“Larsen Makes Desperate Dash for Liberty and Is at Large in Woods Near Edson,” Edmonton Bulletin. September 5, 1919. Page 01. --- Throws Himself from Speeder When Being Brought from Mountain Park to Edson, Between Miles 4 and 5, and Disappears in Woods Before the Machine Can Be Stopped --- A telegram from Detective Campbell at Coal Spur received by Chief Hill late last evening conveyed the unwelcome information that Larsen, who had been arrested by Campbell yesterday at Cadomin mine, was again at large. The prisoner was being brought by Campbell, assisted by Constable McElroy, of the provincial force, on a railway speeder to Edson. When between mile four and five, while the speeder was running fast, he threw himself from the machine and before it could be stopped on the down grade, he had disappeared in the bush,. The hour was about 7.20 and the evening was dark, with rain falling.
He was dressed in a blue coat, over a blue and white striped peajacket, khaki shirt, light duck trousers, hobnailed high laced boots and black hat.
The late start was because a large part of the day had been spent in attempting to locate the place where he had hidden his weapons. He took the constables to a place where he said he had concealed them, but they were not there. He then said they had been stolen.
The country is rough and wooded where Larsen made his escape, but it is not likely that in such a country he can get clean away. His re-arrest is only a matter of time. But his escape shows that he is desperate and if he gets weapons there may be further tragedies.
The city and provincial police have both sent men to assist in the search. ---- JOHN GUNDARD LARSEN --- Makes sensational escape from Detective Campbell and Constable McElroy, throwing himself from gasoline speeder when near Edson and disappearing in the woods which bordered track.
