Iowa
Old Press
The Des Moines Register
Thursday, October 12, 1933
MAN SHOT IN FIGHT OVER LOAN OF DIME.
Joe Thomas Wounded; Took Pocketbook, Says Thompson.
Joe Thomas, 40, 1918 S.E. Ninth st., was shot and critically wounded Wednesday night at the home of Calvin J. Thompson, 65, of 1405 E. Harriett ave., following negotiations over the loan of 10 cents.
Thompson, who admitted the shooting in a signed statement made to police, said he shot after Thomas grabbed his pocketbook, containing $1.34, and refused to return the money.
Wanted A Dime.
Thompson said Thomas had asked to “borrow” a dime and when he produced his purse to give him the money, Thomas grabbed it.
The shooting occurred in the yard at the Thompson home.
Thomas is in Broadlawn’s General hospital in a critical condition with a bullet wound in his abdomen. Attendants said his chance for recovery was slight. The bullet was removed.
“Grabbed Pocketbook.”
In his statement to Assistant County Attorney Ray Harrison and detectives, Thompson said Thomas “came across the street” and asked for a dime. When he opened his pocketbook and Thomas grabbed it, he shot Thomas with a 32 calibre revolver, Thompson said.
Thompson, who is being held for further questioning, told detectives he had been carrying the gun because a neighbor’s dog “has been bothering members of the family lately.”
Calls Station.
Thompson called the police station informing detectives he had shot Thomas and that he would wait for police at his home.
“When Thomas fell, he threw the pocketbook and it was picked up by Mrs. Thompson and carried into the house,” detectives quoted Thompson as saying.
Thomas is a brother of Clarence Thomas, who was fatally wounded in a shooting three weeks ago by Charles Courson, 58, of 1436 Bluff st. while standing on the corner of E. Fifth and Walnut streets.
He had been staying at home of relatives at 1402 E. Harriett ave., since his brother’s death and was there for dinner Wednesday night, they said. This house is across the street from the Thompson home.
[transcribed by L.Z., Sep 2020]