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Saturday, July 3, 2021

Bob Drennan, Bootlegger, Moved from Hospital to County Jail, July 3, 1921

Bootlegger Is in County Jail. . . Negro shot by Policeman in Sensational Mix-Up Expected to Recover

Bob Drennan, negro bootlegger, was removed from the Good Samaritan hospital to the Mecklenburg county jail Saturday afternoon. He is under the care of a physician, being in a serious condition as the result of pistol-shot wounds fired by Motorcycle Officer W.W. McGraw as he dragged from behind Brennan’s buggy, his shoulders on the ground, when the negro attempted to escape officers Friday night.

It is though Drennan will recover. One of the two balls which struck him entered behind the shoulder. It is lodged in the neck, physicians having been unable Saturday to remove it. The other ball broke the negro’s arm.

Drennan’s horse, which made the wild race from Mint and Bland to a field near Park avenue on Tryon street, has been turned over to the sheriff. The animal has many stripes, evidence of Drennan’s use of a rawhide whip, police said.

Although McGraw reported at the police station at his regular hour Saturday morning he was unable to ride his machine owing to his wrenched leg. He expects to be on the job Sunday, however.

The officer was knocked from the rear of the buggy as he was attempting to subdue the negro as he urged on the horse during a wild ride from Mint to Tryon streets. He fell as the buggy swung into Tryon from Bland. His leg caught on the running board of the buggy and the left wheel ran over his shoulders and head. Grasping the wheel with his left hand, he held it firm. It skidded for the three remining blocks of the ride, until Detective Ed. Pittman got the reins of the terrified animal and brought it to a stop.

The negro was shot as the officer dragged the ground. He fled, but in the night called at Dr. Wylie Moore’s home for medical attention. He was then taken to the hospital. Five gallons of liquor were found in the buggy.

From The Charlotte News, July 3, 1921

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