Officers Francis W. Reardon (left) and Thomas T. Conley (right) pose for Evening Express cameras with John L. Lewis, a New York City taxi driver arrested for armed robbery at Portland's Jefferson Theater and Temple Lunch.

On Saturday, October 29, 1927, Lewis pointed a gun at a woman known as "Miss Elliott" at the Jefferson Theater ticket office, demanding the day's receipts.

The next morning at Temple Lunch, Lewis pulled a gun, but sixteen-year-old Lewis H. Emanuel leaped over the counter and chased him down Temple Street. Despite Lewis firing three shots, Emanuel tackled him. Another taxi driver helped subdue Lewis and take him to the police station.

Emanuel received widespread praise in the local press for his bravery.