Endures Tortures of Scorching Bed Until Truck Passes the Prison Gates Convict Commandeers Automobile
RACES THRU CROWDED STREETS
John Campbell Under Heavy Sentence for Robbery Makes Thrilling Escape from Eastern Penitentiary
Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 9.—Suffering great pain as he was hidden underneath a pile of hot ashes on a five ton motor truck belonging to the Eastern penitentiary, John Campbell, a convict at the prison, remained silent until the truck had passed the prison gates and was a block away, then jumped from the scorching bed and made his escape in an automobile driven by one of the prison attendants.
As Campbell leaped on the running board of the prison sedan, which was driven by Charles Krout (white), the prison guard chauffeur, he pressed his pistol against Krout’s head and commanded him to drive away at his maximum speed.
Firemen Give Chase
Two firemen recognized the prison denim of the leaper as he exchanged machines and, hailing another car, followed the swiftly moving sedan in close pursuit. Krout, feeling the gun’s warning muzzle pressed against his skull, opened up the car to its highest speed and soon outdistanced the anxious followers.
The mad chase followed down one of the most congested streets in the eastern part of the city. The convict and the prison chauffeur continued to gain, failing to observe traffic regulations and narrowly avoiding collision with other vehicles on the road.
The wild ride continued until the first car had reached the extreme northeastern corner of the city. Here Campbell ordered Krout out of the car and obtaining a hammer, beat him unconscious. He then took the chauffeur’s overcoat and a green cap from a passerby and continued his journey on foot.
Held for Robbery
Campbell was convicted of robbery at 24 years of age and confined to the state institution on a sentence of 25 to 60 years. With the exception of the overcoat and cap, which he obtained on the way, he was attired in the regular blue prison uniform.
Director of Public Safety General Butler ordered out several bandit chasing motor cars to take up the pursuit of Campbell. After hours of search no trace of him had been found. Penitentiary authorities are puzzled as to how Campbell was able to hide in the smoldering ashpile.
The Monitor, Omaha, NE, January 9, 1925