1926-11-19-sr-p2-capture-reardan-bank-bandits

November 19, 1926 Spokesman-Review Page 2:

CAPTURE TWO OF REARDAN YEGGS

Darkness and Blinding Snow Halt Posse on Trail of Third Bank Robber

REARDAN, Wash., Noy. 15—Darkness and blinding snow tonight cut short the efforts of officers and citizens’ posses to overtake the third of the fleeing robbers, known as "Blacky," who held up the Farmers’ State bank of Reardan today. The two men captured, James Kelly and Bob Williams, were taken to Davenport tonight by Sheriff F. J. Gilpatric and placed in the county jail. Loss to the bank, covered by a security bond, is estimated at some where between $20,000 and $25,000. Officials have been unable to determine the exact amount recovered from the two fugitives who were captured, but it is placed about $20,000,

Two Make Confession.

Kelly and Williams made a complete confession tonight to Prosecutor J. H. Johnston and Sheriff F. J. Gilpatric at Davenport. All but about $1000 of the stolen money has been recovered. Officers believe they will get the third robber in the morning. The prisoners confessed planning the robbery in a Spokane pool room. They entered the bank through a skylight. After the robbery they put the money in two bags, Kelly hid one in a coal shed at the Reardan mill, Williams took $260 as his share, and "Blacky" grabbed the remainder. They separated and fled. The men planned to steal a car and escape to Spokane, but could find none when they left the bank. Both said they would plead guilty.

Swift Justice for Bank Thugs.

DAVENPORT, Wash. Nov. 16.—Justice overtook two of the robbers who held up the Reardan Farmers’ State bank yesterday, 24 hours after the crime. Pleading guilty, James Kelly and Robert Williams this afternoon were sentenced by Superior Judge Joseph Sessions to 10 to 20 years in the state penitentiary.

Meantime "Blacky," third of the bandit trio, is leading Deputy Sheriff Ray Kurte and a posse of 12 a wild chase north of Reardan. A telephone report from Kurtz to Prosecutor J. H. Johnston here tonight said the posse had located the spot where Blacky slept Monday night, and it is believed the fugitive is heading northwest in timber along the Spokane river, north of Davenport.

Ranchers in the river district have been warned. The convicted bandits declared Blacky was lightly clad, and officers think hunger and cold will force him to surrender before morning. They have patrolled all highways and side roads all day, and say Blacky could not have reached Spokane.