Notorious Prison Breaker Cut Down in Savage Gunfight

In a daring and deadly escape, notorious prison breaker Bert Jones was fatally shot after killing two prison guards in a sensational dash for liberty. The incident unfolded at the State penitentiary in Salem, Oregon, on the sweltering evening of August 12, 1925. Jones, known for his brazen highway robberies, had been a thorn in the side of the authorities for far too long. His accomplices, J. M. Holman and John Sweeney, were also part of the quartet that escaped. Their plan was to breach the prison’s arsenal, where they could arm themselves and take on the guards. At 6:55 p.m., the four convicts made their move, bursting into the arsenal and procuring guns for their attack. The ensuing gunfight would leave two guards dead and another fighting for his life.