The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1890-07-20

That section of, the city in the region about
Twelfth and streets has been enjoying sensa-
tion caused by the exploits of a desperate young
negro, who seems to be some kin to Jack the
Ripper" This boy has been arrested three times,
and is about thirteen years of age. He gives his
name as Henry Shelton. His proelivities are
literally more blood-thirsty even than were those
of his Whtechapel prototype, it being his habit
on every opportunity, with the tastes of a vam-
pire, to seize with his teeth the arm cheek of
some one of his young companions and bite it
viciously. He is not satisfied with biting once,
but shows his fondness for this method of attack
by following up the first wherever he can get his
teeth fastened in the fleGh of his uckless victim.
Within the past two weeks emboldened perhaps
by his various escapes from the clutches of the
law, his attacks of this nature have been of much
more frequent occurrence, and several of his
victims, of ages ranging from five to fifteen
years, of both colors and sexes, testify to his
inordnate love for this kind of amusement.
His attacks seem to be promoted by his insatia-
BILE desire for blood and his presence the
street is the signal for general scattering of the
youngsters in his vicinity. So great has become
the fear of him that many parents on and 7
streets near Twelfth and Thirteenth, are afraid
TO allow their children to run on the streets, and
numerous complaints have been made against
HIM by residents of that vicinity.
As far as can be learned the boy is without
home or friends, and for three months past has
lived in wagons, empty stables, under doorsteps,
and, in fact, any place in which he could find
shelter. His food he obtains by stealing and
begging. He seems to be the chief or leader of
a gang of boys who nfest the neighborhood and
cause the officers on that beat much annoyance
by their mad pranks and vicious tricks
Officer Upperman said to a HERALD reporter
that the boy is as bad as regular mad-dog on
his beat, and causes him almost as much trouble.
Some time since Shelton attacked the proprietor
of a banana cart, who Immediately instituted
chase, eventually catching him. The Italian
held him, although his arms were badly bitten
in the attempt, until policeman came up and
took them both into custody. Meanwhile the
banana cart and entirely cleared it out. Before
Justice Miller the Italian was charged with as
sault. owing to his inability to talk English of
the required quality, and the negro was let go.
Since that time assaults of this kind have occa-
sionally occurred. and the officers have been
looking for the instigator for some time.
On Monday last Shelton attacked two boys who
We're playing tennis on a vacant lot on S street,
biting both of them, and so badly that he
tainted several times from the pain. His arm
was terribly lacerated, showing four places in
which he had been bitten. Complaints were made
at the Eighth Precinct Station house, and orders
were given for his immediate arrest. That night
Ohcer Upperman received word that the boy
could be found in an empty wagon on the Gov
ernment reservation on the corner of Twelfth
and streets. He was found there and taken to
the station-house. Judge Miller assigned him
would be rid of him for some time to come, but
on Wednesday afternoon his fine was paid and he
was again turned loose.
The officer declares his intention of arresting
Henry's life will henceforth be devoted more to
keeping out of the officers way than hunting up
fresh victims on whom to satiate his inhuman ap-
petite.
Among his victims of the past whose names
could be obtained were young Hilton, residing al
Tweifth ad and iin streets; ] Henry Morgan Eugene
colored. We're his victims, and some little girls
also suffered by his attacks.