Hick cops in the sticks

“Hick” Cops Nab Heist Trio in 1929

Marlboro patrolman Thomas V.Burns spotted an unfamiliar auto driving on Bates Avenue and then parking off Monument Square around 8am on March 24,1929. He observed three young men emerging from that auto and after furtively looking around, walked toward O’Leary’s restaurant.

Their demeanor suggested to Burns that he should examine the parked vehicle. Peering inside, the patrolman saw a 33-caliber automatic pistol resting on the back seat. When he checked the doors he found that the trio had left the doors unlocked. He examined the weapon closely and discovered that it was fully loaded.

In addition he searched the contents of a large leather bag on the rear seat. It had a variety of items in it including nine stickpins, a cigar lighter, 13 fountain pens,seven signet rings and 26 expensive pocket knives.

As soon as he recovered from his surprising discovery, Burns contacted police headquarters. Within Minutes officers Amandee Garner and George Hutch were at the scene.

Burns told them about his discoveries and the two patrolmen agreed with Burns’ conclusion that a robbery of O'Leary's was imminent.

Hastily, Burns burst into the restaurant,grabbed one of the young men engaged in the robbery and ordered him to stick up his hands. As soon as the suspect’s confederates heard what Burns had said,both reached for something in their jackets. But by then Garner and Hutch were behind them, prodding the offenders’ backs.

During their search of the trios’ belongings, police found that each of the robbers was carrying a loaded revolver. They were immediately arrested and were subsequently booked for possession of dangerous weapons and intent to conduct a robbery.

During their interrogation the trio readily admitted they had intended to rob the restaurant. One commented that “If the dicks had not had us covered,there would have been plenty doing there in a few minutes.”

As the interrogation proceeded the Marlborough police learned that,four days before, the trio had robbed a pawn shop called Boston Loan Company. When the Boston police received this information, they wanted to take the trio into their custody. But Marlborough Police Chief John F.Mitchell refused.

During their interrogation the Marlborough police became annoyed by the attitude of the robbers. Instead of appearing to be contrite, they boasted about what they had done and showed no remorse or guilt.On the contrary, they treated all their crimes as a means of entertainment.

The only time any of them expressed regret was when one of them was asked by a lawyer how they were being treated by the Marlborough police.

That teen said he was insulted to have been arrested by the Marlborough police. When asked what he meant, he responded, ”We was caught by a bunch of hick cops in the sticks. It wouldn’t have been so bad if a regular city police had nailed us. But imagine getting nailed so easily -in Marlborough!”