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On this day in Baltimore City Police History 24 April 1970, we lost our Brother Officer Donald W. Sager to gunfire based on the following; Officer Donald W. Sager, assigned to the Central District, was shot and killed on Friday, April 24, 1970, while working in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue. In Officer Sager’s car was his partner Officer Stanley Sierakowski, who was shot and seriously wounded. As Officers Sager and Sierakowski were seated in the car, the suspect shot through the back window, striking Officer Sager in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Officer Sierakowski was then shot 5 times with a .45 caliber pistol. The suspect’s sole motivation was to ambush a police officer. The suspect was said to have been a militant member of the Black Panther Party. 

Sunpaper Photo taken by Photographer Irving Phillips
25 April 1970 Captioned:  Shell Casings Found
Arrows point to three shell casings found on Myrtle Avenue 
Two police officers were ambushed about 10 o'clock last night by members of the Black Panthers

City Policeman Shot Dead; Second Wounded Officer's Body Found Beside Car
A massive search begun in West Baltimore - Three suspects held - One policeman was killed and a second was critically wounded last night in a shooting in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue in West Baltimore. Police identified the victim as Patrolmen Donald W Sager, 35 who has been with the city police department for about 17 years. Patrolman Stanley Sierakowski, 40 was reported in critical condition at Maryland General Hospital. Police said the shooting occurred about 10 PM. Within minutes, more than 40 other policeman and 14 marked, and unmarked cars flooded the area, sealing it off, and began an intensive house to house and rooftop search. Three suspects arrested, shortly afterward, the arrest of the three suspects was reported. Police said they found two men hiding under some steps in the vicinity of the shooting. They were taken to Central District Police Station. The third suspect, found on a vacant lot near the scene of the shooting, he was taken to Provident Hospital, although he was not reported to have been wounded. The Commissioner Donald D. Pomerleau and 12 homicide detectives appeared at the scene, and at the two hospitals within a half-hour of the shooting. The police reported that the two patrolmen had been called to a home in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue to handle a domestic disturbance. After taking care the disturbance, they returned to their car and were then ambushed by the gunman, or gunmen that started shooting at the policeman. Police reported that patrolman Sierakowski was found in a gutter between the police car and the sidewalk and patrolman Sager was inside the car. With at least three suspects in custody by midnight, police centered their search around a two-block area near the corner of Shields Place and Myrtle Avenue, where one patrolman fought a gun duel in an alley with one of the suspects.

Searchlight is Used 
The fire department set a truck with a high power searchlight to illuminate the rooms of buildings in the area. At least half of the houses are vacant and the police were breaking into them to search for more suspects. The shooting match between the patrolman and the suspect happened within five minutes of the shooting on Myrtle Avenue and only about a block away. Patrolman Roger Nolan of tactical squad reported that he was driving in the area when he saw a man running along Fremont Avenue. He had of his car and chased the man into an alley where the suspect turned and fired six shots at him, Patrolman Nolan returned six shots and gave chase again, but he said he tripped over some garbage cans and lost the suspect. Attorney Richard Rosen, the lawyer refused to say if the three defendants arrested in this shooting were members of the Black Panthers. Sources close to the investigation said the Black Panther Party was not implicated in the shooting. The third suspect was arrested shortly before midnight Saturday at the main post office where he was said to have been a clerk. He was identified as Marshall E Conway, 24. Police searched his home. The 1400 block of Mount St. They said they recovered no weapons all three defendants are charged with murder and assault with intent to murder for the death of Patrolmen Donald Sager and the wounding of Patrolman Stanley Sierakowski. A preliminary hearing for the defendants was postponed until 3 PM in Central's Municipal Court. Mr. Rosen, the lawyer for the Black Panthers represented Jack London 25 of the 1700 block of N. Asquith St. at 1 PM session in Central's Municipal Court lawyer was a company by two men who identified themselves as Black Panthers. The two were not dressed in familiar paramilitary panther garb. Judge Joseph L Broccolino Jr allowed Mr. Rosen and one of the men who identified himself as William P Coats of the 1100 block of Cherry Hill Rd. to remain in the hearing, which was closed to all spectators but the press. Mr. Coates said he was the closest friend. He [Mr. Johnson] after several urgent nods from Mr. Coates, accepted Mr. Rosen as his lawyer, Mr. Rosen then volunteered. a not guilty. Although such a plea is not made at a preliminary hearing. Earlier in the day. The other two suspects, Mr. Conway and James Powell 33 of the 1400 block of N. Mount St. appear before Judge Broccolino in a court session that also was cleared of all spectators but the press. Mr. Conway was also charged with assault with intent to commit murder in the running gun battle with the patrolman who had gone to investigate the shooting. Police said Conway is the subject that traded pistol shots with Patrolman Nolan shortly after the 10 PM shooting and that neither he nor Patrolman Nolan were wounded in the exchange. 

Dead on Arrival
Patrolman Sager and patrolman Sierakowski were shot in a hail of bullets as they sat in their patrol car on a 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue, where they had gone to investigate a domestic complaint, patrolman Sager had a bullet in his brain and right hand, he was pronounced dead on arrival at Provident Hospital. Patrolman Sierakowski was considered to be in fair condition yesterday at Maryland General Hospital with four wounds to the stomach and wounds to both hands.

Officer Sager had served with the agency for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and child. Though he is no longer with us, we his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department won’t let him be forgotten. RIP Brother…

On this Day In Baltimore Police History 1970, we lost our Brother Officer Donald W. Sager to gun fire based on the following:

On 24 April 1970 Police Officer Donald W Sager assigned to the Central District, was shot and killed while working the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue. In Officer Sager’s car with him was his partner Officer Stanley Sierakowski, Officer Sierakowski was also shot and seriously wounded.

As Officers Sager and Sierakowski were seated in their radio car, an unprovoked member of the Black Panthers (Marshall “Eddie” Conway) snuck up from the rear of their car and began shooting through the back window at them. His first rounds struck Officer Sager in the back of the head killing him instantly.

Officer Sierakowski rolled out his door in an attempt to escape the attack, and shoot the suspect… however, he too was shot. In fact, when the smoke cleared it was learned Officer Sierakowski would end up taking 5 rounds from that .45 caliber pistol. The suspect’s sole motivation was to ambush, and kill police.

During the early 70’s the heat of the 1968 riots was still brewing and was far from cooled down… African American groups like the Black Panthers were killing police at an alarming rate, often unprovoked. Either through fake calls to the police drawing officers to areas where they were set up to be ambushed, of just by following them around and waiting for them to let their guard down… stop for a bite to eat, a car stop, etc.

When an officer wasn’t looking, or least expecting it; he would be attacked. And it wasn’t just white police, the Panthers considered all police their enemy, and they would shoot a black officer as quick as they would a white officer… In fact, during that time in our history, black officers had it pretty rough, they were not excepted by the white community, and they were shunned by most of the black community.

It was a confusing time, a time when a man could be shot for no other reason that wearing a uniform, the Black Panther in question wasn’t being chased, wasn’t wanted by the officers.. had never been arrested by the partners.. they just happened to have been wearing a uniform at a time when the Black panthers wanted to shoot and kill police.

This year is more than 4o years since the suspect took the life of a Baltimore Police Officer he was set free - After being behind bars for more than 40 years, a man convicted of killing a police officer is a free man. Marshall “Eddie” Conway – a former member of the Black Panther Party – who killed a man just because he wore the uniform of a police officer. He was released from prison Tuesday. Civil rights activists say it’s a big win, but a big win for who.. the officer was sitting in his car, with his partner preparing paperwork when they were ambushed via an unprovoked assassination by no less than four members of the Black Panther Party. So while some fist bumps, and throw their fists in the air, others are upset that a cold blooded murder is walking free.

Eddie Conway was convicted of killing Baltimore City police officer Sager in 1970 but civil rights activists say he didn’t get a fair trial. For the first time in more than 40 years, Marshall “Eddie” Conway walks free. Conway was convicted of the 1970 murder of Baltimore City police officer Donald Sager. Sager and his partner were ambushed by three gunmen while responding to a domestic disturbance call in West Baltimore. Conway was a leader in the Black Panther Party, a controversial militant organization. He’s always claimed he was framed for the crime. While his conviction stands, Conway was re-sentenced to time served after he challenged whether the jury in his case was given proper instructions. But officials with the Baltimore City police union say they are troubled by Conway’s release. “It’s a difficult thing to learn after all these years that he’s not going to fulfill the sentence he was given, which was death,” the vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police told WJZ’s media partner, the Baltimore Sun. Conway’s supporters say they understand the frustration. “I can understand them saying that because they lost one of their partners. They lost one of their members,” Hill-Aston said. Officer Sager’s family has also expressed frustration over the years with the push for Conway’s release. Under an agreement, Conway will be on supervised probation for the next five years.

I can only say I am sorry to the Family of Officer Sager, and to the memory of Officer Sager... I am sorry we couldn't have done better to make sure your killer would stay in jail where he belongs. I am sorry we don't do more to promote police to the public in a way that would have them understand what it would be like without police. I think we need to do more rallies, hang more posters to make the public know of the sacrifices you, and others made.

On this day on Baltimore Police History 1953 we lost our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl to gunfire based on the following. Sgt. Scholl, 41 years old, was shot on July 20, 1953 in a pre-dawn gun battle at an East Baltimore Tavern at 1800 Broening Highway known as “Brown’s Bar” Sgt. Scholl was investigating a call about a suspicious automobile. Another officer was also wounded in the incident. As Sgt. Scholl and the other officer approached the vehicle, they were ambushed by gunfire and drawn into a gun fight. Roger Wylye was charged with the murder of Sgt. Scholl and the other gunman died on scene. Sgt. Scholl died of his injuries on August 1, 1953. He was married and the father of two daughters. Sgt. Scholl joined the department on June 1, 1942.  

 POLICEMAN SHOT IN GUN BATTLE DIES

Aug 2, 1953

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 34

POLICEMAN SHOT IN GUN BATTLE DIES

SEGEANT SCHOLL HAD BEEN WOUNDED BY BANDIT JUL 20

Sergeant James L. Scholl the 41year-old policeman, severely wounded in a predawn gun battle July 20 at an East Baltimore tavern died yesterday at City Hospitals. Sergeant Scholl, who walked into a dark storeroom and a fusillade of bandit's bullets but was able to empty his own pistol before he fell, died as the result of gunshot wounds in the stomach and pelvis.

One bandit was killed in the battle, another policeman was wounded and another gunman was seized without firing a shot after twelve policemen had converged on the tavern, in the 1800 blk of Broening highway, when an anonymous tipster reported a suspicious automobile near the establishment.

Three-Hour Operation

The Eastern· district sergeant, the father of two children, underwent a three-hour· intestinal operation immediately after the shooting Some 200 volunteer blood donors came to the hospital within a few hours after officials said Sergeant Scholl would need transfusions.

Despite the operations and the transfusions, the policeman remained in critical condition until he died. The gunman killed in the shooting was identified as Beauford Saunders, 20-year-old Cleveland Negro.

Shot ln Shoulder

The wounded policeman is Patrolman Thomas Alford, 25 who was shot in the shoulder. Since the shooting, the grand jury has presented Rodger Dennis Wyley, 20-year-old Negro of Fostoria, Ohio, on charges of assault with intent to murder

Sergeant Scholl and Patrolman Alford and with burglary at the Broening highway tavern. Sergeant Scholl was born in Baltimore, the son of the late Lieut. Mark R. Scholl, who died a few years ago after retiring from the Northeastern district. The sergeant attended public schools and was graduated from City College.

He was appointed to the force on June 1, 1942, and served !01 many years in the Central district on 9 August, 19S1, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Eastern district. He received two commendations during his twelve years of service. The first was in 1943 and the second on February 23 of this year 'when Col. Beverly Ober, police commissioner, cited his work In the investigation of an assault and robbery case. Sergeant Scholl according to fellow officers, is the second man in the history of the district to die as the result of wounds sustained in action.

The first man was Patrolman

Frank L. Latham, killed 29 February, 1924, according to the bronze plaque which hangs in the stationhouse on Bank Street near Broadway. A similar plaque is to be erected to Sergeant Scholl and his badge number 118, will be set in the face of the memorial. That number will never be issued again to another Baltimore policeman. The announcement of the Sergeant's death was made at the Eastern station at the afternoon rollcall. It was received quietly by his fellow officers, who left for their assigned posts in silent contrast to the usual walking and joking that accompanies the postmen to their beats. Sergeant Scholl is survived by his wife, Margaret and two daughters, Catherine. 10, and Linda, 7. The family lived at 3536 Cliftmont avenue.

Receive Tip On car

Events leading up to Sergeant Scholl's shooting were these, After the police received the tip of a suspicious auto near the tavern. Two police answered the call and were soon joined by Sergeant Scholl and another officer. The police found that a window on one side of the building had been jimmied and Sergeant Scholl crawled through it. Using flashlights, Sergeant Scholl, Patrolman Alford and the other policemen made their way down a narrow, dark hall to the storeroom in the rear of the tavern. Sergeant Scholl entered the storeroom and immediately faced a round of gunfire from someone inside.

The policemen returned the fire. It was all over in a few seconds. Scholl and Alford were wounded and the one gunman, Saunders, died on the way to the hospital. After the shooting, Capt. August K. Gribbin, commander of the Eastern commended all the men who took part in the case and said the incident was an example of "splendid teamwork."

Funeral Services

Funeral services for Sergeant Scholl will be held at 8 AM Wednesday at a funeral establishment in the 5300 block of Harford road. A requiem high mass will be held at 9 A.M. at the Shrine of The Little Flower, Belair road and Brendan Avenue. Fellow officers will be pallbearers and will form a guard of honor at the funeral. The sergeant will be buried in Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Captain Gribbin said he was deeply grieved by the death of Sergeant Scholl. "I'm sure his memory will linger long as a man of outstanding courage and bravery, "The Captain Said, "The Eastern district and the department as a whole has lost a real policeman and one of great promise. He was very popular throughout the whole department and deserved to be for the many fine traits he possessed." We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - God Bless and Rest in Peace our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - God Bless and Rest in Peace our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl

 Patrolman Charles Hart

13 Oct 1947 – Patrolman CHARLES HART age 61 stood in the roll call room of the Northwest District the way he had for 24 years when all of a sudden he felt massive chest pains, he was rushed to Baltimore General Hospital where he was pronounced dead of a heart attack. Newspapers back then were so callous as to report the incident as “Patrolman Drops Dead Awaiting Roll Call” on top of this he was not giving the recognition of a fallen officer, his name is not on the wall.

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1940 we lost our brother Patrolman William L. Ryan to knife wounds based on the following:

14 June 1940

Sun paper reports dated  titled,
Accused Slayer Faces Mind Test

Man Held as Attacker of Policeman Slated for Quiz Today -
Witnesses say the victim was stabbed to death without warning.  Mental examinations are expected today for Joseph Abata, 37, who was being held for investigation at the Central District police station in connection with the fatal stabbing yesterday Patrolman William L Ryan. A hearing is scheduled for 9 AM tomorrow at which the results of an autopsy, performed yesterday are expected to be disclosed, Ryan, police said, was stabbed several times with a butcher knife as he approached the accused in front of the mission house (Grace and Hope Mission) in the first block of S. Gay St. to investigate a complaint that Abata was brandishing a knife

SHOTS THIS FUGITIVE

Without a word from Abata, witnesses said, he also was stabbed in the heart. He fired two shots at the flaying man before falling mortally wounded to the ground.

NEITHER SHOT STRUCK THE ASSAILANT

Ryan was pronounced dead at the Mercy hospital. He had been on the force since March 11, 1921. He was 44 years old, his wife Margaret, a son William L Junior 4 and a daughter Patricia Margaret 18 months old survived him. Abata who was captured by several firemen and citizens, lives in the 1400 block of Gulf Street he told police that he was born in Sicily, came to this country at the age of four, served in the Army and has a wife and young child somewhere in New York.  Could Judge O’Dunne have some involvement in this case too, in yesterday’s day in Baltimore Police History 1943, Judge O’Dunne set free a suspect that Killed our Brother William Woodcock, and the news reports dated 1 October 1940 entitled - “Judge O’Dunne to Help - Speed Criminal Cases - To Devote Next Week to Hearings - Will Try Hollins Market Stall Keepers” It is reported as follows;

As there are more than 500 open cases on the criminal dockets and several important cases are scheduled for trial in the next week, Judge Eugene O'Dunne has consented to devote his time next week to hearing cases in a third Criminal Court. Immediately 134 cases were assigned for trial in the third court, Including seventy-one gambling cases. Next Tuesday, Judge O'Dunne will try a number of Hollins Market stall keepers charged with violating a city ordinance.

It is interesting to note that the report ends by naming other judges slated to help with these trials - Slated for trial in the two regular Sessions of the Criminal Court presided over by Judge Edwin T. Dickerson and George A. Solter arc Neil Grant, former deputy city solicitor, and Albert E. Schmidt, former city cashier, both charged with larceny and embezzlement, .members of the Communist party charged with perjury, and John Joseph Abata, accused of killing a policeman. 

Could it be, could the same Judge that would free a Police Killer four years later in the Woodcock case, free this killer… while the above reports make it appear as though this would be the case, the following reports say, “NO!” Judge Edwin T Dickerson, heard this case and freed this defendant, or at least it would seem as though he was freed, he was sent to Shepard Pratt, and then off to a New York Mental Institution (For the record, I did a little research on nut houses of the 40’s… which while it may sound like a category on Jeopardy, they were no game… more like horror houses. It may have been best for a police Killer to have spent the rest of his life in one of these places. After all our brother did nothing more that answer a call, a call made by concerned citizens, citizens concerned for their safety. Officer Ryan, wanted to make the streets safer, rid them of people like Abata, and he did… Adata was never able to walk the streets or harm anyone again, what follows are the final reports on this case in which it says, “Abata Acquitted in Knife Slaying”. And continues, Man Who Killed Policeman Is Declared Insane and Likely to Remain So - Described as Suffering from Delusions, Believing People Are “Out To Get Him” Reported 9 October 1940; Joseph John Abata, 38, yesterday was acquitted, by reason of insanity of the charge of fatally stabbing patrolman William L Ryan last June 13 at Baltimore and gay Street.

Judge Edwin T Dickerson who rendered the verdict, said he based his conclusion on the testimony of two mental experts who testified that in their opinion Abata was insane at the time of the crime, insane now and likely to remain insane.

TAKEN TO SPRING GROVE

Abata immediately was taken to the Spring Grove state hospital pending efforts to have the defendant placed in a mental institution in New York where Abata was a resident until shortly before the murder. Dr. Manfred S Guttmacher, medical advisor to the supreme bench, said it is customary to put mental patients in an institution in the state where they maintained residence. The stabbing occurred when patrolman Ryan, who was investigating a report of a man who was wielding a knife was attacked and stabbed several times by Abata.

DELUSION DESCRIBED

Patrolman Ryan was unable to defend himself, the attack was so sudden and violent, but he succeeded in drawing his revolver and firing to wild shots after Abata threw him to the ground. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Dr. Guttmacher and Dr. Arthur a Luttrell assistant superintendent of the Shepherd Pratt Hospital, testified that Abata suffered from delusions and behavior that people were "out to get him" it was because of this delusion that he carried a knife, they said.

SERVED IN THE ARMY

Dr. Guttmacher said the defendant had served several Army enlistments and acted in an orderly manner before the stabbing, when he began to suffer from a mental disorders. He said a bot a believed himself and inventor and thought people were attempting to steal his inventions. Abata was represented by Charles C DiPaola, attorney appointed by the court.

It has been reported above but bears repeating, Our Brother William Ryan was survived by his wife, 4 year old son and 18 month old daughter. He is gone, but will never be forgotten. Killed at a time when his family was only give 1 year salary to bring up those kids, his wife was quite the hero too. God Bless him, and may he Rest in Peace.

Patrolman George C. Sauer

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On this day in Baltimore City Police History 18 April, 1915, we lost our brother Patrolman George C. Sauer to gunfire based on the following:

SHOT DOWN BY GUNMEN

April 10, 1915

The Sun (1837 – 1987) Page 16

Shot Down by Gunmen
Policeman Sauer Badly Wounded in the Early Morning Battle
Fusillade in Highlandtown

Running Fight Started When New Yorker and Philadelphians Were Ejected From Saloon

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, was shot in the stomach by gunmen yesterday morning, following a running battle between the gunmen and a gang from Highlandtown, in which more than a dozen shots were fired. Sauer was unconscious for eight hours, and when revived he was found to be too weak to allow any deposition to be taken.

Three hours after the encounter three men had been rounded up on the charge of shooting Sauer, and the confession was obtained from one that he shot Sauer.

The prisoners were:
David Bender, alias Daniel Martell, alias kid Bender, 22 years old, 344 S. 3^rd St., New York.
James Miller, alias Slim, alias Harry Martin, 23 years old, 1722 N. 8^th St., Philadelphia
Joseph Grose, 25 years old, 2543 Jessop St., Philadelphia.

Bender Admits Shooting
Bender and Miller were directly charged with the shooting. Grose was held as a state's witness. Bender admitted shooting the patrolman. He said he fired at Sauer, thinking he was one of the gangs from Highlandtown that were chasing them.

Within 30 minutes after Bender and Miller were arraigned on the shooting charge, they were identified by Charles M. Budd, 1314 N. Broadway, as the pair who held him up near his home early Thursday morning, as told exclusively in the son yesterday. A watch bearing the initials “C. M. B.” Led to the summoning of blood to the station. The watch was found in their room at O’Hara’s hotel, N. Liberty St. Bender readily admitted he and Miller held up Mr. Budd.

Sauer was wounded soon after he had gone on duty, at four a. M. He was in Baltimore Street and Milton Avenue when he heard shots beyond the Eastern and of Patterson Park and hail of a passing taxicab, which had just come from Highlandtown, and ordered the chauffeur to take him to the scene.

He stood on the Wanting board as the auto sped East, and Ed Decker Avenue he saw three men run to the corner.

The men fled as a taxi stopped, and soured leaped from the running board in pursuit. They turned into a small alley running east and west from Decker Avenue, and as Sauer ran after them two of the three swung around in their steps and fired. Three shots were fired.

One of the balls and struck Sauer in the stomach, but did not hold him, for he ran forward about 8 feet and seized one of the men. It was only then that he realize he had been shot and, crying for assistance, he pressed down on his prisoner and bore him to the ground, with his knee jammed on the man’s chest. The chauffeur, Larry Purcell, 204 North Pine St. ran to his aid.

Chauffeur Helps Sauer
“Oh, I’m shot! I’m shot; hold him!” Cried Sauer.

Joseph Jasckoliski, a park patrolman, ran from his home to Sauer’s side, but when he saw Purcell helping hold the prisoner he started after the fleeing pair. Then disappeared around the corner of the second alley, and Jasckoliski emptied his pistol to attract other policeman.

Detective Lawrence King, of headquarters, ran from his home nearby a moment later, and also Frank link a former wrestler, 20 North Decker Ave. Then hurried to Sauer, and the policeman was placed in Purcell’s taxi and taken to St. Joseph hospital.

A report of the shooting of Sauer was telephoned to Detective’s headquarters, thence to all the stations, and detectives Hogan and Kahler went to Highlandtown to pick up the lines of the case. They found the Eastern neighborhood for a mile around aroused by the shooting, and there were wild stories of a running gunfight in Highlandtown that preceded Sauer’s wounding and withdrew him to the scene.

This brought them to the club, a saloon at Eighth Street and Lombard Highlandtown, where they learn to the three men had been ejected from the place about 20 minutes before Sauer was shot. Descriptions were obtained, one of which tallied with the man captured by Sauer. This was Grose.

These descriptions were wired around the city to the entire force, and within two hours sergeants Wortman and Kelly and patrolman Sedicum, of the Western district, had arrested Bender and Miller in their room at the O’Hara hotel.

The pair were furious over their arrest, and expressed their regret that they hadn’t finished “the other guy,” Sauer.

They told the sergeants they were lucky the gunmen had not seen them first when they approach their room. Two loaded pistols were found under the pillows of Bender and Miller’s bed and when the two were about to be taken from the patrol to the station a black mask was found on the patrol floor, where one of the pair had dropped it.

Met Grose in City
In effect, Bender statement was that he and Miller met Grose at the Raleigh Hotel at about 8 o’clock Thursday night. Grose was in town was to show of Thurston, the magician. They spent the evening together in the city until about 1 AM when they went to “Scotty” Pugh’s saloon, 1 S. 8^th St., Highlandtown.

Shortly after 3 o’clock they left pews and went to the club, next door, where an altercation arose between them and the club employees, and they were hustled into the street. Bender said a mob of nearly 20 men followed them, and a volley of bricks and bottles force hurled at them.

“Benny” Franklin, proprietor of the club, said the three went into the place sometime before 4 o’clock and order drinks.

“I’m looking for ‘Sammy’Harris,” said Bender.

“I can’t give you any drinks,” said the waiter, “you’re under age.” Bender, while heavy – set, has an extremely useful face.

“What’s that?” Cried Bender. “Do you know who I am? I ‘Kid Bender.”

“Well, you can have any drinks, the boss says,” replied the waiter.

“Well, tell your boss to bite his neck,” cried Bender. “Tell him all give him one of these pills.” “He pulled out a 38 caliber at that” said Franklin, “and shoved it under my waiter’s nose. A couple of the other men came up just then and grabbed this Bender and the others and fired them down the steps.”

Stolen Watch in Room
Bender and Miller declared to the police that they had come on from Philadelphia “to look things over on a chance.” A search of the room, where they were arrested, resulted in the finding of Mr. Budd’s watch, and later information was obtained that the two had police records. 22 cartridges were also found in the room. Bender, known to the Philadelphia police as a pickpocket, served time for highway robbery there, while Miller served time for shoplifting.

Patrolman Sauer is 55 years old. He has been on the police force since 1898 and bears an excellent reputation. He has a wife and four children – three daughters and a son.

HOPE FOR POLICEMAN

Apr 11, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 11

Hope for Policeman

Sauer, Shot Early Friday, Reported Holding His Own.

His Deposition Not Taken

Bender, One of The Men Held For Shooting, Was Paroled In This City And It Had Just Expired.

Patrolman George C Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot in the stomach by gunmen early Friday morning in the Eastern city limits, was reported yesterday to be holding his own at St. Joseph’s hospital.

Dr. Frank C Kirby, of the hospital staff, has expressed the opinion that he may be able to save his life.

One Sauer regained consciousness Friday afternoon an effort was made by Capt. Zellers, of Eastern district, to have Dr. Kirby grant permission to allow a deposition to be gotten from the wounded patrolman, and also to have Sauer identify kid Bender and slim Miller, the gunmen. The surgeon said it would be perilous.

“It would likely excite Sauer,” said Dr. Kirby.

Promises Statement Later
Dr. Kirby however promised that the Capt. that if Sauer should lose strength again and reached the point where he was doomed he would immediately notify the police that the necessary deposition and identification could be obtained

Bender and Miller were put through a strenuous grueling at the Eastern district police station late Friday night by state’s attorney Broening in a move to ascertain the real records of the two. One result was the identification of Bender as paroled prisoner from Judge Elliott’s court. The parole expired last month. The charge was larceny.

The two men showed the result of their growing and their increasing anxiety yesterday when they were taken to headquarters to be “mugged” and Bertillonized. Bender had lost something in his jauntiness. Which amazed everyone Friday.

Sends for His Father
This jauntiness apparently remained with the boy till the states attorneys siege began, and was evidenced in a telegram he sent to his mother. The message read:

“am in trouble; have popped come on as soon as possible. 2^nd°. But don’t worry. Here’s a kiss.”

Pending the outcome of patrolman Sauer’s wound, Miller and Bender were arraigned before justice Smith on the charge of attacking and holding up Charles M. Budd, 1314 N. Broadway, Thursday morning, a day previous to the shooting. Budd was seized by the throat by Bender and struck in the face while the other seized his watch and chain and diamond stickpin.

Both Held on $5000 Bail
Bender admitted the charge and the magistrate held each man on $5000 bail on that count.

Both men will be kept in jail without bail on the charge of suiting patrolman Sauer a tentative hearing has come granola mortality get that been set for April 23

PATROLMAN SAUER SINKING

Apr 12, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 12

PATROLMAN SAUER SINKING

Police Officer Shot: By Gunman Reported Much Worse

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot by gunmen following a running street fight between the gunmen and a Highlandtown gang early Friday morning, developed a

Severe vomiting spell last night and the surgeons feared that he would not live through the night an effort was made to have the two gunmen, Harry Bender and "Slim" Miller, released from jail temporarily that they might be taken before Sauer for identification, but it was found impossible to get the prisoners before this morning. Sauer passed a good night. Saturday and seemed to have gained slightly in strength during the day. Detective C. A. Kahler received a telephone message from Robert D. Cameron chief of detectives of Philadelphia, that Bender is not only wanted there for shooting a man in a poolroom brawl but that he attacked a policeman who interfered, taking from him his pistol after a stiff fight. It is believed that one of the pistols that Bender and his alleged pals used here is that taken from the Philadelphia policeman. Arthur Keller, 21 years old is the Philadelphian Bender is alleged to have shot through the mouth during the brawl in the poolroom. He is in a serious condition in a hospital.

Marshal Carter said he did not expect to deliver Bender to the Philadelphia authorities on warrants that they will bring here today for him on charging that he shot Keller and pocketed the policeman's pistol. "We have obtained a confession from Bender that it was he who fired the shot that wounded Patrolman Sauer and we will try him here as soon as the officer is able to leave the hospital and appear in court against him. It will be the same with the other two men under arrest. We will try them here unless, we find serious charges are being held against them in other cities."

GUNMAN'S SHOT FATAL

Apr 19, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 12

GUNMAN'S SHOT FATAL

Patrolman Sauer Dies Of Wound At St. Joseph's Hospital.

WIFE AND CHILDREN PRESENT

End Comes Suddenly and Officials

Are Too Late To Get Statement

Of'. Attack On Him April 9,

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, shot by a gunman on 9 April, died last night at St. Joseph's Hospital.

His death came suddenly. A rapid turn for the worse was noticed about 8 o'clock and a hurry call was sent to the police. Captain Zellers, with Sergeant Roche and Justice Smith, hurried to the hospital to obtain Sauer's deposition, but the patrolman had become unconscious in the meantime. He died at 9.30 - Mrs. Sauer and Sauer’s four children, George V. Sauer and Misses Clara A., Regina and Helen C, Sauer, were with their father when he expired. One of the daughters collapsed and was carried from the room. Sauer had a previous sinking "spell last Tuesday and the gunmen, "Kid" Bender and "Slim" Miller, of New York City, together with the· companion of the gunmen, David Grose, New York where hurried to Sauer's bedside for identification. He refused, however to make a dying deposition", declaring stoutly and persistently that he would recover, and it was unnecessary for him to make such a statement.

Shooting was Spectacular
Sauer's shooting was one-of the most spectacular in the department's history. He had been on duty only a few minutes, when at 4:15 in the morning he heard a fusillade of shots, from the Eastern city limits. Sauer "·as then at Patterson Park avenue and Baltimore streets, and he hailed a passing taxicab, standing on the running board ordered the chauffeur, Larry Purcell, to hasten to the location of the shooting.

At Decker Avenue and Baltimore Street he found three men standing on the corner, consulting excitedly... The men darted up Decker avenue as the taxicab slowed up and Sauer leaped to the street and started his pursuit. The trio dodged into a small alley running off from Decker Avenue, and as the patrolman turned into the alley after them one stumbled. Sauer pounced on him, and a moment later one of the other pair turned and fired at the policeman. Sauer fell across the body of the fallen man, but; despite his injury, held on to him. Others were soon attracted to the spot but the fleeing pair escaped. Sauer cried for aid; saying he was shot, and he was hurried to the hospital in a Taxicab.

Two Arrested; Bender Confesses
Two hours later the two fugitives Bender and Miller were arrested in O'Hara's Hotel, North Liberty Street, by Western district officers. Bender confessed to shooting the patrolman and signed a confession to that effect. His explanation was that he, Miller, and Grose had been thrown from the Club Cafe in Highlandtown, following an argument that resulted when Bender was refused service on the ground that he was not of legal age.

A running fight with a Highlandtown gang ensued, and Bender claims he thought Sauer was one of the pursuing gang when he jumped from the taxicab. Bender and Miller will be brought from jail today to await the action of the coroner's jury, which will meet tonight at the Northeastern Police Station. They will be arraigned tomorrow on the charge of murder for no matter what the result of the inquest is, the Police will press this charge against them.

PENSION FOR POLICEMAN'S WIDOW

Apr 30, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987);pg. 9

Pension For Patrolman’s Widow

The Police Board on Wednesday awarded a pension of $10.a week to the wife of Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot and killed by an out-of-town gunman on 9 April 1914, Sauer died from the wound at St. Joseph's Hospital. It was on the recommendation of Deputy Marshal Samuel W. House that the pension was Awarded for life to the patrolman's Widow.

TWO SLAYERS SENTENCED

Oct 8, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987);pg. 5

Two Slayers Sentenced

Men who killed patrolman Sauer confined for 18 years

Bender’s mother collapses as he and McQuaid are led away to lock up.

David Bender and James McQuaid, whose correct name is said to be Miller, charged with the murder of patrolman George C Sauer, who was shot early on the morning of 9 April 1915, were both convicted of murder in the 2^nd°. They were each sentenced to 18 years in the penitentiary, the maximum penalty. The verdict was rendered and the sentences imposed by judge bond of, before whom the case was tried this week without a jury.

“For a while.” The judge said in rendering the verdict. “I was rather of the impression that this murder must be held one of 1^st°. I see the difficulty on this point with the state's attorney seems to experience. There is a margin of doubt which in my opinion saves the prisoner from a verdict of murder in the 1^st°, but it seems to be a very wide margin. With men of this age I’m especially relieved to find that the verdict of a lesser degree. I find each of the prisoners guilty of murder in the 2^nd°.”

Harry B. Wolf, attorney for the defense, called the court’s attention to the fact that his client had been in jail six months awaiting trial.

Sent to the Penitentiary for 18 Years

“I think,” the judge replied, “this is a very sad case. Each prisoner will be sentenced to 18 years in the penitentiary.”

Instantly there was excitement in the courtroom. As Bender and McQuaid were started toward the courtroom lockup, Bender exclaimed: “I want my case taken to the court of appeals.” In reply, judge bond said he had a lawyer he could attend to that.

Bender’s parents, who were in the courtroom, added to the excitement. Mrs. Bender began to scream, and can tinued her lamination until taken outside. There she collapsed. But was revived and went away sobbing. In the lockup Bender raved and threatened, while McQuaid was,.

Bender was the only one of the two who testified. He said that Bender was his correct name. That he belonged in Brooklyn New York and that he was just 18 years old. He is a fat and chubby, with an exceptionally clear complexion and a bushy mass of black hair. McQuaid, or Miller, is about the same age as Bender, but is the opposite and appearance being a lean and lanky. Both have criminal records.

Patrolman in Pursuit one Shot

Patrolman Sauer was shot in an alley north of and parallel to Baltimore Street and East of Hare Street. He died 18 April 1915. The testimony showed that he was chasing the men, who had created a disturbance at a Highlandtown bar. When he was shot. Another man named John Grose, who was with Bender and McQuaid, stumbled and fell as they ran into the alley. The wounded patrolman fell on top of and held him until help arrived.

Bender McQuaid were arrested the same morning in a hotel on N. Liberty St.

Denies assigning confession

Bender denied that he signed a typed written confession that he fired the fatal shot. He also denied Sgt. Kelly’s testimony. He said he and his companions were chased by a gang from Highlandtown, and that he fired at them when they fired at him. Denying that he saw patrolman Sauer, he said he only shot at the men who were shooting at him. Just 24 hours before the shooting Bender and his companion held up Charles Budd on Broadway and robbed him of a scarf pin and a watch.

Grose, who had been held as a witness for the state, was released when the other two were sentenced.

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten – RIP Patrolman George C. Sauer and may God Bless You - For your service "Honored" the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department" #BPDNeverForget