Lassen Sheriff To Experiment with Tear Gas Gun
July 31, 1929
The Lassen County Sheriff’s office this week received one of the latest tear gas guns and will experiment with it and try out its efficacy. Those desiring to offer their services as “patients” should apply in person to J. B. Leavitt, sheriff, between the hours of 9a.m. and 6p.m.
Only those who are physically fit will be accepted. The experiments will be carried on in the following manner:
The person offering his services will stand 12 feet away from the sheriff and start to sass him. The sheriff will then reach into his vest pocket and drawing forth what appears to be a fountain pen will press a little clip in it.
From the end of the imitation fountain pen will come a stream of gas which will be forced down the volunteer’s throat, up into his nose and into his eyes. At a range of twelve feet the person taking the test will be blinded and will suffer great pain.
He will be normal again, however, in about 20 minutes and in a condition to take another test.
Those applying to take the test should be either a rum runner, highjacker, bootlegger or some sort of a law breaker because those are the kind of people the gun will be used on. Mouthing orators, persistent solicitors and back seat drivers would also make good material for the test.
