Celebrated Criminal Cases of America

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1910. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... SAN FRANCISCO POLICE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTY. Murder of Substitute Officer John Coots. On the midnight watch on June 12, 1878, Substitute Officer John Coots was patrolling Pike street, now known as Waverly place, instead of the regular officer, Chas. Coleman. About 1:30 a. m., two young hoodlums named John Runk and Chas. Wilson passed through the alley, which was lined on either side by houses of ill repute. At that time the women were permitted to sit at their windows and these ruffians began abusing them without any provocation. Coots cautioned them to behave in a gentlemanly manner, but as they acted defiantly, he followed them to Sacramento street. At this point the men began to abuse the officer, and defied him to arrest them. Wilson was an ex-convict and Coots placed him under arrest, while Runk followed a few feet in the rear. They proceeded toward the police station at the old City Hall, located at Merchant and Kearny streets, and upon reaching Dupont and Clay streets, Officer Joe Kelly, who was standing at that corner, asked Coots if he needed any help. Coots replied: No, this fellow thought I couldn't take him clown. Kelly remained at the corner and when the party had proceeded down Clay as far as Brenham place, which is about one hundred feet from where Kelly was standing, a shot was heard and Kelly saw Coots fall and the other two men ran through Brenham place, thence through Washington and Bartlett alleys. Kelly followed closely behind them, blowing his whistle the while, and Officers Tom Price and Eaton, who were on Pacific street at the time, ran to Bartlett alley and the fleeing men ran into their arms. Runk still had the pistol in his hand. Coots was shot in the back of the head by Runk and died instantly. As it...