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Domestic News
July 21, 1909
Evening Journal
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware
What is this article about?
In Delaware City, Del., night watchman Michael Corbit shot at two prowlers scaling a ladder to the National Bank's rear window around 1 a.m. on July 21, frustrating a possible break-in; the men escaped toward Fort duPont.
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WATCHMAN SHOOTS
AT TWO PROWLERS
Corbit Finds Men Scaling
Ladder in Rear of Dela-
ware City Bank
ROBBERY MAY OR NOT
HAVE BEEN INTENTION
Special to THE EVENING JOURNAL.
DELAWARE CITY, Del., July 21-What appeared to be an attempt to break into the National Bank here was frustrated about 1 o'clock this morning when Michael Corbit, the night watchman, shot at two men who were in the act of scaling a ladder in the rear of the bank building. After firing at the men Corbit cried "stop the burglars," but the men escaped in the direction of Fort duPont.
Some time ago a new vault was installed in the back part of the bank building. The windows are open at present and Corbit has been the watchman. Shortly after 1 o'clock this morning he heard a noise along the side of the building and as he emerged from the vault end of the bank he saw one man standing on the ground and another man about to climb a ladder which the men had placed against the side of the building. Corbit asked the men what they wanted, but instead of answering they started to run away. Then Corbit fired a number of shots after the fleeing figures.
The watchman and the authorities cannot say whether the men were burglars or only intoxicated men who did not know what they were doing. The authorities figure out that if the men were not attempting to break the bank they were acting foolishly in trying to get in the upstairs window of the building. After they had gained access to the building they would have to bore a concrete wall before reaching the vault.
The report that burglars had attempted to break into the bank spread like wild fire today and the affair is being discussed in every section of the town. Watchman Corbit was congratulated on all sides for his vigilance and determination after seeing the men.
AT TWO PROWLERS
Corbit Finds Men Scaling
Ladder in Rear of Dela-
ware City Bank
ROBBERY MAY OR NOT
HAVE BEEN INTENTION
Special to THE EVENING JOURNAL.
DELAWARE CITY, Del., July 21-What appeared to be an attempt to break into the National Bank here was frustrated about 1 o'clock this morning when Michael Corbit, the night watchman, shot at two men who were in the act of scaling a ladder in the rear of the bank building. After firing at the men Corbit cried "stop the burglars," but the men escaped in the direction of Fort duPont.
Some time ago a new vault was installed in the back part of the bank building. The windows are open at present and Corbit has been the watchman. Shortly after 1 o'clock this morning he heard a noise along the side of the building and as he emerged from the vault end of the bank he saw one man standing on the ground and another man about to climb a ladder which the men had placed against the side of the building. Corbit asked the men what they wanted, but instead of answering they started to run away. Then Corbit fired a number of shots after the fleeing figures.
The watchman and the authorities cannot say whether the men were burglars or only intoxicated men who did not know what they were doing. The authorities figure out that if the men were not attempting to break the bank they were acting foolishly in trying to get in the upstairs window of the building. After they had gained access to the building they would have to bore a concrete wall before reaching the vault.
The report that burglars had attempted to break into the bank spread like wild fire today and the affair is being discussed in every section of the town. Watchman Corbit was congratulated on all sides for his vigilance and determination after seeing the men.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime
What keywords are associated?
Delaware City Bank
Attempted Burglary
Watchman Shoots
Prowlers
Michael Corbit
Fort Dupont
What entities or persons were involved?
Michael Corbit
Where did it happen?
Delaware City, Del.
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Delaware City, Del.
Event Date
July 21
Key Persons
Michael Corbit
Outcome
men escaped in the direction of fort dupont; no injuries or arrests reported; robbery attempt frustrated.
Event Details
Night watchman Michael Corbit shot at two men scaling a ladder in the rear of the National Bank around 1 o'clock this morning; men fled after Corbit challenged them and fired shots; unclear if they intended burglary or were intoxicated.