100 years ago in Spokane: Hungry robber grateful for jail breakfast

From our archives, 100 years ago

Frank Lanik, 20, an Austrian, confessed to being a very hungry – and hopelessly inept – armed robber.

He tried to rob two businesses within a half hour of each other, and came away empty at both.

First, he walked into Peter Marshall’s Bakery, pointed a gun at Marshall and ordered him to “come through” with his money. Marshall told him the till was empty. Lanik opened the till and looked in, saw nothing and backed out of the bakery.

The day’s receipts were in Marshall’s pockets.

Next, the desperate Lanik walked into Colbert’s Store and asked for a loaf of bread. While Mrs. Colbert was getting it, Lanik poked the gun in her face and demanded the money from the cash register. Mrs. Colbert’s young daughter walked in and screamed. Mr. Colbert heard the scream and ran in.

Lanik let loose a shot, grazing Mr. Colbert in the calf, and fled.

A patrolman was nearby investigating the first robbery and he spotted Lanik trying to hide in a barn. A chase ensued and a dozen shots were fired “before Lanik dropped to the ground in an effort to trip the officer.” That didn’t work. The patrolman held Lanik on the ground until other officers arrived.

“I did it, and that is all there is to it,” said Lanik to a prosecutor the next day. “I was desperately hungry and could find no work anywhere. I had to steal or starve. Last night was my first attempt at a crime. I want to plead guilty and start serving my sentence as soon as possible. I am glad I didn’t hurt anybody. The best thing I had for a long time was my breakfast this morning.”