Heisler.
Joseph Powell, 25, former Camden boxer, and Stanley, his brother, were the two men held incommunicado. Police refused to reveal what connection either had with the murder, although stating they were merely being held pending investigation.
Feitz died five minutes after being admitted to West Jersey Homeopathic hospital, where he was taken by Leonardt [sic] and McKenna, who stopped in his flight from the house to assist the wounded policeman. Three .32-calibre slugs were buried in his back and a fourth had pierced his wrist.
Lieutenant Ward today clamped down on news of the investigation, ordering all detectives and police to refuse information to news reporters.
Orlando said he would make known facts in the case known to him later today.
The Heisler woman, said by police to be the sister-in-law of Patrolman Thomas Cheeseman, recently demoted city detective, was not booked on the police docket this morning, but Ward declared he was not through questioning her and that she would be “booked” later in the day.
Several of the witnesses made their escape from the vicinity of the shooting in Powell’s car, police stated, one of whom was the mysterious woman arrested early today in Atlantic City.
Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd last night declared the case would be investigated by the September Grand Jury. It will not, he said, assume more importance in that body’s deliberations than the numbers racket.
Note Lack of Noise
Investigators were at a loss to understand why Feitz and Leonhardt, seated in an automobile on a quiet side street within 20 feet of where a holdup was taking place, did not hear any accompanying sounds. The belief was expressed that 20 men and women, being robbed, would become hysterical and noisy. The Sycamore street house is a ramshackle, two-story structure, with no vestibule leading into the parlor. There is no porch.
Powell drove first to the Lougheed woman’s home, where Mrs. Heisler, the Lougheed woman and Grapatin alighted. He then drove to Atlantic City with the unidentified girl, he said.
Police, advised of Powell’s presence in the house, dispatched the license number of his green sedan over the police teletype system.
Powell was apprehended at Folsom, 40 miles from Camden, as he was returning to Camden from Atlantic City. Sergeant Albert T. Varreiman of the Mt. Ephraim state police barracks stopped Powell’s machine and took him into custody. Powell was alone.
Feitz’s murder was a climax to half an hour’s scrutiny by him and Leonhardt into the suspicious actions of the four bandits. A car in which they were riding was sighted in the neighborhood by the two detectives at 2 a. m.
Trailed Car Fifteen Minutes
They trailed it in their police car for 15 minutes, as it wound through the narrow streets, repeatedly passing the Sycamore street house. Finally, the detectives saw the bandits park their machine on Locust street. Three of them emerged, walked down Sycamore street, and entered the house.
According to Leonhardt, neither he nor Feitz obtained the license number of the bandit car.
Upon seeing them enter the place, Leonhardt drove the police car around the block and stopped in front of the house.
Feitz and Leonhardt sat outside in their machine for 15 minutes. Finally, Leonhardt said, Feitz opened the door and stepped to the sidewalk.
“I’m going in there and see what’s going on,” he said.
Turning, he walked up the steps and rang the doorbell. Leonhardt said the door was opened after a short pause, and Feitz entered. The door was closed.
Hears Bandits’ Guns
Almost immediately, Leonhardt heard the muffled roar of the bandits’ revolvers. Feitz’s body came flying through the door. Pandemonium followed. As the persons in the house fled, neighbors came to doors and windows. Almost immediately, the street was filled.
Leonhardt was so shocked he was unable to drive. An unnamed witness drove the police car with Feitz’s body in it to the hospital.
Prosecutor Orlando indicated his office will step into the probe today.
Shooting Reconstructed
With the aid of witnesses, police yesterday were able to reconstruct the shooting.
“Feitz walked into the house just as the three bandits were holding up the inmates,” Detective Gus Koerner said.
“Witnesses say that when the doorbell rang, the three bandits conferred briefly and decided to admit whoever was at the door. They thought it was another frequenter.
“’Let him in; we’ll take his money too,’ one of the witnesses said a bandit ordered.
One of the bandits went to the door, opened it and admitted Feitz. The detective took five steps into the living room, pausing at the door of the dining room, where he was recognized by a bandit who was frisking the inmates.
“This bandit shouted: ‘It’s a dick; let ‘im have it!’”
Shot in Back
As Feitz reached for his revolver, the man who had admitted him shot him in the back. Feitz attempted to reach the front door, apparently to call Leonhardt, and three more slugs tore into his body.
“It is not known whether the shooting was done by only one of the bandits, or whether all three fired. We do not know whether Feitz opened the front door himself and fell to the street; whether he fell through the glass, or whether the bandits opened the door and pushed him to the street.
“The glass in the front door was broken later by police, who struck it with their blackjacks in order to gain admittance. Leonhardt told me he is unable to clear up this point as everything happened too quickly.
“He said he suddenly heard shots, and a moment later, saw Feitz’ body on the pavement.”
One of the bandit’s bullets went wild, imbedding itself in the wall near the front door. It was fired from the dining room. Ballistics tests will be made of the bullet.
City-wide Raids Follow
Under the direction of Detective Lieut. George Ward, Camden was subjected yesterday and last night to a fine tooth-combing for suspects. All police leaves were cancelled, and all patrolmen volunteered to do active duty until some results of the probe are forthcoming.
A series of raids on known disorderly houses resulted last night in the arrests of more than 20 persons all of whom were taken to police headquarters and lined up for the perusal of witnesses. It was not known whether this scrutiny brought results.
Chief Colsey declared last night the murder will be the signal for an intensive “cleanup” of the city. Policemen in patrol cars were dispatched on prowl duty, ordered to pick up everyone of a suspicious nature.
City officials and citizens voiced their regrets at the killing. Feitz was the father of two children, a boy and a girl. Their names could not be obtained last night. He was estranged from his wife, who resides in Cape May with the children.
Woman Questioned
Mrs. Heisler, regarded by police as a key witness, was questioned several hours in detective headquarters by Chief Colsey, Ward, Orlando and Koerner. The officers refused to disclose the results of the quiz.
No adequate description of the bandits could be furnished by any of the witnesses, Koerner said. Two were described as being of average height, one taller. Two were dark, the third blond.
None of the three was masked. Each was armed.
Mrs. Heisler and Murphy were held without bail as material witnesses. Powell, accompanied by Camden detectives, left for Atlantic City to show them where he dropped off the unidentified girl inmate of the house. They had not returned at a late hour last night.
According to Murphy, two of the bandits previously had visited the house as patrons, and at one time attempted to “shake down” Mrs. Heisler. She resisted their demands, Murphy declared.
Other persons arrested as material witnesses who, after hours of questioning were released in their own recognizance, include:
Frank Adams, 21, of 938 Atlantic avenue; Joseph MacDonald, 20, of 1605 South Sixth street; Henry Gorba, 19, of 17 North Twenty-first street and Edward McKenna, 31, of 1304 Broadway.
Edith Miller, 28, colored, of 205 Sycamore street, and Edna Butler, 32, also colored, 1122 South Second street, also were arrested and held as witnesses. They are inmates of the house, Koerner said.
Police said the bandits, in their search for booty, forced their victims to remove their shoes during the holdup to ascertain whether they were concealing any money. Only $8 was taken.
An autopsy performed on Feitz’ body yesterday by Coroner Arthur H. Holl and County Physician Edward B. Rogers showed that two of the bullets had penetrated the detective’s body. Coroner Holl, in whose undertaking establishment the detective’s body lay last night, declared death was virtually instant.
Chief Colsey last night denied Feitz and Leonhardt were acting under orders to watch the Sycamore street house.
“There have been general orders out to clean up all disorderly houses for a long time,” Colsey said. “I imagine the detectives were more interested in what the four men were doing than they were in the house. I talked at great length with Leonhardt and he told me neither he nor Feitz knew the place was a disorderly house.”
Leonhardt could not be reached last night to give his version of the affair. Colsey said Leonhardt was taking an active part in police efforts to solve the crime.
“If I had known the house in Sycamore street was a disorderly house,” Colsey said, “I would of course have ordered it raided long ago.”
Feitz and Leonhardt were assigned to detective duty from the uniformed ranks last week, replacing former Detectives Thomas Cheeseman and Vernon Jones, who are now reduced to rank of patrolmen.
Chief Colsey said the reason Cheeseman and Jones were reduced was “merely for the good of the department.” He would not amplify that statement.
According to Detective Rox Saponare, Cheeseman is the brother-in-law of Mrs. Heisler, charged with operating the house. Cheeseman, also active in the investigation of the killing, could not be reached last night to comment.
Commended for Bravery
Feitz was appointed to the police force March 1, 1928. He was appointed to the detective bureau last week by Mayor Roy R. Stewart. In 1931, Feitz was commended for bravery in arresting three men in a holdup at a chain grocery store at Locust street and Kaighn avenue.
Last week, the same store was robbed, and Feitz arrested three other men for the theft.
Leonhardt, 39, resides at 512 Division street. The last arrest he made in company with Feitz was at 12.45 a. m. the morning of Feitz’ death. The officers nabbed Cecilia Spencer, 28, colored, at 806 Locust street, a block from the Sycamore street house, on charges of soliciting.
Chief Colsey and other city officials reached Feitz’ bedside in the hospital too late to see him alive. The officer died without regaining consciousness. Funeral arrangements were not completed last night.
Before the estrangement from his wife two years ago, Feitz lived with her and their children at 1062 Langham avenue. He resided recently at the Liberty street address with his widowed mother, Mrs. Pauline Feitz, who last night was prostrated at the news of her son’s death.
Chief Colsey last night absolved Leonhardt of any negligence in not chasing the killers. The police chief declared Leonhardt’s first duty was to look to the condition of Feitz.
Chief Colsey said Mayor Stewart, vacationing in Ocean City, will not return until tomorrow morning. Any investigation into possible negligence on the part of police in permitting the Sycamore street house to operate will be conducted after the mayor returns, Colsey said.
“I consider it more important at this time to lend all our efforts toward solving the crime rather than in conducting any side-bar probe into the question of negligence by any policemen,” Colsey said.
A tie-up between a huge counterfeiting ring and a gambling syndicate backing the “numbers” was believed unearthed by Camden police and Federal authorities following the arrest here yesterday of six colored men on charges of attempting to pass bogus money.
Federal investigators were delving into the intricacies of the Philadelphia and Camden numbers racket today to learn if the “pay-off” of any “bank” is made in counterfeit coins.
One of the men arrested, Edward Duncan, 36, of 805 Sheridan Street, Philadelphia, told Detective Sergeant Gustav Koerner and agents from the Department of Justice, that he had received a bogus $10 bill found in his possession in payment of a bet yesterday with a Philadelphia numbers syndicate.
Duncan and five companions were arrested yesterday as they attempted to have the bill changed at a gasoline station at Haddon Avenue and Sycamore Street.
An attendant, Samuel Goldberg, saw that the bill, tendered in payment for a purchase of gasoline, was counterfeit and called Special Officer John Voll and Patrolman Paul Jackson, standing nearby.
They arrested the men, who were later held in $10,000 bail each to await the outcome of the investigation.
It was learned later that the same men had attempted to pass a bogus bill at a gasoline station at Crescent Boulevard and Park Avenue, Collingswood, but had fled there when the station attendant summoned police.
Federal investigators working on the case expressed a belief last night that the counterfeit ring was using the numbers bank to flood this section with the spurious bills.
The others arrested with Duncan were Frank Henderson, 27, of 2021 Lambert Street; Fletcher Hammonds, 28, of 2007 Mervine Street; Aaron Howell, 46, of 2008 North Twenty-first Street; James Wilson, 33, of 2023 Norris Street; and Samuel Stanley, 38, of 1936 North Twenty-second street, all Philadelphia.
Johnson Gets Ward’s Job as Kobus Orders Cop Shakeup
Camden Courier-Post —
Shaw Made Assistant in Place of Koerner
In a shakeup of Camden police officials yesterday afternoon Lieutenant Samuel E. Johnson was named acting chief of detectives by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety.
Lieutenant George A. Ward, who has been in charge of the detective bureau for a year, was transferred to take Johnson’s place in charge of headquarters.
Detective Louis Shaw was made assistant to Johnson, replacing Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner. Koerner was transferred to the Second District, for radio car and street duty. The new order became effective at 4:00 PM yesterday.
Police Chief Arthur Colsey announced the changes in the bureau after a two-hour conference with Commissioner Kobus yesterday afternoon.
Maurice Di Nicuolo, who has been an acting detective, was transferred to the First Police District, with former Acting Detective Clifford Del Rossi returning to his old post in the detective bureau.
In the only other transfer announced, Sergeant Harry Newton was switched from the First Police District to the Third, with Sergeant Edward Carroll going from the Third to the First.
Although no other changes were made public, it is believed yesterday’s are a forerunner of numerous shifts to be made today or early next week.
“These changes are being made for the good of the service,” Commissioner Kobus declared. “There will be other transfers of officers and men so that all the police may familiarize themselves with all the branches of the department.”
Lieutenant Johnson was appointed a policeman on January 1, 1910. After 10 years as a patrolman, he was promoted to a detective, where he made a splendid record. On November 28, 1928 he was made a sergeant, and again promoted on April 8, 1930, when he became a lieutenant.
Ward was appointed a policeman on August 2, 1917, promoted to detective January 1, 1927, sergeant November 14, 1928 and lieutenant on January 24, 1930.
Johnson was a detective sergeant when former Police Chief John W. Golden was head of that bureau, but later was transferred to police headquarters.
Ward has been in and out of the detective bureau several times. He served for a time as the commander of the First District and later was in charge of the police headquarters on the 12:00 midnight to 8:00 AM shift. He was a political lieutenant of former Public Safety Director David S. Rhone.
'Joey Powell' Rearrested as County Opens Holdup Probe
Camden Courier-Post —
Orlando Acts as City Cops Free Former Boxer in Payroll Plot
FRAMEUP CHARGED BY ANOTHER SUSPECT
Prisoner Says Ex-Fighter Got Him in on Theft, Tipped Police
Joseph ‘Joey’ Powell, former boxer who was arrested by city police in connection with a South Camden holdup and subsequently released, was rearrested by county detectives last night.
Powell was taken into custody on orders of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, who also ordered the arrest of a second suspect.
Camden police turned the case over to the prosecutor’s office after the arraignment of Walter Lewandowski, who was caught in a police trap Friday night as he allegedly attempted to steal a $800 payroll at the Eavenson & Levering Company’s plant at Fourth Street and Ferry Avenue.
Lewandowski was arraigned before Police Judge Lewis Liberman Saturday.
According to Chief Colsey, Lewandowski made a statement in which he accused Powell of plotting the holdup and making him the “goat.”
“The holdup was Powell’s idea”…
Gus Koerner and City Detective Clifford Carr. The detectives were tipped off that the factory office was to be held up and laid in wait for the man.
When Lewandowski showed up, Carr and Koerner pointed revolvers at him. He fled down a stairway and Carr fell on him. The two grappled and the detective says the man pointed a gun at him.
County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran yesterday charged that Wirtz had supplied the guns and automobile to be used in the holdup and then posted Carr and Koerner inside the plant to capture the bandits.
Wirtz, Doran said, admitted the charges in a statement given in the office of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando.
No motive for the detective’s action were revealed by Doran.
Following the questioning of Wirtz and Sergeant Koerner at the prosecutor’s office, both men visited the office of Justice Frank T. Lloyd late yesterday.
Chief Doran said that no one implicates Koerner or Carr in any way in the statements received.
Koerner said:
I was doing police work. I was brought into this case on a tip that a holdup was going to be staged and I had no knowledge of the guns or the car. I didn’t know what it was all about but merely was there to perform my duties as a policeman.
Wirtz is 37 and lives at 1197 Thurman Street. He was one of the first of the new policemen to be appointed to the department in 1924 after Civil Service was put into effect following the adoption of Commission government in 1924. He is a veteran of the World War and got a special rating for that reason when he took the Civil Service examination. In 1931 Wirtz was appointed as an accident investigator in the detective bureau and has served in that capacity ever since. He has a good reputation as a policeman and has never been in trouble before.
“I will give the grand jury the full facts. The members will decide for themselves what action to follow.”
Suspended Tuesday
Wirtz was suspended Tuesday after County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran announced Wirtz had admitted supplying the pistols and car, allegedly used in the abortive attempt to obtain a $800 payroll at the wool-scouring plant.
Wirtz was still under suspension last night, Colsey announced.
William B. Macdonald, court stenographer, recorded the statements made by each man.
Koerner and Carr were “planted” in the office of the company before the holdup and frustrated the attempted crime, capturing Walter Lewandowski, 24, of 924 Atlantic Avenue.
“All three made full statements to us,” Colsey said and then declined to reveal what the statements contained.
Denies Stories Clash
“He was listed as a mental case,” Doran said, “and was examined by the county physician and pronounced O.K.”
Illness Causes Shifts for Police Officials
Camden Courier-Post —
Temporary changes in the police department to offset the absence of Lieutenant George Frost, head of the First District, who is ill, and Lieutenant George Ward, of headquarters, who is away on police business, were announced yesterday by Chief Arthur Colsey.
Sgt. John Potter, of the Third District, is made acting lieutenant and placed in charge of the First. Patrolman Louis Schmidt, of the Third, replaces Potter as acting sergeant.
Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, of the Fourth District, replaces Ward at headquarters, with Sgt. John Skolski acting as lieutenant in charge of the Fourth.
Sgt. Gustav Koerner, of the Second District, who has been working in plain clothes, is to report in uniform.
Patrolman John Kowal, of the Second District, is shifted to the First district, with Patrolman William Schultz going from the First district to the Second district.
Kobus Warns Cops to Keep City Clean
Camden Courier-Post —
Expresses Belief Camden is ‘Remarkably Free of Vice and Gambling’
Expressing the belief that Camden is “remarkably free of vice, gambling and other unlawful elements,” City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, yesterday said she wants the police to keep it that way.
Failure to comply with her order, she told a dozen police officials at an hour-long conference in her office, will result in “serious consequences.”
The session was held behind closed doors, but Commissioner Kobus later said she “laid down the law to those in charge of enforcing it.”
Believes Good Job Done
Police Chief Arthur Colsey headed the group, the others being Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, director of police personnel; Acting Lieutenant Herbert Botts, Acting Lieutenant of Detectives Louis Shaw, Acting Lieutenant John Skolsky, Lieutenant George Frost, Lieutenant Walter Welch and Sergeants Frank Evans, Nate Pettit, August Koerner, Edward Hahn and Harry Newton.
Colsey, with the others, declined to comment on the conference and referred all inquiries to Mrs. Kobus.
“I told them,” the latter said, “that I believed they and their men had done a good job in cleaning up conditions in Camden six months ago.
“I think Camden is remarkably free of vice, gambling and other unlawful elements and I want it kept that way.
It’s a 24-Hour Job
“Law enforcement is a 24-hour day in and day out job. It is a job requiring everlasting vigilance and those in charge of enforcement have got to be on their toes all the time.
“I think our police department is doing a good job, but just the same, I don’t want any letdowns and I told Chief Colsey and his subordinates that I don’t. We have rid the city of a lot of unpleasant elements and we are going to keep rid of them.
“I also told Chief Colsey and his staff that I want all members of the department to co-operate fully with other law enforcement agencies of the county. I particularly desire that reports on cases submitted to the grand jury be as complete and detailed as possible.”
Five Nabbed in Raid Get Hearing Delay
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Seize Evidence of Betting on Horse Races at 322 Kaighn Avenue
Scheduled police court hearings of five men seized in a raid Wednesday on an alleged horse-race gambling establishment at 322 Kaighn avenue were continued until today by Judge Gene R. Mariano at the request of counsel for the men. Bail of $1000 each also was continued until that time.
The defendants are Morris Goldstein, 32, of the Kaighn avenue address; Samuel Goldstein, 59, of 419 Chestnut street; William Talarico, 45, newstand operator, of 202 Chestnut street; Frank Gour, 41, cigar store manager, of 249 Kaighn avenue, and Herbert Gilbrith, 31, insurance salesman, of Lindenwold.
Morris Goldstein is charged with being the proprietor of a gambling establishment, the others with frequenting such a place.
John L. Morrissey, attorney for all but Gilbrith, said he had been retained only a short time before the hearings scheduled for today and requested postponement in order to confer with his clients.
Carlton W. Rowand, counsel for Gilbrith, said the salesman would plead not guilty to the charge against him. He said Gilbrith had sold an insurance policy to the younger Goldstein two weeks ago and was in the place collecting a premium when the raid occurred.
The raid was staged by Detective Thomas Murphy and Sergeant Gus Koerner. They said they found evidence indicating total bets of $79 had been placed on races at various tracks.
Police Jailer Hurt as Bosco Hurls Platter
Camden Courier-Post —
Barber Indicted in Murder Cuts Patrolman With Shattered Plate
OFFICERS GRAB ARMS, LEAD HIM BACK TO CELL
Sam Bosco, Camden barber indicted and arrested on a murder charge last Friday, went temporarily berserk in the city jail late Saturday, police revealed yesterday.
In a fit of nerves and rage, according to the police, the heavy-set prisoner flung a platter of food in the face of the jailer, Policeman William Michalak, who had opened Bosco’s cell to give him a hot meal he brought from a nearby restaurant.
Bosco then menaced the jailer with a jagged fragment of the platter that shattered on the cell floor. Michalak rang an alarm which attracted Police Lieut. Herbert Anderson, Detective Thomas Murphy, Motorcycle Policeman Marshall Thompson, Sgt. Gus Koerner and Policeman James McLaughlin from the adjacent police headquarters in City Hall.
Anderson and Murphy went into the cell tier at the end of which Bosco stood, still brandishing the piece of broken dish. After grabbing his arms, they led him back to his cell. He offered no resistance.
“I was excited,” he told them later.
Race Book Raided, Four Arrested
Camden Courier-Post —
Several racing forms and four telephones with two direct wires to tracks now in operation were seized, according to Koerner and Murphy. The police first arrested Roland Flynn, 36, of 589 Carman street; Neil Zeldman, 43, of 1064 Langham avenue, and James O’Donal, 27, of 1119 Empire avenue, and held them in $1000 bail for violating the State crimes act.
Woman Arrested
Later Mrs. Rose Koplin, 37, who lives in an apartment over the store, was taken into custody on the same charge and held in $500 bail. Mrs. Koplin’s brother, Milton Katz, posted cash bail for her release.
Frank Palese Surrenders in Racket Quiz
Camden Courier-Post —
Bingo Big-Shot?
Lent Car to Others He Says; Denies Charges
Frank Palese, 26, of 900 South Fourth street, wanted as one of the alleged operators of the new “bingo” lottery racket, surrendered yesterday to County Detective Wilfred Dube.
Palese had been sought during the weekend as the “big shot” of the racket after Joseph Marino, Harry Girard and five others were seized in the case.
All but Marino and Girard were released in $500 bail before the surrender of Palese.
Prosecutor Orlando fixed bail at $1000 each for Palese, Marino and Girard. Carl Kisselman, retained as counsel for the defendants, said he would provide the amount for them.
According to Palese he simply lent his automobile to Marino and Girard, who were in Palese’s car when arrested, and he knows nothing whatever about’ the lottery charge.
Among those out on bail is Fred Rossi, former boxer, who used the ring name of Pee-Wee Ross.
3 Men and Woman Nabbed
Police Judge Mariano overruled police objections and postponed until Wednesday morning the hearing of three men and a woman arrested as the result of a gambling raid at 1149 Lansdowne avenue Saturday.
The request for a delay was made by Benjamin Asbell, defense lawyer, who said he had been retained only late Saturday and had lacked an opportunity to prepare his case.
Sergeant Gus Koerner and Detective Thomas Murphy, Jr., asked that the case go on at once, saying they had enough evidence to hold the suspects for the grand jury. Murphy said Safety Director Kobus had asked that the hearing be held yesterday.
Judge Mariano, however, said that Asbell’s request was not unusual and that attorneys should be allowed time to obtain their evidence or witnesses. He continued the same bail which police set when the four were arrested.
Lines to Tracks Seized
Koerner, Murphy and Patrolman James McLaughlin said that horse race betting was conducted on the second floor of the Lansdowne avenue building, the ground floor of which is occupied by a grocery.
Several racing forms and four telephones with two direct wires to tracks now in operation were seized, according to Koerner and Murphy. The police first arrested Roland Flynn, 36, of 589 Carman street; Neil Zeidman, 43, of 1064 Langham avenue, and James O’Donal, 27, of 1119 Empire avenue, and held them in $1000 bail for violating the State crimes act.
Later Mrs. Rose Koplin, 37, who lives in an apartment over the store, was taken into custody on the same charge and held in $500 bail. Mrs. Koplin’s brother, Milton Katz, posted cash bail for her release.
Katarina Pologruto, 420 West street, posted bail for O’Donal, who also is known as O’Donnell, and Flynn. Frank Davalos, saloonkeeper, of 441 Benson street, furnished bail for Zeidman.
Murphy reported that $700 had been bet on race horses at the establishment up until 3.30 p. m., Saturday, the time of the raid.
4 Men Arrested in Race Bet Raid
Camden Courier-Post —
Bookmaking Sheets Found in Rear of Broadway Cigar Store
Four men were arrested when police raided a room in the rear of a cigar store at 433 Broadway, late Saturday, and confiscated a telephone and horse-racing sheets as evidence the place was used for bookmaking on races.
They gave their names as Dominick Di Pilla, 40, of the Broadway address; Anthony Di Pilla, 38, of 512 Benson street; Nicholas Dentina, 20, of 249 Pine street, and Edward Bock, 26, of 219 Cooper avenue, Woodlynne. None would admit being in charge and each was held in $1000 bail for a hearing in police court today.
The raid was made by Detective Thomas Murphy, Sgt. Gus Koerner and Policeman James McLaughlin.
Woman and 2 Men Seized in Numbers
Camden Courier-Post —
Slips Representing $138 Play Reported Taken in Jackson Street House
Two men and a woman were arrested and numbers slips representing play of $138 were seized in a raid on a house at 1039 Jackson Street yesterday.
Detectives described the place as a “drop” for the slips and said they believed they were left there by writers and delivered to “banks” at night.
Those arrested gave names and addresses of Joseph Orlowski, 31, of the Jackson Street address; Mary Stanska, 29, of 1275 Chase Street, and John Pawela, 21, of 1564 Louis Street. All were charged with violating the State Crimes Act pertaining to gambling.
The raid was made by City Detectives Thomas Murphy, Jr., and Gustav Koerner and Policemen James McLaughlin and Raymond Carson. Besides the slips, the detectives seized $52.97 in money lying on a table.
Murphy said he and Koerner have been watching the place for several days and raided it today when they saw several persons enter. Those arrested are being held in $2000 bail for a hearing in police court tomorrow.
3 With Guns Get $80 in Broadway Holdup
Camden Courier-Post —
Three men, two of them wearing handkerchiefs over their faces, held up a gasoline station attendant at Broadway and Lansdowne Avenue yesterday and escaped with $80, according to detectives.
The police said the men entered the place at 2 a.m. and pointed guns at Robert Horner, 17, of 107 Penn street. The man who did not have his face covered tried to hide his identity by holding his handkerchief to his face.
Horner told Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner two of the men were in their shirt sleeves while the third wore a tan coat. William Risley, of 1380 Lansdowne Avenue, watchman at a nearby bag factory, said he saw the men “acting suspiciously” in the neighborhood and telephoned police headquarters.
Slaying May Lead to Smashing Black Market in Gas
Clearfield PA Progress —
CAMDEN N J, Mar 31—AP—Two “black market” gasoline gangs in Northern and Southern New Jersey will be smashed with information obtained in an investigation of the gang slaying of Vincent (China) Scola, Camden police character, Det Capt Gustave Koerner said today.
Koerner asserted the groups have “flooded” both regions with counterfeit and stolen coupons. Stamps worth half a million gallons already have been recovered, he added. He declined to say where but declared that some were stolen in Reading, Pa and some in New York state.
The Camden County detective also said he knew who shot Scola as he drove his $2,000 limousine homeward here early Wednesday morning.
Camden Detectives Get Escaped Felon
Camden Courier-Post —
Trap Police Character in Phone Booth at Airport Circle
A Camden police character, who escaped Sunday from the Bordentown state prison farm, was captured late yesterday by two city detectives in a telephone booth of an airport circle taproom while he was talking with a former girl friend.
The convict, Anthony Mona, 26, of 947 South Third street, who had served only a month of a two-to-three year sentence for larceny of a saddle and violation of parole, was trapped in the booth and meekly submitted for arrest.
Detective Sgt. Thomas Murphy and Detective Clifford Carr captured Mona about an hour after they received a tip he had been seen in East Camden and Pennsauken township. On this information John L. O’Hara, principal keeper of the state prison, and Thomas A. Mahaney, parole officer, came to Camden to aid in the search. Last night they took Mona back to prison.
Mona made himself conspicuous by wearing a heavy dark beard and dark glasses. The detectives first checked the escaped convict’s home and were told he had not visited there. A second unsuccessful clue led to a house on River avenue near Thirtieth street.
Warned that Mona was armed the detectives received a “sure tip” he was seen entering the Pennsauken taproom. Detective Capt. Gus Koerner told Murphy and Carr to fire their pistols if Mona moved to use a revolver.
Entering the taproom the detectives converged on the telephone booth with drawn revolvers. They kicked in the booth door. Mona was heard to say to the woman he was talking with: “Here’s the law now. No use talking now.”
Mona fled from Bordentown while doing farm work. He was sentenced by Judge Sheehan Nov. 17, 1943, after his conviction on a charge of stealing a saddle from a Haddonfield riding academy. The court suspended sentence and fined Mona $100, payable in weekly installments. When he failed to keep up the payments he was brought before Judge Sheehan on May 10 and sentenced to serve the term.
Mona’s Camden police record dates from Feb. 9, 1938 when he was arrested for a holdup. On March 2, he was given a suspended sentence of 18 months to three years. In February, 1940, he was arrested on a statutory charge and a support order was later made against him. He was arrested on May 8, 1940, on an assault and battery charge. No disposition was made of this charge.
Picked up as a fugitive on Jan. 1, this year, he was turned over to state police of the Columbus station. On Feb. 3, he was arrested on suspicion in Pennsauken township and later fined $10 and costs for failing to have his driver’s license.
Father Shot, Son Tries to Shield Mother
Camden Courier-Post —
Ex-Fireman Wounded in Arm; Woman Takes Blame
The son of a former city fireman made a fruitless attempt last night to save his mother from arrest by asserting he fired a shot that hit his estranged father in the arm while the latter was threatening the mother and trying to break into their East Camden home.
While Tennie Hutchinson, Jr., 25, was insisting to city detectives it was he who fired the shot and wounded his father, Tennie Hutchinson, Sr., 47, in the left arm, the mother, Veronica, 48, walked into the detective bureau and admitted her guilt.
Detective Capt. Gus Koerner, with Detectives Pfleiderer, Trout and Ellis, were questioning the son, when Pfleiderer received an anonymous telephone call the mother was enroute to the bureau and she had fired the shot.
Mother Admits Shooting
A few minutes later, the mother entered the room. “Did you shoot your husband?” Pfleiderer asked Mrs. Hutchinson. He received an affirmative reply.
Mrs. Hutchinson, who lives at 49 South Twenty-second street, told the detectives she was home alone about 6 p. m. yesterday when her husband rapped on the front door demanding entrance. She refused to let him in, she said. As he was trying to break in the door, the son approached the house, coming home from bowling with his sister, Mrs. Eleanor Knighton, 22, of the same address. When the father saw the son, Mrs. Hutchinson, the parent ran around to the back door and tried to get into the house, meanwhile threatening to kill her.
While the former fireman was standing on the back step, the wife said, she grabbed a .32 calibre revolver and fired one shot through the window of the door.
Son Takes Blame
A few seconds later the son entered the front door, took the gun from his mother, and told her: “No matter what happens, mother, I fired the shot. Even if dad dies, I did it.”
The shot attracted neighbors, including Rev. Newton C. Conant, of 52 North Twenty-second street, who took the gun away from the son when he emerged from the Hutchinson home. When police arrived, the son said he did the shooting. The father was taken to Cooper hospital for treatment, and the son to the detective bureau for questioning.
The son told Koerner his mother and father had been separated for several months and his father had threatened his mother for the past several weeks.
Hutchinson, Koerner said, tried to end his life Wednesday night by slashing his throat with a razor, when he was unable to gain entrance to the Twenty-second street home. He was taken to Cooper hospital for treatment and later placed in the rest room for observation. When nurses and physicians began tending other patients, Hutchinson fled the hospital, Koerner said.
Driver for Fire Chief
Hutchinson was a driver for former Fire Chief Carter before he left the department in 1938. Police said he has been living in Salem county lately and working for duPont’s at Gibbstown. The couple have two other children, Kenneth, six, and Douglas, 13, who were out playing when the shooting occurred.
After detectives took statements from the mother and son, the former was released in $1000 bail on a charge of atrocious assault and battery to await a hearing in Police Court tomorrow morning. The son was released in his own recognizance as a material witness. The bail bond was offered by the elder Hutchinson’s brother, George H. Hutchinson, of 619 Clinton street.
De Sanctis Dies in Parked Car, Pal Wounded
Camden Evening Courier —
Police Character Arrested in Night Slaying of Grand Jury Witness
Victim Spurned Tip to Keep Alive in Jail
Camden police early today arrested a Delaware township ex-convict for investigation in the slaying last night of Romeo DeSanctis, star witness against suspects in the recent Casablanca roadhouse holdup.
DeSanctis, released in bail last week as a material witness to the holdup, was killed as he sat with a companion in a parked car, a few hours after he testified before the grand jury in connection with the holdup.
The companion, Leon Grenkwicz, a well-known police character, is in critical condition in West Jersey hospital from bullet wounds of the face. He walked three blocks to the hospital from the scene of the shooting on Mt. Ephraim avenue near Kaighn.
Warned to Stay In Jail
Joseph C. Putek, 35, who has a record of 12 arrests and several convictions on charges that include holdup and robbery, was taken into custody today at his home on Fulton street by Captain Koerner and Detective Carr, of the Camden police. He was booked on suspicion and for investigation. He insisted he was in Philadelphia when DeSanctis was shot.
Prosecutor Mariano said DeSanctis was killed because he testified before the grand jury. Released from jail when his bail was reduced from $50,000 to $7000 as a result of a writ obtained by his family, DeSanctis met a fate feared by the authorities, Mariano revealed. “I told him he had better stay in custody,” the prosecutor said. “I warned him he might be killed.”
“Let Us Have It”
Grenkwicz, conscious in the hospital, told police he and DeSanctis were seated in his car, facing north. He said a large, dark colored sedan drew alongside and just ahead of his car.
A man holding a gun, Grenkwicz said, leaned out of the window and “let us have it.” Police said the weapon was either a machinegun or a sawed-off shotgun with extra large buck shot as ammunition.
“I was a damned fool to be with DeSanctis,” Grenkwicz added.
The left side of DeSanctis’ head, police said, was nearly blown off. Grenkwicz was struck in the face and left hand.
Slugs Rip Through Auto
Slugs tore through the left door and window, the windshield and hood of the car and some struck a plate glass window of a bakery at 1212 Mt. Ephraim avenue, directly behind the car.
The killers’ car continued north on Mt. Ephraim avenue, turned east on Kaighn avenue and disappeared. A police alarm description of the auto was broadcast immediately.
The shooting occurred 80 yards from an alleged speakeasy DeSanctis is said to have operated on Mt. Ephraim avenue and only about 300 yards from Cappy’s Restaurant, 1105 Kaighn avenue, where Stephen Burns, now under arrest as a suspect in the roadhouse holdup, was employed as night manager. Burns was arrested Feb. 14 as he left the restaurant.
Patrolman Oliver Morgan reported he saw DeSanctis in the restaurant between 6 and 6.30 p. m. last night. Prosecutor Mariano immediately ordered police to obtain the names of all persons in the eating house yesterday. Mariano said Grenkwicz denied he was in the restaurant.
Charles Cook, a city fireman, of 1142 Mt. Ephraim avenue, near Kaighn avenue, ran to the scene from his home after hearing the shooting.
Cook and four employes, two women and two men, of Cappy’s restaurant, made statements last night in Mariano’s office, where county, city and state police assembled to coordinate their investigation.
“Cappy” Roman, proprietor of the restaurant, later was questioned. Roman, police said, told them both DeSanctis and Grenkwicz ate dinner in his place last night about 6 o’clock.
Freed in $7000 Bail
DeSanctis, who lived at 1351 Decatur street, was released about 10 days ago in $7000 bail as a material witness in the Casablanca holdup. The roadhouse was held up at 2.55 a. m. Feb. 27 when five masked bandits herded 50 or 60 patrons into the kitchen and robbed them of their money and emptied the club cash registers.
Leaving the roadhouse, the bandits singled out DeSanctis and ordered him to accompany them as a hostage. When they reached the outside, however, they were fired upon by Delaware township policeman Power. DeSanctis dropped to the ground as the bandits escaped in a waiting car, which had been spotted by the policeman.
DeSanctis was arrested later in the day and held incommunicado for seven days before he was arraigned as a material witness and held in $50,000 bail. DeSanctis’ family later obtained a writ of habeas corpus and subsequently he was released in $7000 bail.
Meanwhile, police arrested Burns, Leonard Lutz and James McBride, all ex-convicts, as suspects in the robbery.
McBride Brought to Camden
McBride was lodged in a cell in Camden jail today after being extradited from Philadelphia. Extradition proceedings were delayed by an application in his behalf for a writ of habeas corpus, but at a hearing on the writ before Judge Brown in Philadelphia this morning, the suspect’s attorney, Louis F. McCabe, withdrew the writ after stating identification had been established for extradition purposes. McBride then was turned over to Mariano and County Detectives Mulligan and Dube and brought to Camden.
Burns and Lutz are in the county jail awaiting action of the grand jury.
It was reported that testimony given the grand jury yesterday by DeSanctis was for the purpose of obtaining indictments against Burns and Lutz.
Grenkwicz, who gave his address as 118 Pershing road, Brooklawn, has a long police record including holdup and robbery. He was arrested in 1933 as a suspect in the $11,000 holdup of the Radio Condenser Co.
Police Study Bullet Holes in Death Car
THE PATTERN OF BULLETS which killed one man and critically wounded another at Mt. Ephraim avenue near Kaighn last night is shown on the left side of the death car, being examined by Patrolman Andruzza. Romeo (Rocco) DeSanctis, left, was slain shortly after appearing before the grand jury in connection with the Casablanca Roadhouse holdup. Leon Grenkwicz, also shown, was wounded critically as they sat in Grenkwicz’ car. The even row of bullet holes directly under the window indicates a machinegun was used in the murder. The shots through the upper part of the car were made by shotgun blasts, detectives said.
Jersey Parolee Shot By Philadelphia Gunmen
Trenton Evening Times —
CAMDEN, N. J. —AP— A 2[?]-year-old man identified by Detective Captain Gus Koerner as a recently paroled convict was peppered with shotgun slugs Sunday night outside his home.
Koerner said police were seeking three men in connection with the shooting of Anthony Mona, released four months ago from the Bordentown (N. J.) state prison farm. Mona’s condition was reported not serious.
Mona, who was scheduled to go on trial in Camden County criminal court tomorrow on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a 15-year-old girl, had just gotten into his car when a car drove by slowly and its occupants opened fire, Koerner said. A second blast missed but shattered a window in Mona’s home.
He staggered a half block to a nearby store after the shooting, told people there to “call the cops. I’ve been shot,” and then collapsed.
Man Spurned Takes Life, Kills Woman
Indiana, Pennsylvania Gazette —
CAMDEN, N. J., Feb. 21. — (P) — A Philadelphia political worker shot a Camden woman fatally in a parked car and then killed himself last night, Detective Captain Gus Koerner reported.
A note left by the man, police said, indicated he resorted to murder and suicide because she broke her promise to marry him and became another man’s wife a week ago.
Frank Spayd, about 40, Republican ward worker and assistant chief custodian of voting machines in Philadelphia, was dead when police reached the automobile on a lonely Camden road.
Mrs. Jean Rush Dawson, about 30, stylishly-dressed brunette, had a bullet wound in her skull from which she died at 6:45 a. m. today.
Spayd, Koerner said, fired one bullet from a .32 caliber pistol into the right side of Mrs. Dawson’s head and then turned the weapon on himself, firing a bullet into his own right temple.
The weapon was found on the floor, under Spayd’s right hand. Mrs. Dawson was on her knees beneath the steering wheel.
Sometime after the tragedy was discovered, a man who identified himself as Frank Dawson telephoned Koerner from Beaver Falls, Pa. The detective captain said Dawson informed him he married the former Jean Rush last Saturday at Beaver Falls.
The note found in Spayd’s possession apparently was written after he shot Mrs. Dawson and just before he killed himself. It said in part:
“What I have just done has been thought out very carefully. Mrs. Dawson has taken her last man for a sleigh ride. Do not think I am looking for an excuse because I am not.”
Spayd said in the note that she had promised to marry him but instead bought a new dress to marry Dawson.
In addition to the note police also found a warrant in Spayd’s pocket issued on Wednesday by Magistrate John L. Coyle in Philadelphia charging Jean Rush with obtaining goods under false pretense. Coyle said he issued the warrant at Spayd’s request. Coyle added:
“He told me they intended to be married, that she got money for expensive clothes, bought the clothes, and then, he said, refused to marry him. He looked as if he had been ill, so ill that at first I didn’t recognize him.”
In Cafe Holdup
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Search All Night for Thugs Who Took $1000
Camden police today arrested three men in connection with an armed holdup yesterday of a Camden saloon.
Police worked through the night on the case. They broke off the investigation for a short rest at 6 o’clock this morning, however, and were to continue it later.
The saloon, Briggs Cafe at Lansdowne avenue and Louis street, was robbed of about $1000 at 3.05 p. m. yesterday by two neatly dressed, armed bandits.
Shortly afterward the bandits took a watch, $20 in cash and the automobile of two men who pursued them.
Truck Driver Quizzed
Booked on “suspicion” at 5.30 o’clock this morning at Camden police headquarters was Angelino J. Martelli, 22, a truck driver, whose home at 1173 Lansdowne avenue, is near the Briggs Cafe. Police explained he is being held for further questioning.
At 5.45 a. m. two other men were booked as material witnesses in the case. They are Charles Beyer, 23, an electrical worker, 727 South Eighth street, and Dominic Maone, 24, a salesman, 405 South Fifth street.
Detective Capt. Koerner took charge of the investigation late yesterday, and, with Detective Sgt. Trout and Detective Cahill, [sic] Sgt. Trout and Detectives Cahill and Schultz, worked through the night.
2 Women Held at Bay
The saloon owner, Mrs. Mary Derengowski, 52, and her daughter, Mrs. Stella Briggs, 34, reported the bandits held them at bay with pistols while they rifled a cash drawer and cash register.
Mrs. Briggs was upstairs painting when the robbers entered the saloon.
Mrs. Derengowski was in a back room when she heard the door bell.
As she approached the bar to serve two men standing there, she noticed they had drawn pistols.
Warned to ‘Keep Quiet’
“Keep quiet,” one told her, “and you won’t get hurt.”
She told police, however, she screamed as one of the gunmen forced her into the back room.
Attracted by the screams, Mrs. Briggs ran downstairs and was confronted by a gunman who ordered her in the back room with her mother.
At that point, the women said, the bandit holding them at bay became nervous. He ran over to his partner in the barroom and told him to hurry and take the money.
Mrs. Derengowski slipped through a side door into Louis street and screamed for help.
Victims Chase Them
The bandits fled down Lansdowne avenue toward Rose street with the women chasing them.
Joseph J. Lesniewski, 28, of 1179 Lansdowne avenue, took up the chase and was gaining on the thugs when he noticed an automobile driven by William Szmborski, 40, of 1165 Kenwood avenue, moving in the same direction.
Lesniewski leaped on the running board, told Szmborski of the holdup and persuaded him to follow the fugitives down Rose street to a point near Mechanic street, where the car drew abreast of the bandits.
Szmborski stopped the car and Lesniewski leaped from the running board just as the bandits turned their guns upon him and ordered him back to the machine. They forced Lesniewski into the car and climbed in behind him.
The bandits forced Lesniewski to surrender $20 in cash and his wrist watch, then ordered the driver to “get going.”
Drive Off In Car
Szmborski drove to Louis street near Mt. Vernon, where the bandits ordered their pursuers from the car and drove it away.
Radio car Patrolmen James Caputi and William Prucella were notified and took up the hunt. The car was found abandoned at Second and Clinton streets.
A short time after the holdup, Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie recovered an abandoned machine which he said apparently was to be used as a “get-away” car.
The auto, a green sedan with the key in the ignition lock, was found in the 1200 block of Lansdowne avenue.
Neighbors told Wilkie they saw three men drive up in the car shortly before the hold-up. Two, who Wilkie said fitted descriptions of the robbers, left the car and walked toward the saloon. The third remained at the wheel.
Third Man Escapes
Wilkie said when the bandits fled from the bar they apparently became confused and ran west on Lansdowne avenue, instead of east toward the car. The third man abandoned the car and fled on foot.
Mrs. Derengowski told police the cash drawer contained about $1000 to cash checks.
One bandit wore a panama hat pulled low over his forehead and a black jacket. The women said the second thug had a mustache and wore an Army jacket and pants.
Navy Vet Sought
The automobile abandoned near the scene was registered in the name of Joseph A. Gimello, 20, of 325 Washington street. Wilkie declared Gimello’s parents said he had not returned home and admitted he owned the machine.
They said the youth enlisted in the navy when he was 17, served three years and was discharged recently. However, according to Wilkie, the parents stated his entire attitude had changed and they feared he was suffering from a mental condition.
An alarm has been broadcast to hold Gimello for questioning in connection with the holdup.
Koerner Made Police Chief; Carroll, Mattison Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
NAMED CHIEF of the Camden police department today, Captain Gustav Koerner, a 26-year veteran of the department and one time baseball player, is shown receiving the congratulations of Public Safety Director Aaron. A native of Camden, Chief Koerner succeeds George H. Frost [sic], who resigned Jan. 1, 1948. Capt. Samuel Johnson had been acting chief since then.
Johnson, Garrity Move as Aaron Shifts Officers
Capt. Gustav Koerner, youngest of six men holding that rank in the department, today was named Camden police chief.
Public Safety Director Aaron announced the appointment and the 53-year-old Koerner, a member of the department 26 years, was sworn in by County Judge Sheehan in Aaron’s office.
At the same time, Director Aaron announced the promotion of Detective Capt. Edward Carroll, 56, to police inspector, and the promotion of Lieut. Walter Mattison, 63, to captain, replacing Chief Koerner in command of the first police district and police headquarters.
Both were sworn in by Mrs. Mary MacClennan, acting city clerk.
Transfers Announced
Aaron also announced the following transfers, effective Dec. 1:
Capt. John Garrity, from chief clerk of the police bureau, to command of the Third Police District, vacant since the retirement on pension two weeks ago of Capt. Richard Cornog.
Capt. Samuel Johnson, who has been acting police chief since the resignation Jan. 1, 1948 of Chief George H. Frost [sic], to command of the detective bureau, succeeding Carroll.
Capt. Walter Rowand, 56, one of those made eligible for the appointment as chief by civil service tests, will continue in charge of the second police district, Director Aaron said, and Capt. Nathan Petit, 57, another eligible for the appointment, will remain in charge of the traffic bureau.
More than 100 police and firemen attended the ceremony at which Chief Koerner was sworn in, including Patrolman Frank Call, president of Local 35, Police Benevolent Association. Others included Deputy Mayor Malandra, acting for Mayor Brunner who was unable to attend; Freeholder Ewing and Captain of County Detectives James J. Mulligan.
After administering the oath, Judge Sheehan shook hands with Chief Koerner and said:
“I am certain that you will demonstrate your unquestionable integrity and courage in your new office and add lustre to our police department.”
Says Selection Difficult
Selection of Koerner over Captain Petit and Captain Rowand, Director Aaron said, was “an extremely difficult one to make.”
“All three captains,” the director said, “are my personal friends, and have been for many years. I considered each of them well qualified for the job of police chief. In naming Captain Koerner, however, I took into consideration his age and his excellent physical condition.”
The civil service tests in which the three qualified for appointment were taken after Chief Frost resigned. Koerner outpointed the other two, receiving an average of 78.5 percent against 76.3 for Petit and 74.3 percent for Rowand.
Captains Garrity, Johnson and Carroll did not take the examinations.
As head of the department, Chief Koerner will be paid at the rate of $4425, the present salary of police chief, until Jan. 1, when, through the increase approved at the Nov. 8 election, he will receive $4885 a year. His captain’s salary was $3500 a year.
On Force 32 Years
The promotion for Captain Mattison not only was a reward for 32 years of service in the department but also brought him a salary increase from the rate of $3220 a year, the present scale for lieutenants, to $3500, the rate for captains. After the first of the year, he will receive $3960 a year.
Director Aaron said he did not know whether Inspector Carroll will draw a greater salary than that allowed captains. The city has not had a police inspector since the late Inspector Charles L. Humes Sr. [sic], retired Jan. 1, 1933.
Police Chief Koerner, a native of Camden, is one of 10 children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Koerner. His father for many years was an engraver employed by the Theodore Presser Co., music publishing firm of Philadelphia.
Directed Detectives
Educated in public schools, Koerner was appointed to the police department June 16, 1923, and after a probationary period, was assigned to the motorcycle squad. He was named a sergeant in September, 1930, and a lieutenant in November, 1941. Shortly after the latter appointment, he was placed in charge of the detective bureau, a post he held when named a captain in April, 1943, and continued to hold until placed in charge of the First district.
He is married and lives with his wife, Mary, at 807 Haddon avenue. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and has been active in the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association practically from its start here.
Played Baseball in Youth
As a youth, Chief Koerner played sandlot baseball in East Camden and later, as an infielder, played with several teams in the old Eastern Shore League. On receiving his police appointment, he played with the Camden police team in the Penn-Jersey League.
He has never relinquished his interest in baseball and at present is chairman of the Police Athletic League which sponsors sports for teen-agers.
Koerner had the appointment once before, Dr. David S. Rhone naming him chief last Oct. 28 a few hours after Rhone was removed as public safety director and Aaron assigned that department of the city government. The appointment, however, was cancelled the following day.
Chief Koerner was cleared of three charges of misconduct in office a year ago by a ruling of Judge Sheehan in Camden county court. The charges grew out of his alleged failure as head of the detective bureau to question persons whose names were found in a notebook on the body of Frank Luggi, who was murdered Dec. 31, 1946.
Veteran of War I
Inspector Carroll, who lives at 427 Lansdowne avenue, has had 27 years service in the department, being appointed on July 14, 1922. He was promoted to sergeant in April, 1930; to lieutenant, October, 1941, and to captain, March 23, 1943. He is a veteran of World War I. Previously to being placed in charge of the detective bureau in December, 1947, he commanded the Second Police District and prior to that, the headquarters division.
Captain Mattison lives at 541 Washington street and was appointed a patrolman on April 11, 1917. He was promoted to sergeant Aug. 1, 1929, the rank he held for 14 years before being named a lieutenant on March 23, 1943. He commanded the First District for several years but without the rank of captain and for the last two years, has been in command of police headquarters.
134 Years of Service
Captains Johnson, Petit, Rowand and Garrity—all veterans of the department—have a combined service of more than 134 years, with Captain Johnson, who is 70, topping each of them with almost 40 years of service, receiving his appointment to the department in April, 1910.
Captain Petit, who is 57, was appointed a patrolman in April, 1917; Rowand, in December of that year, and Captain Garrity, in January, 1919, after serving six years as a member of the fire department.
Last August, Captain Petit was suspended for 28 days after he had been charged with violating a police regulation forbidding police to hold outside employment. He was accused of doing traffic work for a construction company during the building of the Baird boulevard overpass.
Capt. Garrity was indicted along with Director Rhone and Chief Frost in connection with the Van Riper probe of police laxity and gambling charges two years ago but was exonerated along with Rhone when their indictments were nolle prossed last May 13 by Prosecutor Cohen. Frost was acquitted by a directed verdict three days previously.
Philadelphian Shoots Woman, Ends Life
Bradford, Pennsylvania Era —
Camden, N. J. —(AP)— Frank A. Spayd, Philadelphia, shot a Camden bride of less than a week and then killed himself as the two sat in a parked car Thursday night, Detective Captain Gus Koerner reported.
The woman, identified as Mrs. Jean Rush Dawson, about 30, died at 6:45 a. m. yesterday at Cooper Hospital.
Koerner said Spayd, about 40, left a note indicating he resorted to murder and suicide because Mrs. Dawson broke her promise to marry him and became another man’s wife a week ago.
Christmas Curfew
Berkshire, Massachusetts Evening Eagle —
CAMDEN, N.J. — A 10 PM curfew for boys and girls under 18, not enforced here since World War II days, has been imposed for the duration of the Christmas season, Police Chief Gustav Koerner announced.
Chief Koerner said a wave of petty crimes by juveniles breaks out each year just before Christmas. He pointed to a burglary of the Camden Free Public Library in which $6 in change was stolen as an example.
Juveniles found on the street after the curfew hour who are not accompanied by adults will be questioned by police. Chief Koerner said youngsters without good reasons for being out will be booked and sent home. Their parents will be summoned for a hearing the next day.
City Hall, 1952 — Chief Koerner and New Police Officers
From Left: First one is probably Frank Mignone, then Tom Kelly, Peter Paull, Charles Kocher Sr., Chief Koerner. Photo courtesy of Charles Kocher.
Numbers Suspect With 9800 Plays Caught at Span
Camden Courier-Post —
On Way From Phila.; $2122 Bets Indicated; Previously Arrested
A suspected runner for a numbers ring was arrested Friday at the Camden bridge toll gates by Camden detectives who said the suspect was carrying 9800 numbers plays.
Held in city jail on a charge of maintaining a lottery in violation of the state crimes act is Thomas Lauria, 34, of 1296 Van Hook street.
District Detective Edward Shapiro and John Moffa, who seized Lauria as his automobile was approaching from Philadelphia, said the slips indicated a total play of $2122.
Shapiro said the slips were in a briefcase alongside Lauria in the front seat of the car. Some of the slips were for plays as high as $20, but most were for 10 to 25 cents, Shapiro said.
Sought for Week
Lauria was booked at 5 p. m. after he was taken to detective headquarters and then to the office of Police Chief Koerner, where he was questioned by Koerner and Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy. When booked in police headquarters, Lauria listed his occupation as laborer.
According to Shapiro, police have been seeking Lauria for more than a week as a suspected runner for a South Philadelphia ring. Learning that Lauria usually returned from Philadelphia in mid-afternoon, Shapiro and Moffa stationed themselves at the tollgates at 1.45 p. m. and nabbed Lauria as he drove up at 2.30 p. m.
Shapiro indicated Lauria escaped arrest earlier this week during an 80-mile-an-hour car chase in which the suspect eluded police after the pursuit led to Delaware township.
Previous Arrests
A total of $92.43 in cash was found on Lauria when he was searched in detective headquarters. However, it was not determined if the money was a part of the numbers play collections. Murphy said it is believed the slips were being brought here for tabulation after the money had been turned in to other members of the ring in Philadelphia.
Murphy said Lauria was arrested last week in Philadelphia on a similar charge. In addition, Lauria was arrested here in 1937 and again in 1947, according to detectives.
Police said the suspect formerly boxed in Philadelphia and Camden under the name of Tommy Ricco.
Suspected Numbers Runner
Camden Courier-Post —
Thomas Lauria, of 1296 Van Hook street, arrested on the Camden bridge plaza with 9800 numbers slips indicating a total play of $2122, is shown here being escorted by Detective Edward Shapiro, one of his captors, to the office of Police Chief Koerner for questioning.
Kaighn School and Hollingshead Fire
Camden Courier-Post —
POLICE INVESTIGATE 3 FIRES IN 4 HOURS IN ONE SECTION
Kaighn School Razed; Blazes Set in Church, Unoccupied House
ABANDONED KAIGHN SCHOOL building was razed Wednesday afternoon in one of three fires within a quarter-mile area. Photo shows flames and smoke pouring through roof of the building at 5th and Chestnut sts. Police were investigating the theory that the three fires within three hours and 46 minutes were the work of an arsonist.
Police today are investigating the possibility that three fires Wednesday within a quarter-mile area inside of three hours and 46 minutes were the work of a firebug.
The blaze which razed the Kaighn School, 5th and Chestnut sts., seriously damaged Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R. C. Church, 4th and Division sts., and consumed a pile of rubbish in the basement of an unoccupied three-story house at 7th and Pine sts., came on the 12th anniversary of the disastrous Hollingshead fire.
That fire, on July 30, 1940, leveled the R. M. Hollingshead plant, then located at 9th and Market sts., took 10 lives and caused an estimated $4 million damage, according to city fire department records. It was Camden’s worst fire.
Police Chief Koerner, commenting on Wednesday’s fires which caused damage estimated at more than $17,000, said: “We are going to make a thorough study of every available clue to see whether the fires could have been started by one person.”
Koerner, Pfefferle Investigate
Fire Chief Pfefferle agreed with Chief Koerner and said that he had already requested the fire marshal’s office to probe into the circumstances of the chain-fires which kept the city’s fire department on the go from 12:46 p. m. until well after 9 p. m.
The most disastrous of the series of fires was that which broke out in the cupola of the Kaighn School at 3 p. m. Damage was estimated at “$15,000 or more,” by Joseph C. Ragone, secretary of the Camden Board of Education.
A dozen row houses on Sycamore st. and six homes on Newton ave. were imperilled and Acting District Fire Chief Henry E. Zook ordered the buildings wetted down.
School Closed for Three Years
The three-story abandoned school was a shambles by 6 p. m. One of the oldest schools in the city, the 15-room structure had been unused for the past three years. The last fire apparatus, Engine 3, left the scene at 9 p. m.
Upon arrival on the scene Zook immediately sent in a second alarm while thousands of onlookers gathered in the area. Police emergency cars, an ambulance, fire apparatus and cars belonging to fire and police officials choked the narrow streets. As the blaze continued an enterprising ice cream vender halted his cart and did a thriving business among spectators.
Three firemen were injured slightly. Walter Dilsworth, of Engine Co. 2, William Warren, of Engine 8, and Eugene Alston, of Engine 1, were treated at Cooper Hospital. In this connection Zook told a Courier-Post reporter: “I’d been expecting this place to go for a long time and I always hoped it would be in the daytime. I don’t hesitate to say that if this fire had broken out at night we might have had a fatality. The roof collapsed within the first 25 minutes.”
’Bottlegangers’ Used School
Still another possibility of tragedy was suggested by Fire Chief Pfefferle. “We found ample evidence that the abandoned school was used as a rendezvous by bottlegangers. Among the debris we saw lots of empty bottles. If any of these bottlegangers had been sleeping off a drunken stupor there is very little chance that he would have been discovered. After all, we do not look for tenants in buildings that are boarded up.”
The chief added that although he would ask Police Chief Koerner to probe into the possibility of an arsonist, he was personally inclined to the belief that children were responsible.
“It looks like kids’ work to me,” Pfefferle declared.
The fire chief declined to estimate the loss in the three fires and said he had no idea as to the cause of the church and school fires. He said the third fire, in the basement of an unoccupied three-story brick apartment at 701 Pine st., was caused by rubbish.
New Truck Used
The chief said the new aerial ladder, used for the first time on a real fire, “worked in first class condition.”
To protect both firemen and spectators Max Dippner, Public Service Gas and Electric Co. employe, disconnected a 2400-volt transformer on a pole near the school and left an area of four city blocks without power or light until 5 p. m., when he restored the service.
Damage at the earlier fire at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 4th and Division sts., was estimated at “several thousand dollars,” by the Rev. Michael Argullo, the pastor. This alarm was sounded at 12:46 p. m. and Pfefferle said a thorough check would be made of the possibility of deliberate arson.
Church Damaged Earlier
The flames destroyed a confessional, scorched pews and blackened a number of statues, the priest said. The Rev. Richard Gerbino, a curate, removed the Most Blessed Sacrament from its tabernacle, and nuns took a number of vestments into an adjoining building.
While the Kaighn School fire was at its height an alarm was sent in for a blaze at the northeast corner of Newton and Pine sts. Acting Chief Austin Marks of the 2nd District said he believed the fire was set by boys who entered the boarded-up vacant three-story apartment building by climbing up to a second floor porch. Firemen had to batter down at least two doors to get inside the house, Marks said. Engine Cos. 6 and 9 and Truck Co. 3 were at the fire.
State Owns Building
The building is in the right of way of the proposed North-South Freeway and is owned by the state, according to Marks.
Three other alarms rounded out the day for the fire-fighters. At 12:19 p. m. they extinguished a rubbish fire on a lot at Budd and Mulford sts. At 6:07 p. m. they doused a slight blaze in a pile of wooden molds in the rear of the Brown Foundry Corp., Cambridge st. and Wayne ave. Although this blaze was only 100 feet from the Washington School, the building was not endangered at any time, Robert Wonsetler, chief of the 2nd District, said. Engine 11 responded.
Last fire of the day was an automobile on Penn st. between 5th and 6th sts. Firemen were called out for this at 10:43 p. m.
In 1946 the Kaighn School was rated “poor” in nine points of the Camden Educational Council’s physical survey report. Lack of outside fire exits and general rundown conditions were cited in the report.
Frequently the school was the target of vandals. Intruders ransacked eight rooms early in November, 1947, and in October of 1948 seven rooms were ransacked and jets on a gas stove were left turned on. In December, 1948, rooms were again ransacked and late in February of 1949 Red Cross boxes in the school were looted and a radio and record player were stolen.
Woodley Snyder Reenacts Candy Store Attack
Camden Courier-Post —
Suspect’s Police Record Started at Age of 9 Years
A Camden man with a record of arrests since he was nine years old is being held by Camden police today charged with the near fatal beating of Mrs. Rachel Weiner on Oct. 1.
Woodley Rex Snyder, 26, of 737 Kaighn Avenue, was booked Wednesday night in police headquarters on a charge of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill after he allegedly admitted the savage beating of Mrs. Weiner in a small candy store she operates at 763 Kaighn Avenue. Her condition remains critical at Cooper Hospital.
Snyder “surrendered meekly” and was arrested at 6.15 p.m. Wednesday at the parsonage of the Rev. George Nicholas, 823 Walnut st., pastor of the Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church, Ann and Sycamore sts. Police said Snyder lived at the parsonage until Sept. 11.
Convinced by Pastor
Detective Sgt. Vincent Conley and Detective Clifford Del Rossi, who had worked around-the-clock since the beating in an effort to capture Mrs. Weiner’s assailant, made the arrest. The detectives said the Rev. Mr. Nicholas cooperated with police and had convinced Snyder he should give himself up.
Police Chief Koerner said Snyder “admitted hitting Mrs. Weiner on the head seven or eight times” with the butt of a .25-calibre automatic pistol.
The blood-stained pistol and a blood-stained jacket and pair of pants, recovered during the investigation, are being sent to Trenton for examination at the State Police laboratory.
Lived With Brother
Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy disclosed how suspicion fell on Snyder.
“Snyder and a roommate, William Spearman, lived at the home of Snyder’s brother, Julius, on Kaighn Avenue, Murphy stated. “Spearman told police that some of his clothing was missing. A search of the room revealed bloodstained clothing, which Spearman said must belong to Snyder.
“Further search disclosed a .25 calibre revolver under a mattress and Spearman said this did not belong to him and must be Snyder’s. Snyder’s brother backed up Spearman on identification of the clothing.”
Conley and Del Rossi quoted Snyder as saying:
“I had no motive. I walked into the store to get something to eat and she walked toward me. A feeling came over me.”
The detectives said Snyder admitted having the gun in his possession, but denied that he entered the store planning a hold-up. Snyder was quoted as saying:
“If I needed money, I could get it this way.”
Snyder’s trail after the beating led from Camden to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Rockville Center, L.I.; back to Philadelphia, to Camden, to Philadelphia, to Washington, to Baltimore, to Philadelphia and then to Camden Wednesday when he was arrested.
Eluded Pursuers
Detectives were on Snyder’s trail continually and missed him by less than an hour in Baltimore. Conley and Del Rossi traced him to an uncle’s home in Baltimore, but Snyder at the same time was in an aunt’s home in the same city, where he allegedly stole $12, according to detectives.
According to detectives, Snyder served time continually from the time he was nine years old until he was 20. In 1942 he was sentenced to Jamesburg on five charges of breaking, entering and larceny, and served additional time for escape.
Agrees to Surrender
Detectives said Snyder returned to Camden at 4 a.m. Wednesday after telephoning the Rev. Mr. Nicholas, who pleaded with him to give himself up, from Philadelphia.
Detectives quoted the preacher as saying Snyder told him he’d “rather be shot walking down the street than return to prison.” The Rev. Mr. Nicholas fed him and after continued pleadings Snyder “told him to call police,” Conley said.
Snyder was first aware that he was wanted by police when he visited an aunt in Rockville, L.I. on Monday.
Camden Man Held In Store Beating Of Aged Widow
Camden Courier-Post —
Suspect’s Police Record Started at Age of 9 Years
A Camden man with a record of arrests since he was nine years old is being held by Camden police today charged with the near fatal beating of Mrs. Rachel Weiner on Oct. 1.
Woodley Rex Snyder, 26, of 737 Kaighn ave., was booked Wednesday night in police headquarters on a charge of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill after he allegedly admitted the savage beating of Mrs. Weiner in a small candy store she operates at 763 Kaighn ave. Her condition remains critical at Cooper Hospital.
Snyder “surrendered meekly” and was arrested at 6.15 p. m. Wednesday at the parsonage of the Rev. George Nicholas, 823 Walnut st., pastor of the Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church, Ann and Sycamore sts. Police said Snyder lived at the parsonage until Sept. 11.
Convinced by Pastor
Detective Sgt. Vincent Conley and Detective Clifford Del Rossi, who had worked around-the-clock since the beating in an effort to capture Mrs. Weiner’s assailant, made the arrest. The detectives said the Rev. Mr. Nicholas cooperated with police and had convinced Snyder he should give himself up.
Police Chief Koerner said Snyder “admitted hitting Mrs. Weiner on the head seven or eight times” with the butt of a .25-calibre automatic pistol.
The blood-stained pistol and a blood-stained jacket and pair of pants, recovered during the investigation, are being sent to Trenton for examination at the State Police laboratory.
Lived With Brother
Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy disclosed how suspicion fell on Snyder.
“Snyder and a roommate, William Spearman, lived at the home of Snyder’s brother, Julius, on Kaighn ave., Murphy stated. “Spearman told police that some of his clothing was missing. A search of the room revealed bloodstained clothing, which Spearman said must belong to Snyder.
“Further search disclosed a .25 calibre revolver under a mattress and Spearman said this did not belong to him and must be Snyder’s. Snyder’s brother backed up Spearman on identification of the clothing.”
Conley and Del Rossi quoted Snyder as saying:
“I had no motive. I walked into the store to get something to eat and she walked toward me. A feeling came over me.”
The detectives said Snyder admitted having the gun in his possession, but denied that he entered the store planning a hold-up. Snyder was quoted as saying:
“If I needed money, I could get it this way.”
Snyder’s trail after the beating led from Camden to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Rockville Center, L. I.; back to Philadelphia, to Camden, to Philadelphia, to Washington, to Baltimore, to Philadelphia and then to Camden Wednesday when he was arrested.
Eluded Pursuers
Detectives were on Snyder’s trail continually and missed him by less than an hour in Baltimore. Conley and Del Rossi traced him to an uncle’s home in Baltimore, but Snyder at the same time was in an aunt’s home in the same city, where he allegedly stole $12, according to detectives.
According to detectives, Snyder served time continually from the time he was nine years old until he was 20. In 1942 he was sentenced to Jamesburg on five charges of breaking, entering and larceny, and served additional time for escape.
Agrees to Surrender
Detectives said Snyder returned to Camden at 4 a. m. Wednesday after telephoning the Rev. Mr. Nicholas, who pleaded with him to give himself up, from Philadelphia.
Detectives quoted the preacher as saying Snyder told him he’d “rather be shot walking down the street than return to prison.” The Rev. Mr. Nicholas fed him and after continued pleadings Snyder “told him to call police,” Conley said.
Snyder was first aware that he was wanted by police when he visited an aunt in Rockville, L. I., on Monday.
Private Plane Tears Into S. Camden Street
Camden Courier-Post —
Private Plane Tears Into S. Camden Street
—Courier-Post Photo
THE TWISTED WRECKAGE of a monoplane which crashed into Sylvan st. in South Camden on Wednesday night after plunging out of control is examined by police and firemen following removal of the pilot, William A. Kreusser, 26, of 873 Fairview st. Doctors said Kreusser, though seriously injured, would recover. Hundreds of persons witnessed the crash.
Pilot Injured as Craft Crashes Near Home
A 26-year-old South Camden pilot miraculously escaped with his life Wednesday night when his light monoplane, plunging out of control, tore down power lines and crashed into the street near his home.
Hundreds of terror-stricken persons saw William A. Kreusser, of 873 Fairview st., circling the neighborhood in the vicinity of 9th st. and Congress rd. as he fought to pull the craft from a dive.
Then the plane ripped through a network of wires and crashed into the road in front of 843 Sylvan st. without exploding.
Dug from the wreckage by firemen, Kreusser was rushed to West Jersey Hospital with a brain concussion, several fractured ribs and a punctured right lung. But doctors said today his condition was fair and he would recover.
Flying Five Years
Neither police nor relatives were able to explain what Kreusser, who has been flying for five years and who bought the monoplane three months ago, was doing over his South Camden home at the time.
He had left the Blackwood Airport, where he kept the craft, around 5:15 p. m. The bizarre crash occurred half an hour later. Kruesser, a former marine, is an employe of New York shipyard and lives with his father and mother at the Fairview st. address.
In its dizzy descent, the monoplane sheared off the crossbeam of a utility pole at 9th and Fairview sts. after plowing through a netting of telephone and power lines.
Street Lights Out
Street lights in the vicinity of 8th and 9th sts., between Florence st. and Congress rd., were blacked out for approximately five hours following the crash. Service was finally restored by Public Service at 10:45 p. m.
When it plunged into Sylvan st., the craft flopped over with its wheels in the air, narrowly missing a row of two-story brick homes.
Police roped off the crash area from hundreds of curious onlookers and also roped off the vicinity of the home of Albert Buzine, of 901 Fairview st., over which loose electric wires were dangling. House lights in the neighborhood were affected.
A detail of police and firemen, working under emergency beam lights, tried to turn the plane upright. The covering of its fuselage was torn away, exposing the steel ribs. In their efforts to right the plane, the detail scurried away when the ripped and broken right wing toppled over and hung dejectedly.
The crew dragged the remains of the monoplane to the Kreusser backyard and hoisted the mangled structure over the white picket fence.
Igor Shelpuk, 15, of 907 Fairview st., was in the second floor rear bedroom of his home when, he said, he heard the drone of a plane motor increasing in volume.
He said he looked out of the window and saw the craft circling the area. It disappeared from view for a time and then the boy said he looked out again at its approach in time to see the plane “spin dizzily two or three times” and cut away out of sight.
Hears Crash
An instant later Shelpuk heard a crash. The motor was still humming. In a moment, he said, there came a rending crash as the plane hit in Sylvan st. and turned over.
William Vogel, 27, of 931 Woodland ave., Camden, near the Kreusser home, almost completely lost his voice by the shock of learning of his friend’s predicament. Both men are employed by the New York Shipbuilding Corp., Vogel in the purchasing department, and the injured pilot as an electrician.
Vogel said, in a whisper that could hardly be heard, he was near his home when he saw the plane come by. He said it was flying so low he knew it must be in some kind of trouble. He felt certain, a moment later, when he saw the craft maneuvering for an emergency landing in Ever’s Park. Apparently the pilot changed his mind about landing there when he saw a group of children playing in the park.
Friend Is Stunned
Vogel said he was too stunned to visit the scene of the crash when he heard the plane pancake.
Capt. John Ballinghoff, of Engine Co. 10, said the plane, after shearing off the crossbeam of a utility pole on Fairview st., hopped upward as Kreusser evidently made a desperate attempt to gain altitude, but plummeted in a diagonal dive across the backyard of his home and crashed.
The Kreusser home has a long, grassy plot for a backyard, which is fenced in white pickets and extends back to Sylvan st. The picket fence was not touched.
Police Chief Gustav Koerner arrived from his home to take charge of police forces.
The plane did not catch fire when it crashed to the street, but loosed a flood of gasoline around its battered frame. Firemen sprayed the wreckage with water and washed down the street as a precautionary measure.
Taken to Hospital
Kreusser was taken to the hospital in a station wagon owned by Cyril Hughes, who lives at 8th st. and Woodland ave. Accompanying Hughes was the injured man’s father, William A. Kreusser, 57, and Hoseman John Dugan of Engine Co. 10.
Kreusser senior, also employed by the New York Shipbuilding Corp., as a miscellaneous buyer, said his son was stationed with the U. S. Marines in California during War II. The pilot learned to fly, following his discharge from the service, under the GI Bill.
The father said his son had been flying for five years. He had acquired possession of the monoplane about three months ago and customarily took off on jaunts from the Blackwood Airport, he said.
Registered Pilot
Vogel said Kreusser is a registered pilot in the state with more than 1000 hours flying time qualifying him to pilot any type aircraft.
Neighbors said Kreusser worked for a time as a commercial crop-duster.
The pilot’s mother, Margaret, and a sister, Margaret, were shopping in Philadelphia at the time of the crash. A neighbor stood by to notify them when they arrived home.
The pilot’s sister spent the night at the hospital. She was recently graduated as a nurse from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia and is presently employed as a registered nurse at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
Neighbors Witness Crash
Jane Skare, 14, of 945 Fairview st., said she heard the plane’s motor, ran out and looked up and saw the craft zoom across Fairview st. at house-top level. It then struck the power lines and crashed moments later.
Mrs. Helen Campbell, of 870 Fairview st., was in the backyard of her home while her daughter, Dolores, 4, was playing in front of the house when the plane came over. She said she saw it circle very low, ran through the house and grabbed her daughters off the porch as she saw a tremendous flash. Then, she said, power lines dropped to the street.
Both Mrs. Mary Mulbrier, of 869 Fairview st., and Mrs. Margaret Devlin, of 836 Sylvan st., whose homes are back to back, said they thought their houses had been struck when the power lines and the pole crossbeam were cut.
THE TWISTED WRECKAGE of a monoplane which crashed into Sylvan Street in South Camden on Wednesday night after plunging out of control is examined by police and firemen following removal of the pilot, William A. Kruesser, 26, of 875 Fairview Street. Doctors say Kruesser, though seriously injured, would recover. Hundreds of persons witnessed the crash.
William A. Kreusser Jr. — Fairview Street — Sylvan Street — Albert Buzine — William Vogel
Joseph Ballinghoff — Engine Company 10 — John Dugan — William A. Kreusser Sr.
South 8th Street — South 9th Street — Evers Park — Margaret Kreusser
Kills His Bride and Then Suicides
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Times —
CAMDEN, N.J. (UP) — Two Camden newlyweds were found shot to death yesterday in a climax to what their landlords said was a day of quarreling.
Police found Mrs. Joan Salwan, 21, dead and her husband, Norman P. Salwan, 25, dying, when they arrived at the couple’s apartment in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Prentice.
Police Chief Gustav Koerner and Det. Capt. Thomas P. Murphy said Salwan killed his bride of two months, then turned the gun on himself.
Patrolman Harry Brown said he found Salwan lying beneath his wife’s body, a .22-caliber automatic in his hand.
Salwan died about an hour later in Cooper Hospital.
Merchants Laud Crackdown on Street Peddlers
Camden Courier-Post —
Nuisance Eliminated, They Say, Praising Action by Police
Camden City’s police crackdown on the illegal operations of pretzel vendors and other type peddlers in the mid-city business area was hailed today by the merchants.
All merchants contacted agreed the problem has been eliminated and expressed hope the regulation would continue to be enforced, particularly through the Christmas shopping period.
The police action was praised by each merchant. Many had complained previously against the vendors standing in store doorways or in front of display windows selling their wares such as pretzels, sewing bags, produce, etc.
Photos Tell Story
On October 18, The Courier-Post published several photographs of teen-age children hawking pretzels on the Camden Lits sidewalks and at the doorways during the heavy downpour of rain the previous Saturday night.
The problem was brought to the attention of Police Chief Gus Koerner, who ordered police to enforce the city ordinance on peddlers which requires they keep moving at all times.
Among the merchants commenting the problem has been eliminated, and praising the police for their cooperation were: G.L. McLean, manager, F. W. Woolworth store; Jack D. Neilson, assistant manager, J. C. Penney store; S. G. Hall, manager W. T. Grant store; Albert Rose, manager of Crawford Clothes; Furman Shaw, of F. L. Shaw, jewelers; Miss Leah Lipman, manager of the Deb Shop; Charles Reilly, assistant manager of Horn & Hardart Restaurant; a spokesman for Robert F. Hurley, of Bond Wine & Liquor store; Paul Rapp, manager of L. and M. Hausner cigar store.
Several weeks ago 19 merchants in the Broadway and Federal Street area signed a Camden County Chamber of Commerce petition urging city officials to take action on the peddler nuisance and shortly afterwards a Chamber delegation met personally with Director of Public Safety Aaron to present a direct appeal for relief.
Boxing Show Slated to Aid Drop-A-Buck
Camden Courier-Post —
More than 500 members of boys clubs and Little League teams in the area will be guests at a special amateur boxing show Tuesday night at Convention Hall from which proceeds will benefit the Frank H. Ryan Drop-A-Buck Club.
Sponsors for the young guests are being solicited now by a committee headed by Police Insp. Anthony Skolski.
The show will be staged by the Camden Police Athletic League and sponsored by Camden Local 35, New Jersey Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.
Ten three-round bouts will present boxers from the Philadelphia Police Athletic League and some Middle Atlantic AAU champions will be on the card.
Among sponsors of one or more children already signed are Deputy Public Safety Director Willard C. Schriver; Police Chief Gustav Koerner, Skolski, Municipal Judge Anthony Marino, Dets. Joseph Mardino and Ernie Santaniello, Art Sharp, Andy Fanelli, Nick Tedeschi, Anthony Galiozzi, the Hub Steak House, Rt. 38, Maple Shade; Hill Clothing store, 2636 Westfield ave.; Roma Cafe, 3rd and Royden sts., and Local 35, NJSPBA.
Persons, organizations or business establishments wishing to become sponsors are urged to contact Skolski at the city police department. Assisting are Anthony Moffa, co-chairman; George MacKenzie, Charles Kocher, Mario Ferrari, Peter Paul, Edward Yeager, Walter Busko, Thomas Kelly and Douglas Holmes.
Police ‘Burn’ Guns Seized In Arrests
Camden Courier-Post —
‘59 Auto Patterns!:
RIFLES, PISTOLS AND KNIVES confiscated by Camden police are assembled by Lt. William Yeager (right) and Sgt. William Schultz before being tossed into the furnace at Camden Foundry Co. Friday. The melted weapons will be used in casting bodies for 1959 autos.
Your 1959 automobile may owe its sleek lines in part to a variety of deadly weapons confiscated over the past 18 months by the Camden Police Dept. and melted down Friday in brief “last rites” at the Camden Foundry Co., Delaware ave and Elm st.
Guns, knives and blackjacks taken from convicted holdup men and other criminals became a mass of molten metal after being tossed into a foundry furnace at 3200 degrees F.
According to John W. March, president of the company, the metal will be used in casting patterns for bodies of 1959 cars.
Present at the scene were: Willard C. Schriver, deputy director of public safety; chief of police Gustav Koerner; Lieut. Yeager; Fire Chief William V. Pfefferle, and Sgt. William Schultz of the police dept.
Chief Koerner explained that the contraband could not be disposed of until after the criminals’ periods of appeal from conviction had expired.
This was why the horde of 50 pistols and revolvers, 20 shotguns, 20 knives, 15 blackjacks and 2 sets of brass knuckles had accumulated, he said.
City Detective Bureau to Be Closed at Night
Camden Courier-Post —
Sleuths to Get Street Duty:
City Detective Bureau To Be Closed at Night As Part of ’New Look’
Ousted Mayor Sues 4 Other Commissioners
Trenton Evening Times —
CAMDEN (AP)— Mayor Alfred Pierce filed suit yesterday in Superior Court to regain his post as director of public safety.
Pierce, ousted from the post by the other [sic] other city commissioners June 9, charged that they acted illegally.
Defendants are commissioner Edward Garrity, now public safety director, and commissioners Frank Italiano, Frank Abbott and William Shepp.
Pierce was ousted by his fellow commissioners in the culmination of State Police raids on gambling establishments in the city. Pierce asked State Police to conduct the raids and charged widespread links between gamblers and city police.
A grand jury subsequently indicted several police and later criticized Pierce for “suppressing evidence” favorable to former Police Chief Gustave Koerner, among those it indicted.
Pierce denied this allegation, the stated basis for his ouster as public safety director.
Gold Badges to Be Given 15 City Cops
Camden Courier-Post —
Fifteen retired Camden City policemen will be honored by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, Local 35, Wednesday night at the Police and Fire Club, 1175 Whitman Avenue.
Police Chief William H. Neale, will present awards. The awards will be gold retirement badges mounted in wallets. The men receiving them will have served 20 or more years.
According to Patrolman Robert Mentz, PBA secretary, this is the first time since 1960 that retirement badges have been presented. The ceremonies will follow the organization’s business meeting.
Awards will be made to: Edward Suski, Harry Cattell, Clifford DelRossi, Frank Gutherman, John Houston, Thomas Kauffman, William Stibi, Leon Feltz, Russell Young, Henry Leutz, George Ellis, Everett Joslin, Ralph Cline, John Kaighn and former Chief Gustav Koerner.