Fred Bechtel, formerly of Hemingray being held for murder in Toledo

MUNCIE MAN HELD

FOR OHIO MURDER

Fred Bechtel, Accused of

Shooting Sergeant Boyle,

a Toledo Officer.

SHOT IN RUNNING FIGHT

Alleged Assailant Is in a

Seri­ous Condition.

Fred Bechtel, who formerly resided at 914 East Fifth street and worked at the Hemingray Glass company’s plant, is being held in Toledo, O., for the murder of Sergt. James Boyle, of the Toledo police force. Bechtel himself was shot in a running fight with the officers in Toledo, Tuesday night, and was captured after a long chase through the railway yards.

According to a dispatch from Toledo, Betchel is one of a band of alleged car thieves, which has been operating in Ohio cities. The officers say they caught the gang red-handed in their work Tuesday night and a pistol battle followed. Bechtel was seriously wounded but was dragged from the scene by friends. Later he was captured by the police and chained to a bed in the home of a friend to await developments. Sergt. Boyle, who was removed to a hospital where he died from bullet wounds said to have been inflicted by Bechtel.

Bechtel is now in the Toledo jail. His injuries are said to be serious although not necessarily fatal. The grand jury, which has been called to meet this week will investi­gate the case and the police of that city say there is no doubt but that he will be indicted for murder.

The accused man had been a resident of Muncie for several years and has been employed most of the time at the Hemingray Glass plant. According to the local police he never has been in trouble before and was always considered by his friends to be a peaceful and law-abiding citizen Mrs. Bechtel is supposed to be with relatives in LaCrosse, Wis., and is still in ignorance of the charges against her husband. Bechtel has relatives in Muncie and they may offer him assistance.

When first arrested Bechtel refused to give his name or address but in searching the man, the Toledo police found in his pockets, a card issued by a local union of glass workers. Muncie officers have been requested to forward information regarding Bechtel but nothing of a criminal nature has been found against the man.