Ralph Leavitt
Ralph J. Leavitt | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1877 York Harbor, Maine, U.S. |
| Occupation | Automobile dealer |
| Years active | Early 1900s |
| Known for | Automobile dealer who evaded arrest after fraud accusations in New York City |
Ralph J. Leavitt (born 1877, death date unknown) was an early New York City automobile dealer who faced fraud accusations and evaded arrest for several months both in New York City and his hometown of York Harbor, Maine. There, he tied his speedboat to a buoy and threatened law enforcement officers with a pistol. Leavitt's dramatic evasion was widely covered by contemporary newspapers.
Leavitt triggered a frantic pursuit after skipping bail in 1905 in Manhattan, where he was accused of fraud related to a trade-in deal at his Manhattan-based dealership, the Leavitt Motor Power Exchange. As detailed in The New York Times, he narrowly escaped capture in New York before fleeing north to Maine.
When detectives unexpectedly arrived at his Maine residence, Leavitt took refuge on his boat in York Harbor, reportedly "defying officers and threatening to shoot anyone who tried to apprehend him," before "coming ashore and vanishing," according to The New York Times.[1] Previously, he had secured his boat to a buoy, "ready to repel any hostile approach with his revolver."
In an era without 24-hour news channels, the escapades of this New York car dealer captivated the nation. One day after The New York Times reported that Leavitt had taken refuge on his launch to avoid arrest, the paper ran a front-page headline: "HOW LEAVITT HELD OUT AGAINST ALL COMERS." In smaller print, it noted that "Armed on His Launch, He Defied Beardsley and His Sleuths." The subheading read "EVEN THE SHERIFF DAUNTED," with further commentary that the "Auto Dealer Raised Such Serious Objections to Arrest That Detectives Returned to This City."
According to The Times, the clever dealer outmaneuvered even Hubert T.E. Beardsley of the American Bonding Company. The paper remarked that "next time Beardsley pursues Ralph J. Leavitt, he might bring a cavalry squadron if by land or a torpedo boat if water is involved."
The saga began when Robert G. Kelsey, a New York real estate investor en route to Toledo, Ohio, purchased a car from Leavitt's dealership. The vehicle "fell apart shortly after hitting the road," and upon discovering that Leavitt had already resold the steam-powered car Kelsey traded in, Kelsey arranged for Leavitt's arrest. After posting bail and being released, Leavitt fled back to Maine, prompting bondsman Beardsley and four detectives to pursue him there.
Upon reaching York Harbor, Maine, Beardsley and his team sought directions to the Leavitt family home located about seven miles inland at York Corners. When they confronted Leavitt and reminded him of his fugitive status while requesting his peaceful surrender, Leavitt reportedly laughed heartily and declared no one present could handcuff him. He then retrieved a revolver from the mantelpiece and reiterated that he doubted anyone wished to restrain him.[2]
Detective Beardsley attempted a different tactic. "Beardsley employed tact, cunning, and diplomacy," as The Times described it. Leavitt appeared to relent somewhat; he set aside his defiance and invited the visitors for refreshments while he went upstairs to prepare for travel back to New York. However, after some time passed and the detectives went upstairs seeking him, they found that Leavitt had fled aboard his yacht. They pursued him but were met with gunfire from Leavitt’s Haidee speedboat—the fastest vessel in the vicinity.
With their efforts thwarted, the New York detectives contacted Sheriff Athorne of York County, who rowed out in a dory to confront Leavitt. The fugitive claimed some New Yorkers were attempting to abduct him and warned he would shoot if they tried again. In response, bondsman Beardsley hired a tugboat from Portsmouth, New Hampshire intending to continue the chase. However, as reported by The New York Times, the tug owner was reluctant about this plan; lacking armored boats or torpedo vessels nearby forced Beardsley and his men to return empty-handed to New York.
The Times observed that this caution was likely wise given Leavitt’s reputation as an expert marksman with a revolver. Additionally, he was reportedly well-stocked aboard his boat and intended either to remain onboard indefinitely or escape by sea should further pursuit occur.[3]
Ultimately, available records suggest that Leavitt returned ashore at his Maine residence and did not go back to New York City. Nevertheless, this early automobile dealer later participated in car racing events in Santa Monica, California.[4]
References
- ↑ Leavitt Escapes Again, Eludes Officers By Landing from His Launch at Midnight, The New York Times, May 27, 1906
- ↑ HOW LEAVITT HELD OUT AGAINST ALL COMERS, The New York Times, May 27, 1906
- ↑ NEW YORK AUTO DEALER FIRES ON 3 DEPUTIES, R.J. Leavitt, in York Harbor, Me., Defeats Efforts to Arrest Him, INTRENCHED ON A LAUNCH, The New York Times, May 26, 1906
- ↑ William Webb Slaughter, Stearns Automobile Dealer, Los Angeles, California, Chapter One