The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-07-07
ASSAIlED In THE DARK.
Harry Johnson Held Up Near Deer
iag's Bridge.
ANOTHER ATTEMPTED HIGHWAY
ROBBERY NEAR PORTLAND.


Night-He Beat One of Them Over the
Head With Brick and Ran Into Mrs.
Herseys Yard Where His Assailants
Followed Him But Are Frightened
Away Whom the Lights Are Turned On.
On last Friday night about 10 O'Clock,
Mr.. Harry L. johnson, who works for
William Scott the roofer, and lives at
No. Wi ia a street, Oakdale, was held
up near tho power house. just above Deer
ing's bridge by three men who tried to
rob him. By good fortune and the dis
play of considerable, courage MIR. johnson
managed to effect his escape without Sc
Iious injury or the loss of property of any
kind.
. 1t was the night before the Fourth and
Mr.. johnson had been In Portland call
ing upon bis sister. The last car had left
the city and the gentleman who is man
about 25 years of age was obliged to walk
home. He was hurrying along towards
Oakdsls and when he passed the Port
land Street Railway company's power
house near Daerings bridge it was just
quarter after midnight by his watch.
Just above the power house are several
large trees which grow on the edge of the
sidewalk. At this spot it was so dark
thatsit was impossible to see ones hand
when held in front of the face. Mr..
Johnson could not see foot head of
him and was carefully feeling his way
along when he was suddenly seized from
behind by man and his arms pinned to
his side.
At the same moment another man
grabbed at his throat and began to run
his hand over his vest as if feeling for his
watch and pooketbook. There appeared
to be three men in the party which had
assailed him and against such odds it
seemed useless to struggle. But struggle
he did and being strong young man he
succeeded in wrestling himself out of the
grasp of the man in front tearing his
coat, vest and sh irt as he did SO.
| At the same moment the man who had
been searching for the watch or money
exclaimed: Z
''This amt the man we're after. He
amt got no watch. -
| Johnson made an attempt to break
away from the man who held his arms
but the fellow held on like grim death.
The third man who had up to his time
taken no part in the ARRAY now picked
up brick from the sidewalk and threw
| it at johnson hitting him severe blow
| in the side. Johnson succeeded IN catch
| ing the brick asSit struck him and break
| ing away from the man behind hit the
| fellow in front who was closing up on
| him again several blows on the head
with the brick as hard as he. could strike.
The blood spattered all over johnson s.
clothes and into his face.
! Now breaking entirely away from his
ahsailants Johnson ran up the street to-
wards Oakdale shouting for help with
| the thyee men in hot pursuit and throw
ing stones and bricks at him as they ran.
He dashed into the yard of Mrs. Elias
Jersey and up on to the door steps. He
continued to cry for help and yelled
"Hersey, Eersey, Heraey" as 10 nd as he
could shout Young Hersey heard the
cries and jumping out of bed turned a
switch which illuminated every electric
light in the house and also the light of
the incandescent globe on the front porch
where johnson had taken refuge.
The three men had followed johnson
right up TO Mrs. Hersey's door and the
man whom johnson had struck several
times with the brick kept crying to his
companions to kill the young fellow who
had defended himself.
When the Lights were turned on the
three men slunk hastily out of the var
and ran down the street. johnson was
badly frightened his clothes covered with
bloodsfrom the highwayman's wounds
and also torn. Several bricks and large
rocks which had been thrown at him
were picked up in Mrs. Hersey's yard
the next morning and one large stone
was found on the front steps. johnson
remained at Mrs. Hersey's house Some
time and finally went homo unomlested.
The object of this assault was IN
doubtedly robbery but. although Mr.. John
son had considerable money on his person
and watch he carried no chain anc
neither the time piece noraa the money
were obtained. Szss
The assault occurred at exactly th'
same spot where Conductor True Mose'
of the Portland gStreet Railway company
was attacked some weeks go. Th1
makes the third attempt at highway rob
berry near Portland within week. Mr.
johnson was unable last night to y Civ
any descritt ion of his assailants. 1t VA
too dark and he was too startled to form
any ideal of what the men looked lik'
but he SAWS he knows he beat one mani
j, head almost into jelly with the brick
The matter was notIreported to the police
of either Desring or Portland.