On This Date in Minnesota History: February 14

February 14, 1907 – A daring and unique jail delivery took place in Owatonna late this afternoon, when William Radke, under arrest for burglary, broke out of the Steele County jail and made good his escape.

Steele County Courthouse 1909¹

Radke was confined in a cell usually, but was given the freedom of the corridor. In the corridor Radke secured possession of a mop handle that stood there. On the end of this he tied a board and to the end of the board he fastened a nail that he had bent into a sort of hook. Reaching over the grating of the corridor, he succeeded in catching the hook in the keyhole of the drawer in the desk in which the keys are kept. After succeeding in this, he drew the drawer and hook back and again angled until he was able to get the keys on the hook and, having secured possession of these, he opened the doors and calmly walked out of the jail.

His escape was discovered and a posse of men was sent out to recapture him, but up to a late hour this evening, Radke wa still at large, although it is believed he is hiding somewhere within the city limits.

Radke had broken into the depot at Medford Village, just south of Owatonna, while the agent was at dinner, and looted the till in broad daylight.

He was captured in Owatonna and appeared to be exceedingly harmless and a well-behaved prisoner.

Telegrams were sent all over the state notifying the police to be on the alert.

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Prisoner Escapes From Owatonna Jail. Gains Freedom by Means of Mop Handle. Ties Board with Crooked Nail to End of Stick. Angles for Prison Keys with Improvised Fish Pole and Rewarded by Success.”; Feb. 15, 1907; p. 3.

¹http://www.lakesnwoods.com/images/Owaton17.jpg

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