4 Feb 1926 - The Republican-Journal (Ogdensburg, New York)

From Twisted Roots

Back to: Case File: David Dinberg

RUSSIAN MURDER SUSPECT TAKEN

FOUND IN SHACK AT ELEVATOR BY OFFICER RICHER
Patrolman Richer, Brown and Larock Take HIm to Police Station

The mysterious Russian south throughout the state as a suspect in the murder of David Dinberg, spent the early hours of this morning in the Ogdensburg police station playfully amusing himself with "Sparks", the little kitten adopted by the police force the night of the city hall fire [22 Jan 1926].

Mike Lisowsky, as he gave his name to the police, wore a sheepskin coat, white soled rubbers, two pairs of trousers, a cap and reddish whiskers exactly as described by men who claimed to have seen him shortly before the murder.

Arrest of the Russian whose disappearance had been linked with the murder came when Patrolman Richer, accompanied by Officers Brown and Larock, found him huddled in a corner of a shack near the Rutland elevator where he had apparnetly sought shelter from the storm.

Patrolman Richer, stepping into the door of the shack, flashed his light around and suddenly saw the man for whose arrest the entire North Country had clamored. Ordered to "throw them up" the Russian immediately complied and the officer frisked him at once, for possible arms. None were found.

The Russian offered no resistance, officers say, but went with them willingly to the police station where he was again frisked for arms. He coolly curled up on the lounge there, and apparently without a hear in the world played with "Sparks" as reporters dropped in to give him the once over.

The Russian spoke with no difficulty although with a strong Russian accent. He answered questions as to his name with "Sure, my name is Mike. Michel Lisowsky" He wrote it out in a very good hand.

Although no questions pertaining to the crime with which his name has been connected were asked, Mike seemed glad to talk with the officers and said he came from Russia, from the State of Minski, and was 34 years old.

Lisowksy will be questioned by District Attorney W. D. Ingram and state police this morning.

According to unofficial reports received this morning the Russian, who appears to be a soldierly young man of excellent education, returned to Ogdensburg during the early evening from Massena where he had been for a day or two. He is said to have admited of going as far as Theres and then doubled back to Massena expecting to find work.