News: Dorchester (Bank Bandits - 10 Jun 1931)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surname: Gilbertson

----Source: The Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune (Wisconsin Rapids, WI) 6/10/1931

Bank Bandits Elude Posses

Sheriffs of Marathon, Clark and Taylor Counties Direct unsuccessful search; find abandoned car

Dorchester, Wis., June 10 - A search by 150 posse-men through wooded areas near here today failed to reveal traces of two youths who escaped with $2,800 after robbing the Fenwood State bank. The robbers’ automobile was found abandoned on a farm about four miles west of Dorchester.

3 Counties Join Search

Marathon, Clark and Taylor sheriffs directed the search throughout the night. On the Popple river bank not far from the automobile, posse-men found a grip containing a small cap with a Milwaukee store label and a topcoat. In the coat, they discovered $50 in bills.

It is believed by authorities that the youths changed clothing in efforts to escape identification and forded the river when the posse neared.

Passed Through Abbotsford

A description of the automobile was broadcast shortly after the robbery yesterday and a constable at Abbotsford recognized the car and gave chase. The robbers fired at him several times and his car was forced into a ditch. Later the constable at Athens fired at the car, on bullet striking the rear of the machine. The abandoned car carried license places stolen Monday from Elmer Gilbertson, editor of the Melrose (Wis.) Chronicle. A set of Minnesota plates were found in the machine.