This Day in History: 1924-08-18
The young son of Mitchell Beyers on Campgaw was the first local person against which the County’s new tear gas bombs was used. The victim was a patient at a New York State mental institution and was on a brief home visit when he suddenly became violent. He armed himself with two guns and a sword and barricaded himself in the attic of the family home. His father called the police. The chief reviewed the situation and recalled that the County Sheriff, Jack Fox, had offered the new weapons to local police forces if they need them. Chief Hopper sent to Hackensack for one and fired it into the room where the young man was holed up. He and Marshall Ackerman then rushed the room and subdued the boy. The gas had so blinded him that he was only able to strike out with his sword, injuring both officers. He was subdued and taken back to the institution by two keepers hastily summoned from across the border. Sheriff Fox advised every police department in the County to acquire a couple of these tear gas bombs for just such emergencies. (Bristow)