Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-06-20
AN ATTEMPTED ASSAULT
Mrs Thompson's Struggle With a Night
Prowler
The Man Treated Leniently I'm One
Court Judge Miller May
Act Differently.

People living on I street southwest be-
tween Sd and Az streets were greatly ex-
cited last night between 10 and IL o'clock
when dastardy attempt at assault was
made on Mrs. Alice Thompson, the wife of
a Well known citizen. Robert Jones,
strong man. who was barefooted and with
out coat, committed the crime and then
made an effort to escape. But Policeman
narrower arrested him, and when tried I'm
the Police Court this morning Judge Kim
ball sentenced him on a charge of
grancy to ninety days on the farm. when
he might have given him six months. Later
In the day a charge of assault was filed
against him. This was called for trial In
Judge Miller's court, but in view of what
had happened in Judge Kimbalrs court,
Judge Miller had some doubt about mis-
legal right to hold him. he thought 1t
might resolve itself into second punish
pose of the question, however, because he
considered the offense a very serious one
and one which could not be properly pun
ished under the vagrancy law.
The ASsnElt.
Mrs. Thompson was seated on the porch
In front OF her house last night, enjoying
the bright moonlight and cool air. and was
waiting for her husband to return home
from work 1t was twenty minutes after
husband would be there. The colored man
came along, and almost stopped when he
got in 4. ont Of the house. Mrs. Thompson
was the only one in sight. and because of
the lateness of the hour Jones thought
there was no one about to see him But
TO make certain of this, IL is thought he
walked down the street, and being satisfied
That there was no one about to apprehend
him, he returned and entered the front
yard Of the Thompson house
Give me piece of bread" he said I'm a
commanding tone Of voice
Give you WHAT" inquired Mrs Thomp-
But before there was even time for an
answer the man grabbed at Mrs Thomp-
sons throat with both hands but she drew
pack Tar enough to prevent his getting a
Soou hoid on her, and because Of this fact
she was able to make a faint outcry for
sne was so thoroughly frightened and
weakened that she was unable to make a
physical resistance.
Fortunately. Mr.. John Davis. who lives
on the opposite side of the street was
also enjoying the bright moonlight night
IN front OF his door. and had watched the
cclored mans movements The instant
he saw the mans hands near Mrs Tbomn-
sen throat he made a rush for her as
saliant, at the same time making a loud
oulcry TO attract others and make the
mans capture more certain His cries
attractd Policeman Narrower, as we'll as
a number of citizens, and Jones was cap
Iured after short but exciting pursuit.
iN'iS WIS no question about his identity,
Tor was there any doubt as to what he
mad actually done. His statement was
tnat lie lived In Sullivans alley with his
motner and worked for a man named
Golden on an ice wagon
Alter being sentenced to the farm for
Vagrancy the prisoner was taken to Judge
MIXERS court. as already stated, and given
hearing.
Judge MfIIcr's Remarks
Judge Miller had no doubt about the
prisoners guilt of the charge of simple as
sault, and he thought the mans inten-
tons were probably even more serious
IF woman can't sit in front of her
own house in security, said the Judge,
lit is an exceedingly serious natter
The question of former conviction was dis
cusseI. and Mr. Mullow ny. the prosecutor
said he did not understand how the man
could have been held as a suspicious char
acter on the proof, as he was clearly guilty
of assault
Judge Miller, commenting on the case
said there is a difference between a sus-
picious character and suspicion of an Of
tense. A man supposed 10 have committed
a particular crime is not necessarily sus-
picious hGracter, aud should be charged
with the specific offense
Jones then questioned, and he adj
mitted that he went to the house and ask
ed for bread. But when Judge Miller Ques-
toned him he admitted that he was not in
need of bread. and said he had had his
supper earlier in the evening.
This statement convinced the court that
Jones visit there was not for bread, and If
he could see his way clear to 90 SO he will
certainly give him the punishment his Of
Tense deserves The case was continued
until Monday, in order that the court may
look further into the question Of law.