Keeper Robert M. Pedrick

Robert M. Pedrick

Keeper Robert Pedrick succumbed to injuries sustained one year earlier when he was assaulted by an inmate attempting to escape from the holding cell in the city hall.

The inmate had escaped from the State Prison Farm near Leesburg, but had been recaptured by guards and placed in the Millville jail cell. Another escapee from the prison farm was able to slip a hacksaw blade to the prisoner through the window. The man then used the hacksaw blade to saw through the cell bars and escape. He immediately attacked Keeper Pedrick with a chair, causing severe internal injuries.

A firefighter who was in the city hall heard the commotion and was able to lock the outer door, preventing the man from escaping. The inmate was transferred to a more secure jail in Bridgeton. He was subsequently convicted of assaulting Keeper Pedrick and sentenced to 3-1/2 to seven years in prison.

Keeper Pedrick served a dual role as city hall janitor and jail keeper. He was survived by his wife.