On February 28, 1920 at about 04:45 hours, Plano Night Watchmen Green W. Rye was finishing his rounds at Plano National Bank when two shots rang out. On of the .45 slugs hit Rye in the abdomen and lodged in his spine. Rye staggered about 20ft and was able to shoot five rounds at the burglars as they climbed the fence at the rear of the bank and made their escape. It is unknown whether Rye hit any of the suspects but blood was found on the fence adjacent to a bullet hole from Rye's pistol. |
Captain Charles Gunning, Chief of Detectives with the Dallas Police and Sheriff Ed Blakeman of Collin County were called to investigate. Sheriff Blakeman organized a posse. Rye's wife Minnie and 10 year old daughter, Annie were summoned to the house that had been carried to, but arrived too late. Rye died without being able to describe his attackers. Rye's last words were "my poor wife, my poor children". It was discovered that Plano National Bank had been burglarized by a group of at least four people who had chiseled in to the vault and made off with approximately $10,00 in WWI Victory Bonds. |
