Robbed Under the Nose of Police Headquarters: A Daring Snatch on Yesler Avenue

An unsuccessful though daring attempt at highway robbery was made at the corner of Washington alley and Yesler avenue, under the very walls of police headquarters, at 1 o'clock this morning. M. Pearson, of the Snoqualmie hop ranch, came to the city yesterday and last evening visited the People's theater, where he played pool, drank beer and smoked cigars. He unconsciously exhibited a silver watch and hair chain, valued at about $20. When he had got enough pleasure at the theater he came out and walked along until he came to Yesler avenue and South Third streets. Here a young man met him and commenced to talk, at the same time walking along by Pearson's side. Suddenly at the corner of the alley he reached for Pearson's watch chain, got it and snatched out the watch. Pearson grabbed him and yelled: 'Police! Police! He's got my watch.' The robber yanked away and ran down the alley. Pearson's cries had been heard by Jailer Sheehan, Captain Hogle, a Post-Intelligencer reporter and several men on the street. An exciting chase followed and the thief was held in the vacant lot between the St. James building and the Tyee saloon. Officer Pierce joined the crowd, and the search was begun. Candles were procured from a neighboring house, and after fifteen minutes' search a dust-begrimed man was taken from underneath the building where the election polling place was located. His face was deathly pale, but he managed to say: 'Well, what do you want of me?' Just then someone found a part of the chain, and a moment later the watch was dug from the dirt. At the station the prisoner gave his name as William Moore and his occupation as electrician. The address of his letters continued his name aright and gave the additional information that he was from Anacortes. Moore is a well-built man, thick set and will weigh about 160. He has light hair and a sandy mustache. His appearance and manner are those of a criminal. The watch and chain is in the possession of the police. The chain, which was of hair, cut about two inches from the watch, gave evidence that a sharp tool had been used. Moore will be arraigned for highway robbery. He was arrested three days ago for drunkenness.