Maine Memory Network

Contributed by Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media

Description

John L. Lewis, a taxi driver from New York accused of armed robbery, was photographed by Evening Express photographers at his arraignment in Portland on Monday, October 31, 1927.

Officer Thomas T. Conley's arm is draped around Lewis's neck, his hand making a fist on his cheek.

On Saturday, October 29, 1927, Lewis pointed a gun at a woman known as "Miss Elliott" at the Jefferson Theater ticket office, demanding the day's receipts.

The next morning at Temple Lunch, Lewis pulled a gun, but sixteen-year-old Lewis H. Emanuel leaped over the counter and chased him down Temple Street. Despite Lewis firing three shots, Emanuel tackled him. Another taxi driver helped subdue Lewis and take him to the police station.

Emanuel received widespread praise in the local press for his bravery.

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About This Item

• Title: John L. Lewis in police custody, Portland, 1927
• Creator: Portland Evening Express
• Creation Date: 1927-10-31
• Subject Date: 1927-10-31
• Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
• Media: Glass Negative
• Dimensions: 10.8 cm x 8.3 cm
• Local Code: Coll. 1949, 2005.061.15886
• Collection: Portland Press Herald glass negative collection
• Object Type: Image

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Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Robbery--Maine--Portland
• Teenagers
• Theft--Maine--Portland

People

• Connolly, Thomas T.
• Lewis, John L.

Other Keywords

• Bravery
• Cops
• Crime
• Criminal
• Police officer
• Robbery

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

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