Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-17
Johnson's Arrest.

Lieut.. Mathews took hand in the inves-
tdgation shortly after the shooting. and es-
corted Johnson from his home, at CT H
street northeast, to the station in South
Washington.
Why Johnson should have done the shoot
ing his brother officers are unable to tell,
unless it was because Of girl. 1t was ev-
identity the intention Of the would-be MUIR
derer to take the life of Waters, for he did
not turn on Hall until the latter drew his
weapon and made an effort to use It.
Johnson and Waters are single men. The
former was engaged to be married to a
South Washington woman short time
ring returned.
Waters had frequently joked with John
son about the woman. but he always SEEM
ed to take what was said in good part. 1t
Is now thought by the officers that john
son did not like to be leased, and that he
thought over the matter until his mind
was greatly disturbed. He denies that he
did the shooting.
Shot Through Army Coat
johnson was on duty from o'clock yes
terday afternoon until midnight, three
hours of which were with Hall. Waters
relieved him at midnight, and was at the
box with Hall, turning. in the 1 clock call,
when a colored man appeared and COM
menced firing.
The first shot was fired through the side
pocket Of an army coat, and four or five
more shots followed in rapid succession.
Two of them were sent in the direction of
Hail. Waters had turned in and had pulled
the lever Of the telephone for Hall, when
the latter noticed man approaching.
The man wore a soldiers coat and black
SLOUGH hat. The hat was pulled down over
his eyes, while the coat collar hid part OF
his face. As soon as he reached Waters
he began shooting. Waters grabbed hold
a NJ on ht1t yryoo 1ad 10
lease his hold when one of the bullets hit
him. So busily was he engaged trying to
keep the weapon turned from him that he
could not draw his own weapon Hall
drew his revolver, and, aiming at the fell
low. pulled the trigger. The cartridges
refused to explode, and he was at the
mercy of the assailant until the latter had
exhausted his ammunition.
Turned and Ran East.
When this had been done the man turned
and ran east on N street and south on Half
street. Hall then went to his partners
assistance. The patrol wagon and ambu-
lance were summoned, and the wounded
men were taken to the hospital. Hall was
able later to go home.
The shooting created sensation in po-
lice circles and officers were sent out in all
directionsl After the message had reached
the other stations, some Of the policemen
had had with johnson, and 1t was for this
reason that the lieutenant went to his
house to see him.
Johnson should have been on reserve in
the police station. Instead he was at home
in bed.
Sergeant Kramer and Policeman jackson
found the soldier coat that was worn by
the man who did the shooting, and it
proved to be the coat of corporal, with
the stripes taken OFF.
URoo
The investigation made today developed
the fact that johnson was corporal in
the army, and torn fragments of stripes
from coat were found on the floor in his
room. -
It was noticed by the victims that the
man who shot them used his left hand
Johnson is left handed. An old SLOUGH hat
was found on the lot near the coat at o
and Half streets. The hat had the appear
-ance of having been picked UP from an
ash heap.
In less than ten minutes after the shots
were fired Johnson was seen at New Jer-
sey avenue and I streets southeast, push
ing bicycle. He was bareheaded, and per-
sons who saw him say he appeared greatly
excited. So much SO was he that he crossed
the railroad tracks In front of an engine
and came near being rum over.
Going Northeast.
At that time he was going in northeast
erly direction. Policeman Creel of the fifth
precinct saw bareheaded colored man rid
ing bicycle In the neighborhood OF 10th
street and South Carolina avenue. He
called to the rider. as the latter had no
light on his wheel, and received the reply:
I'm the janitor of the fourth precinct"
The bareheaded wheelman next appeared
riding in the mud across a lot near 14th and
D streets northeast Bicycle Policeman Will,
son called to him, but he did not stop. Po-
uceman O.. e. Duvail saw him riding west
ON H street. as II he had been out on the
Benning road, and Policeman O'Donnell
stopped him. O'Donnell did not hold him
when he recognized him as Policeman john