Discovered In The Act

Discovered In The Act

Pope Caught While Stealing from a Barn

The Local Pugilist

Had Entered George Blaich's Place When Deputy Sheriffs Arrested Him

For the past six weeks the barn of George Blaich, of 1219 S. University avenue, has been entered by a thief and large quantities of oats carried away. Recently Mr. Blaich notified the sheriff's office of his losses and Deputy Sheriffs Fred Gillen and Kelsey were assigned to the case.

They have been regularly watching the barn at nights for the last two weeks, usually leaving the place about 3 o'clock in the morning. They, however, could not discover the culprit, although Blaich's oats were still being carried away. It was a puzzle to the officers how the thief entered the barn without them detecting him. They had not thought that he would be bold enough to enter the place for the purpose of robbing it during the daylight hours.

Yesterday morning, however, they concluded to watch the place later than usual. They remained at the barn until after 4 o'clock and their efforts were rewarded.

Shortly after 4 o'clock the barn door was cautiously opened by a negro, who, after peering around for a few minutes, went to that part of the barn where the hay was stored. Here he filled several bags which he had brought with him with hay. Then he started to leave the place. As he did so the officers came out of their hiding place and demanded that he throw up his hands, which he quickly did, at the same time releasing his plunder, which he was carrying on his back.

The fellow was Sanford Pope, who has gained some notoriety by taking part in the slugging matches which have recently been pulled off here, his latest appearance in the ring being with "Kid" Wellman, of Detroit.

He was taken to the county jail, where he confessed to being the person who had previously entered the barn and stolen the oats.

Pope had his team waiting on University avenue, a short distance from the barn, in which he intended to carry away the stolen property.

As the offense was committed in daylight he can only be tried on the charge of simple larceny.

Pope was released on bail yesterday afternoon and will probably try and settle the case by paying Mr. Blaich the value of the stolen property.