The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-03-31
STRANGE CONDUCT OF POLICE OFFICERS.



On Monday night, while Judge ]. p. Montamst,
third justice OF the peace of this parish, Mr.. &C.
rodias, constable OF the same court, and several
gentlemen standing at the corner of Toulouse and
Bourbon streets, becoming shocked ct the inhu-
man conduct Of several officers in taking woman
bathed in her blood 10 the police station, Justice
Montamat, upon his authority as an oficer OF the
peace, expostulated with the policemen, offering
even 10 pay for q cab to convey the prisoner, in
stead OF seeing her dragged like dog to the sta.
ton. Whereupon the officers threatened to ar
rest Judge Montamst, to attempt which the judge
defed them, and together with Mr.. Gerodas, fol.
lowed the party to the station. At the station
Judge Montamat claimed Of the clerk copy of
the charge against the woman, In order that he
might obtain the names of the officers for the
purpose OF bringing charges against them before
the police board. Sergeant Wynn forbade the
clerk from scquiescing with the demand of Judge
Montamst, a right which every citizen possesses.
Judge Montamat. however, obtained the desired
information. During the scene at the station Ser
geant Wynn caused Mr.. Gerodias to be arrested
and locked up. He was Afterwards released on
bail. Previous to the release Of Mr.. Gerodias, at
the time he was searched before locking him up.
q loaded dtrnger pistol was found on his per
son.
Matters did not rest here. Yesterday moruing
officer Murray entered an affidavit sgsins. Judge
Montamat, who, learning OF the state Of affairs,
hurried down to Recorder Gastinel's Court, with q
friend as security. but the affidavit had meanwhile
been Withdrawn by officer Murray. Subsequently
Corporal Hamlet entered two affidavits against
Mr.. Victor Gerodias, on the charge, FIRST, of
asssulting With dangerous weapon with intent to
kill, and drawing knife upon him; and second,
with carrying concealed weapons. Officer Don.
navan entered third affidavit against Mr.. Gero-
diss charging him with interfering with the officer
in the discharge of his duties and Sergeant Wynn
fourth. charging Mr.. Gerodss with disturbing
the peace and threatening the officer with great
Dodliy injury.
Mr. Gerodias surrendered himself, and gave
bond on each affidavit to appear when summoned
10 answer the charges. Mr.. Gerodias retired, but
appeared in the court room q short time after,
provided with warrants for the arrest of Sergeant
Wynn, Corporal Hamlet, and officers Murray and
Donnaven. issued to him Mr. Gerodiesl as con.
stable of the third Justices court By Judge Mon
tsmat Of the same court. Some little indisposi-
ton was shown TO be arrested, but the interior
ence of Recorder Gastinel settled matters, and il
was agreed that ali four of the officers would ap.
pear the same day before Judge Montsmat, which
they did within the next hour. Judge Montsmat
required each to furnish bonds in the sum Of $500,
which neither being ready to furnish they were all
remanded until the requirements of the law have
been complied with. In addition. Corporal Ham
let was sentenced by the judge TO twenty -four
hours confinement in the Parish Prison for con.
tempt Of cnnrt. in smoking In court notwithstand-
ing the rebuke of the judge.
Having given the above statements from outside
scnrces. we give also the case as II appeared be-
fore The recorder. The evidence Of Corporal
Hamlet went TO show that Mr.. Gerodias made con.
siderable noise and was requested TO desist By the
officer, whom he threatened TO shoot IL the officer
dared to arrest him. Sergeant Wynn explained
the reason for srresting Mr.. Gerodias. by stating
that the latter had threatened to use his cane upon
HIM. Judge Montamat defended the course pur.
sued by Mr.. Gerooias, and stated that he was as
much entitled to carry concealed weapons as any
police officer, Mr.. Gerodss being an officer of
higher grade than the officers making the charge
against him. The affair promises to be interesting
and viii necessitate further Developments before
Ii can be commented upon.