The Unlucky Lookalike
A man mistaken for a fugitive because of a shared physical trait files a $5,000 lawsuit for his false imprisonment.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Everett—William C. Fitton, through his attorney, Judge L. C. Whitney, has begun a suit for $5,000 damages against Sheriff Frank Brewer for false imprisonment. He was arrested April 24 on a description furnished by Sheriff C. A. Risbell of Skagit county of 'One-Eyed Riley,' wanted for robbing the house of Farmer Kauffaer of La Conner. According to the description of Riley, every detail tallied with Fitton except the height. Both men are minus the right eye, both are apparently about 50 years of age, and were dressed in apparel from head to foot as nearly alike as two descriptions could possibly be imagined. Riley's description, from his black slouch hat, blue cotton shirt and congress shoes, tallied to the letter. Following Fitton's arrest, Risbell was communicated with and, when he saw Fitton, he believed he had his man and returned with the prisoner to La Conner, where Fitton spent another night in jail. The following morning, Kauffaer said that Fitton was not the man who robbed him. Fitton was released and returned to Everett, where he has been since.
“Both men are minus the right eye, both are apparently about 50 years of age, and were dressed in apparel from head to foot as nearly alike as two descriptions could possibly be imagined.”
False identification by law enforcement remains a persistent issue in the justice system, particularly in an era of biometric data and surveillance. Fitton's case highlights the enduring, and often devastating, consequences of 'close enough' policing.
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