Escaped Convict Caught After 2 Robberies in South Bend

Albert Rosenberg, 32, was found hiding in a hotel less than a block from police headquarters.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A 32-year-old escaped federal convict named Albert Rosenberg was captured by South Bend police after allegedly participating in a theater hold-up and a residential robbery that ended in a shootout with officers. Rosenberg had taken refuge in a hotel near the police station.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faced in the 1920s with escaped convicts and the need to quickly apprehend dangerous individuals to protect public safety in the community.

The details

According to reports, Rosenberg was involved in two separate crimes on the same night - the hold-up of a neighborhood theater and the robbery of a private residence. When police confronted him, a shootout ensued before Rosenberg was ultimately captured while hiding in a hotel less than a block from the police station.

  • On February 10, 1927, Rosenberg allegedly participated in the theater hold-up and residential robbery.
  • Shortly after the crimes, Rosenberg took refuge in the Columbia Hotel, which was less than a block from the South Bend police headquarters.

The players

Albert Rosenberg

A 32-year-old escaped federal convict who was arrested for his alleged involvement in a theater hold-up and residential robbery in South Bend.

James J. Hatt

The South Bend police chief who led the squad that captured Rosenberg at the hotel.

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What they’re saying

“Shortly after he had taken refuge in the Columbia hotel less than a block from police headquarters Wednesday night, Albert Rosenberg, age 32, escaped federal convict who participated Tuesday night in the alleged hold-up of a neighborhood theater and the hold-up of a private residence which was terminated by a pistol battle with two patrolmen, was captured by a squad of police led by Chief James J. Hatt.”

— South Bend Tribune (southbendtribune.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faced in the 1920s with escaped convicts and the need to quickly apprehend dangerous individuals to protect public safety in the community.