Ex-Soldier arrested charged with theft

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, December 9, 1920.

John F. Connors, police chief, arrested Wilbur C. Holcomb, of Jackson, Tuesday evening and locked him up on a charge of grand larceny. An overcoat belonging to Richard Hurdley was taken from the high school last week and a man dressed in a soldier’s uniform was suspected. Tuesday evening about 6 o’clock Superintendent A. C. Erickson telephoned Chief Connors that the man was seen here by the high school janitor. After notifying the patrolman Connors took his car and combed the city, landing his man on Cross Street, where he was getting ready to take the (interurban) car. An overcoat was found which answered the description of Hurdley’s coat, but which Holcomb said he stole at the Masonic temple Tuesday evening. Lynn Schaffer later notified the police that he had his coat stolen and identified it. Holcomb then confessed that he had stolen Hurdley’s coat and said he sold it in Detroit. Chief Connors took Holcomb to Detroit Wednesday afternoon so he could point out the store, as he said he did not know the name or address of it. A charge of larceny over $25 will be preferred against Holcomb.

Holcomb was arraigned Wednesday evening and waived examination. He was bound over to circuit court and his bail was fixed at $1,000.