The daily morning journal and courier., 1894-08-16
SET A PRISONER ABLAZE.
ADINOLFO HESCUED JUST IN TIME
 TO HE SAVED FROM ROASTING.

William sheridan PrancIng and Singing
 Around inc Burning Itaiian-G -Grady's
 Quick Work and Lifc-saving Efforts
 Sheridan's Long Police Rccord-
 William Sheridan. the fellow with the famous court record, Is suspected of most heartless and cruel assault on An tonic Adlnolfo, an Italian who was ar- rested yesterday afternoon at the Grand avenue station.
 Sheridan had been arrested for drunk enness by Officer Schroeder and was in the lookup at station 2 when Adinolfo was brought In helplessly drunk. Adin- olfo was laid inside on the benches and was soon asleep.
 Driver Grady began bis work around the station, when he heard yelling in the lookup. Thinking that one of the prisoners had touch of the horrors, he stepped to the door. He saw a sight which frightened him. The Italian was lying flat on his face and flames three feet high were shooting from his back. He immediately opened the door and calling Sergeant McGann to his aid he rushed into the lookup and tore the clothes from the burning man.
 Dr. T. F. Cahill was summoned and dressed the mans burns with liniment. The prompt action of Driver Grady and Sergeant McGann saved Adinokfos life. His burns are serious, but not danger ous. They will keep him. however, laid up for some time and will also leave scars
 He was taken to the home of friends in the Italian colony on East street.
 Adinolfo did not know how the fire was caused. He was awakened by the burns and was mortified to find himself enveloped in flames.
 There is no direct evidence against Sheridan, but when Driver Grady came to the door Sheridan was walking round the burning man in apparent unconcern, singing snatches of songs, occasionally interjecting curses and oaths. AS soon as the flames were quenched Sheridan was locked in a cell
 Sheridan's record shows him capable of such tricks. Even yesterday when arrested he nearly overpowered Officer Schroeder. He was sitting quietly in the wagon and Officer Schroeder had re- faxed his vigilance. Suddenly Sheridan made spring and caught the officer by the throat forcing him back until the officer was hanging over the rail. Driver Grady happened to look round just in time. He reached back and pulled Sheridan to the floor of the wagon. He was then overpowered and safely placed in the lookup
 He Is not charged with any offense, as he cannot be connected with the deed. His actions have room for little doubt. When first questioned he said he did not know how the fire started. Later he said he did not know that any one had been burned. Sheridan Is un- doubtedly insane. His treachery Is well known among policemen, who have known him to make all kinds of sudden upon policemen and prisoners. One time, not long ago, he struck a prisoner on the lip, cutting him to the bone, while in the Grand avenue sta- tion. It is usual to lock him in a cell, but yesterday, as he was the first pris- oner of the day, he was given the free- dom of the general lookup.
 Sheridan was first arrested when he was eleven years old. He is now forty. Of the twenty-nine years which have elapsed since his first arrest it is safe to say that twenty four have been spent in jail.