The Poplar Standard

An apparent attempt on the life of Clarence Longtree was made Wednesday evening, April 21, while he was returning to Poplar, according to information released by Calvin Yellowrobe, head of Fort Peck Indian police.

Longtree told a reporter for this newspaper that he had taken a friend to Brockton and was returning home when the attempt was made. He said he was driving along at about 50 miles per hour when he heard a "pop" and something stung me on the car. Then, he relates that he turned on the dome light in the car and looked back and saw where a charge of shot had struck the back window of the car on the lefthand side just back of his head a few inches. The shooting took place on Highway 2 about three miles east of Poplar.

When Longtree saw what had happened he said, "was I scared!" He told police and the press that he had no idea who done it. "I've never had any trouble with anyone. I always get along with everybody," Longtree stated.

Officer Yellowrobe said the as yet unknown assailant was apparently standing very close to the highway when he fired the shot which narrowly missed Longtree, for the shot pattern was not spread very much. Most of the shot struck the glass, with a few pellets hitting just above and just below the window.

It is believed the speed of the car may have saved Longtree's life, for if he had been traveling at a slightly slower rate, the full charge might have struck him.

Indian police officers are investigating the shooting. Also considered possible is that the gunman was not after Longtree, but had mistaken him for someone else.