Long Arm of the Law

When Douglas Murphy bolted past the courtroom of Municipal Judge Donald Hoover and ran out the door, the Richland County (Ohio) judge knew what he had to do: he dropped his robe and ran after him. During the 20 minute chase, a team of roofers helped point the way for the judge and several police officers who had joined in the pursuit. Like his late namesake, Hoover got his man, finding Murphy hiding behind a bush. He’s not likely to get any awards, though: Murphy wasn’t an escapee, but had just finished a court appearance and was hurrying away, free on bond. (AP) ...“Of all escape mechanisms, death is the most efficient.” —H.L. Mencken.