In 1916, Seattle police arrested Carl Peterson, 27, known as the “barefoot burglar,” who allegedly confessed to a series of burglaries and claimed he had previously escaped from San Quentin penitentiary.
Barefoot Burglar is Now in Seattle Jail
Carl Peterson, 27 years of age, is held today by the police as Seattle’s “barefoot burglar.” The police say he has confessed to a series of residence thefts during the past two months. He is also alleged to have told the officers he escaped from San Quentin penitentiary, where he was sentenced to nine years for the same crime.
His arrest was the result of a 48-hour watch. Two detectives were told a “mysterious man with bundles” passed a certain corner each night. Last night Patterson, who first gave his name as James Thompson, was arrested as the “mysterious man.”
The police say he confessed to operating here since April 1.
Source: East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR), 04 Aug. 1916.
