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Story
October 6, 1928
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
Captain Frank Oswalt, a sharp-shooter in the state traffic department, plans to compete in a target shoot in Brawley on Sunday, intimidating other police contestants with his legendary ricochet shot that captured a fleeing car years ago by hitting a bird on a telephone pole.
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Full Text
BRAWLEY FOLKS SHOULD REMAIN INDOORS SUNDAY
Captain Frank Oswalt, of the state traffic department has thrown a bombshell into the peace and quiet of valley police circles.
Captain Frank looked over an invitation from the Imperial Valley Peace Officer's Association, asking that his department be represented in a target shoot to be staged at Brawley at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Then he took his boys out in the woods and let them bang away at some targets. But there was only one hole in each target when the boys returned. They had driven a nail in it to hold it up while they were shooting
"Mmm," said Frank, "Guess I'll have to do some shooting for this gang myself."
And word to this effect spread like wildfire through the police ranks. It was received with awe for Frank is regarded as a sharp-shooter.
Many years ago this honor was bestowed upon him. He was in the police business then as now and was chasing an automobile, the machine whirling around a corner ahead of him. About that time Frank spied a bird sitting on a telephone pole ahead of him. Whipping out his trusty revolver he took careful aim and fired. The bullet hit the pavement several feet ahead, skidded along and caroming off the curbing sailed up the street after the speeding automobile. It lodged in the rear tire of the car and Frank made the capture.
Frank never admitted shooting at the bird but his brother Sterling let us in on the secret.
So Captain Frank has retired on his laurels until now. His announcement that he will enter the shoot tomorrow at Brawley is therefore received with chagrin by the other contestants for none are wise to the secret of Frank's great billiard shot.
"As long as there are no birds around the targets are safe," Sterling declared this morning.
El Centro police, the sheriff's squad, Mexicali and Frank's traffic boys will invade Brawley, the home of the present champions, to engage in the shoot.
Captain Frank Oswalt, of the state traffic department has thrown a bombshell into the peace and quiet of valley police circles.
Captain Frank looked over an invitation from the Imperial Valley Peace Officer's Association, asking that his department be represented in a target shoot to be staged at Brawley at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Then he took his boys out in the woods and let them bang away at some targets. But there was only one hole in each target when the boys returned. They had driven a nail in it to hold it up while they were shooting
"Mmm," said Frank, "Guess I'll have to do some shooting for this gang myself."
And word to this effect spread like wildfire through the police ranks. It was received with awe for Frank is regarded as a sharp-shooter.
Many years ago this honor was bestowed upon him. He was in the police business then as now and was chasing an automobile, the machine whirling around a corner ahead of him. About that time Frank spied a bird sitting on a telephone pole ahead of him. Whipping out his trusty revolver he took careful aim and fired. The bullet hit the pavement several feet ahead, skidded along and caroming off the curbing sailed up the street after the speeding automobile. It lodged in the rear tire of the car and Frank made the capture.
Frank never admitted shooting at the bird but his brother Sterling let us in on the secret.
So Captain Frank has retired on his laurels until now. His announcement that he will enter the shoot tomorrow at Brawley is therefore received with chagrin by the other contestants for none are wise to the secret of Frank's great billiard shot.
"As long as there are no birds around the targets are safe," Sterling declared this morning.
El Centro police, the sheriff's squad, Mexicali and Frank's traffic boys will invade Brawley, the home of the present champions, to engage in the shoot.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Heroic Act
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Sharp Shooter
Target Shoot
Ricochet Shot
Police Capture
Brawley Event
What entities or persons were involved?
Captain Frank Oswalt
Sterling
Where did it happen?
Brawley, Imperial Valley
Story Details
Key Persons
Captain Frank Oswalt
Sterling
Location
Brawley, Imperial Valley
Event Date
Many Years Ago
Story Details
Captain Frank Oswalt, a sharp-shooter, enters a target shoot in Brawley after his men fail practice; years ago, he captured a fleeing car by ricocheting a bullet off pavement and curbing after aiming at a bird on a pole, lodging it in the tire.