A Runaway from the Olympia Jail
A man named Simmons, recently confined in the Olympia jail, has been spotted in Steilacoom.
A man named Simmons, who had been confined in the Olympia jail for some time, and who escaped from the guard on the 18th of this month, was seen here from Steilacoom. He was recognized by Mr. Joseph Warhouse, who stated he was engaged in making his escape. Mr. Warhouse subsequently gave information to the Sheriff of this County, who committed him to jail.
“He was recognized by Mr. Joseph Warhouse, who stated he was engaged in making his escape.”
The recapture of an escaped prisoner by a local citizen highlights the informal, community-based nature of law enforcement in the 1860s, where residents were expected to act as an extension of the sheriff's office.
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