Swan Harrison, an Insane Patient Arrested in the Northwest Territories

Swan Harrison, who escaped from the Northwest Mounted police at Selkirk on the Yukon a year ago, has just been captured by members of the same efficient force at a point thousands of miles distant. Harrison has been taken a prisoner in the Northwest territories.

A telegram has been received by Major Wood at Dawson telling him of the capture of Harrison.

When Harrison escaped at Selkirk he was being taken out of the Yukon to New Westminister, B.C. as an insane patient. He had been arrested and convicted at Dawson some time before for stealing, had become insane while in prison and was transferred to the lunatic ward.

While the steamer was lying at Selkirk Harrison made a leap from the boat, and landing partly in the water walked ashore, scrambled away up the bank and ran into the woods before he could be overtaken. He and a number of other lunatics were in charge of Corpl. Stewart on the trip up the river. A short search was made for Harrison, but he could not be found, and the boat proceeded with the remainder of the party. Others of the police were detailed to watch for the fellow, as it was thought he would come out somewhere for food, and be captured easily, but he did not appear.

From traces obtained it is believed he went down the Yukon river and escaped by way of St. Michael or Nome. He is said to be from the States, but how it is that he should wander over into the Northwest Territories is scarcely understood. It was thought at first from the point at which the fellow turned up he must have taken a chance at the famous Edmonton trail and gotten through, but the idea is scarcely credited.

The Weekly Star, Saturday, August 30, 1902