Bandits Killed They Plan to Commit a Robbery, But Are Suddenly Confronted by Deputy Marshals and Two of Them Killed Submitted by: Mollie Stehno

Lehigh, I. T., Aug. 12—One of the most daring robberies ever attempted was thwarted here by deputy marshals, who killed two of the bandits. A gang composed of six men from Lehigh and Coal Gate had organized to rob the safe in Phillips & Co. store, but two of the gang turned traitors and informed the marshal of the plot. Thursday night was the time set for the robbery and early in the evening Deputy Marshals J. W. Cale, Mac O’Dell, Joe Self and J. C. Parker, secreted themselves in and about the store.

Night Watchman Tutt was aware of what might occur and was not surprised with commanded about 11:30 o’clock to throw up his hands by a band of armed men who were disguised by false beards and masks. They disarmed him and commanded him to break open the rear door of the store.

After he had broken open the door they wanted to know who was inside, and were informed that the two clerks who roomed in the store were there. They said they would force them to open the safe or kill them.

Tutt and the two traitors then crossed the room beyond the range of the marshals, who immediately commanded the robbers to throw up their hands, but instead of obeying they opened fire on the officers.

About twenty shots were exchanged. One robber was killed and another mortally wounded, the others escaping.

The dead man proved to be Jim Percy, a tough character from Coal Gate. The man wounded was Clem Jones of this place. He lived only an hour and made a full confession. Percy was buried yesterday and Jones’ remains were shipped to his father’s home in Missouri. Sam Williams, another of the gang, was arrested. The marshals are confident that the balance will be caught. A dozen buckshot completely perforated a can of powder, which was setting on the counter, but luckily it failed to explode.

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