Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-05-09
FIRES AT POLICEMAN
PRISONER MAKES MURDEROUS
ASSAULT ON OFFICER YOUNG.
Several Shots Exchanged and Both
Men Injured-The Man
Behind the Bars

Pedestrians who were in the vicinity OF
Pennsylvania avenue and 18th street north
west about 2:3O o'clock this morning heard
reports of several pistol shots fired in
rapid succession, and it evident that a
fierce battle was in progress. The affair
caused considerable excitement, although
1t afterward proved that very little damage
was done One bullet entered the right
leg of Special Policeman William Young
and another leaden missile wounded the
hand of a young man who was arrested
on a charge of attempted robbery at the
store of the Barros Diamond Company
No. 913 Pennsylvania avenue.
Daniel Hay is the name given by the
prisoner although the police believe his
name is David H. Bratton. Two men were
seen at the show window of the diamond
company, and Special Policeman Young
heard a noise made by the striking of
hard substance. presumably a revolver
against the glass. He succeeded in cap
turing one of the men, while the other one
crossed the avenue and disappeared. The
officer stopped in front of the jewelry store
long enough to see that the plate glass
had been cracked and he then proceeded
with his captive toward the first precinct
station, on 18th street below Pennsylvania
avenue.
Just De1Ore the station was reached the
prisoner turned to the officer and inquired
Where is the jail?" evidently referring to
the police station.
Right there" the officer told him. point
Duck. you" said Hay. as the officer
turned to him. The former had drawn his
revolver and had 1t pointed at the officer.
Duck nothing" retorted the officer who
drew his weapon without delay
The Firing Begins.
Then the fusillade commenced, and had it
not been that the officers weapon missed
fire when he first pulled the trigger the
man in his custody would probably nave re-
ceived a bullet before he had an opportunity
to run. The first shot fired by the prisoner
was aimed at YOung's head, but the latter
lodged. The second shot took effect in his
leg.
Although painfully wounded, the special
officer followed the fugitive mp 18th street
and emptied his revolver in his efforts to
stop him. AS already stated, one bullet
struck the fugitive's hand
Policeman Mellen and Special Policeman
Williams were attracted to the scene by the
reports of the pistol shots, and they cap
tured Hay near the corner of 18th and f
streets. He had a couple of rounds of car
tridges in his pockets when searched at the
station.
MY name is Daniel Hay" he stated when
he reached the clerks desk. and I'm from
New York.
The advertisement in his hat showed that
it had been purchased in Los Angeles Cal
The initials ID. H. b. We're in the hat
but these Hay cut out after being placed in
a cell. In his pocket the officers found a
book and newspaper clipping. The clip
ping contained the death notice of Miranda
p Bratton, beloved wife of David H. Brat
ton She was thirty years old and her
funeral took place from 434 Sth avenue
presumably in New York city. Before be-
Ing placed In a cell the wound inflicted by
the officer dressed nv 10 nbyc al
at the Emergency Hosital, where Young
was also taken for treatment. The latter
was afterward removed to his home on C
street southwest.
A fairly good description was obtained of
the prisoners companion, and the police of
the several precincts We're notified to look
out for him.
''In It for Good"
I'm in it good, I know" the prisoner
remarked THE policeman he added re-
ferring to Special Officer Young, lis as
brave a man as ever faced a gun
When told about the window being shat
tered the prisoner said, That's one thing
I'm going to deny"
Cartridges were taken from almost every
pocket i'll the prisoners clothing. This
morning between and 10 O'Clock the pris-
oner was taken to police headquarters,
where he was seen by the members Of the
detective corps. Later he was photo
graphed and copies of the picture have
been sent to the authorities Of several
cities. His valise was found in hotel to-
day by Detectives Horne and Hartigan,
but there was nothing in it which would
assist In establishing the prisoners iden-
tity While discussing the case with the
police he said his wife and child had died
about what becomes of him. The prisoner
was brought to the Police Court this morn
ing, where a warrant charging him with
assault with intent to kill was filed against
L:
5000. In case he fails to give security for
his appearance he will be committed to jail
this afternoon until the officer Is able to
appear IN court.