Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Three masked robbers jumped from the woods and held up the “auto stage” of the Priest River-Priest Lake line and absconded with the passenger’s jewelry, watches and cash.

The auto stage – like a small bus – was passing through a densely wooded spot about 3 miles from Priest River when the driver found himself “looking down the muzzles of two six-shooters and a rifle.”

The bandits ordered him to stop the vehicle. They proceeded to relieve the seven passengers and driver of their valuables.

“During the holdup, there was practically no excitement among the passengers,” Spokane attorney M.J. Luby said. “The bandits were apparently novices, as the two men who searched us were trembling violently. Our main fear was that they would accidentally discharge their guns.”

After the robbery, the highwaymen fired four shots into the engine of the vehicle. Then they ordered the passengers to hike up the hill, not stopping till they had covered a mile. The bandits disappeared into the brush.

After the passengers went a little way, they came back and worked on the engine until they got it going. They went about a mile toward Priest River and the engine gave out.

The passengers walked the remaining 2 miles into town and gave the alarm. No arrests had yet been made.