The Bemidji Daily Pioneer

Running for office of probate judge and running for a prisoner attempting to make his getaway are two different things, says Deputy Sheriff O. M. Skinvik today.

Skinvik was defeated by Judge of Probate Harris in the race for election but not in the race for a prisoner yesterday, although he is now carrying a black eye.

While escorting Alfred Smith, an inmate for safe keeping at the county jail, from the municipal court rooms at the City building back to the jail Skinvik was given to understand by the prisoner that he was going to make his getaway.

Immediately upon reaching the corner of Sixth street and Minnesota avenue, Smith broke into a run and Skinvik started in pursuit down the street, up the alley, and around and between houses.

Near the high school building on America, Smith tripped and Skinvik immediately decreased his opponent's lead.

The fact that Smith firmly intended to escape is shown by the battle which followed when the deputy sheriff attempted to place him under arrest again.

A blow which struck Skinvik in the eye failed to cause him to release his grasp and in consequence Smith is now safely lodged in the jail again.

Although Smith's hearing was set for yesterday afternoon, only part of the witnesses appeared and as soon as their testimony was heard the remainder of the hearing was continued to a later date.

Smith was arrested several months ago at East Grand Forks on the charge of luring a young Bemidji girl away from her home.