Meeks, C. R.

C. R. Meeks, 38 years old, a Picher miner who was a principal in a shooting affray in the business section of Picher yesterday afternoon, died at a local hospital at 9 o'clock last night. Meeks was shot twice by officers, one bullet penetrating the back at the right shoulder and ranging diagonally through both lungs to the left chest and the other piercing his skull about the center of the forehead. The condition of Deputy Sheriff M. L. Woolsey, who was shot in the right arm by Meeks, is reported to be improved. Constable Roy Jameson, another participant, escaped uninjured, but one bullet narrowly missed striking him in the head. Two other bullets pierced the clothing of Officer Woolsey. The shot fired by Woolsey took effect in Meeks' head, while the one fired by Jameson struck him in the back. The shooting followed a disturbance at the home of Meeks, who, with his wife, and three children, occupied rooms at the Lusher apartments, 115 East Third Street. Meeks was said to have threatened to kill his wife, firing one shot at her as she ran from their apartments. Meeks then attempted to escape and was met by Woolsey and Jameson near the front of the apartment house. Meeks fired three shots before Officer Woolsey shot him. A fourth shot was fired at Jameson. Meeks was rushed to the American hospital in an ambulance of the Green undertaking company. He remained in a conscious condition, until shortly after arriving at the hospital. No funeral arrangements have been made for Meeks. His body is at the parlors of the Green undertaking company pending the arrival of relatives. He and his family came to Picher about five months ago from Midland Arkansas. His relatives reside at Greenwood Arkansas. He was last employed at Picher .Mine No.8.

38 years old, is in critical condition at the American hospital, Picher, with two bullet wounds in his body, surviving a gun fight with Picher Oklahoma officers late this afternoon. M. L. Woolsey, deputy sheriff, one of the officers, was shot in the right arm, about the elbow, by Meeks. Woolsey's wound was dressed at the hospital. The shooting occurred on East Third Street, Picher. Meeks, said to have been intoxicated, was threatening his wife, Mrs. Elsie Meeks, it was said in their room at the Lusher Apartments, 115 East Third Street. Neighbors, hearing the trouble, summoned Woolsey and Jameson, constable, who was on the Street nearby. As officers approached, Meeks darted from the building firing one shot at his wife, who dodged behind a door and escaped being struck. Meeks then saw the officers and according to Clarence Smith, a witness, and turned his gun on them. His first shot took effect in Woolsey's arm. The other officer returned the fire, the bullet took effect in Meeks' back. Meeks fired again, but this shot went wild. Jameson fired a second shot at Meeks as [Jamison] sought refuges in a barber shop. The bullet entered Meeks' forehead. Woolsey stood his ground, but did not fire at Meeks until the latter shot at him. Physicians held out little hope for Meeks recovery. Either of his two wounds was enough to cause his death they said as he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance from Green undertaking company. Meeks' trouble with his wife, was said to have been another man with whom she was said to have been keeping company. Sunday night Meeks was arrested by Picher officers following a disturbance at his apartment, but was allowed liberty when he furnished bond. Meeks came here from Midland Arkansas. He had not worked for several weeks, his last employment having been in the Picher Mine No. 8. The Meeks have three children.

The body of C. R. Meeks, who died Monday as the result of wounds received during a shooting affray with Picher officers, was taken to Midland Arkansas, last night for burial. The condition of Deputy Sheriff M. L. Woolsey, who was shot in the right arm by Meeks, is improved. Deputy Sheriff Woolsey said he regretted the trouble, but that he did not shoot until forced to do so to protect himself. Mr. Woolsey praised Constable Roy Johnson as having shown himself to be dependable and courageous during the shooting affray.