On February 5, 1869 about 6:30 p.m., Florence resident John Bentley was on his way home with a load of groceries in his wagon. He was stopped by three highwaymen about one hundred yards above Louisburg and robbed of his money and silver watch. Two brothers, Bernard and Henry Dressman, came upon the scene and chased the robbers all the way to Covington where they found and informed City Marshal Thompson.
In order to head them off, Marshal Thompson responded to the Covington and Cincinnati (Suspension) Bridge and found three men who matched the descriptions exactly. Two had already paid their toll and were crossing the bridge. Marshal Thompson arrested the third while he was transacting his toll. As they quietly walked from the bridge, the prisoner suddenly pulled a pistol and shot Marshal Thompson in the abdomen and ran.