En Route to the Hideout
The gang had prepared well; license plates switched, and gas cans stowed to avoid a gas stop along the way. They lined up a contact at the Saint Paul Police Department who warned the group about any traces of evidence being investigated. The group would have ample warning of a raid and know where the police were in their investigation. When they were about thirty miles out of St. Paul, the group met up with other conspirators. The group split up; some conveying Hamm to Bensonville, Illinois, the others returned to St. Paul to negotiate the ransom. Hamm was asked who might best serve as a trustworthy contact. He identified the Hamm’s brewery’s sales manager William W. Dunn. The gang was particularly pleased with this choice since Dunn was known to keep quiet when he needed to and had ties to the St. Paul Police Department.