The Burglar Who Got Away: Old Soldier's Failed Identification Frees Suspect

Herman Wendt, charged with burglary in South Seattle, alleged to have been committed on August 19, was given a preliminary hearing before Justice Humphrey at 10 o'clock yesterday morning, and was released because the evidence did not identify him with the crime. The complainant was James Bowie, an old soldier, who lives at the corner of South Fourteenth and Forrest streets. He testified that on the day mentioned he came to town to draw his pension money, and on returning home about 1 o'clock p.m. found the lock on the front door broken. As he entered the room some one stepped up and commanded him to give up his money, at the same time threatening to strike him with a hammer. Bowie replied that he had no money. At that moment the rascal became frightened and ran away through the open door. Bowie chased him down the electric road and into one of the paths leading toward the Bayview brewery, but was unable to overtake the fleet-footed burglar. On returning home he found his trunk broken open, but nothing gone. Asked if Wendt was the man, Bowie said that to the best of his judgment he was, but could not positively identify the prisoner. Other witnesses who saw the chase down the hill were examined, but no one could swear positively that Wendt was the person who led in the race. The evidence not being sufficient, the prisoner was discharged. Wendt is 19 years old, and when first arrested was thought to have been implicated in the murder of Mrs. Phil Ipi na Miller and her babe last Monday night.