Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-07
ACID CRANK AT WORK
BALTIMORE PEOPLE VICTIMS OF
VITROL THROWER.

BALTIMORE. Md. January Jack. the
Vitrol Tbrower." who from time to time has
attacked young girls, especially in the
northeastern section of the city. has re-
appeared. He has found new section,
and within the last few days has added half
a dozen to his long list. Up to this time
twenty-odd victims. the majority of them
being under sixteen years of age, have felt
the sting of the acid their limbs or
found it on their clothing when they
reached their homes That this man has
been able to operate here since November,
1908, without being taken into custody,
is a puzzle to both the police and the
general public. The police have repeatedly
been notified to be on the lookout for him.
but none have been able to bring the man
within the arms of the law.
The police are at a loss to give an ex-
PLANTATION for the mans act other than
to venture the opinion that he must
either be mentally unbalanced or de-
generate. In the last opinion we'll
known specialist cOncurS. and has said that
there are some people that crave to see
blood. and others to see clothing dishgured.
while still others long to see persons SUI
fer pain
Must Use Syringe.
The perpetrator Of the acts must have
some special plan for throwing the acid
at his victims without being detected.
The police say he certainly cannot carry
a bottle in his hands. and many of them
believe that the crank must use a rubber
syringe of some kind.
The description of the man has varied
at times. but the latest account tallies
very closely to those given by the first
victims. He Is between five feet nine inches
and six feet. and of medium build. He
usually wears a black suit. and ofttimes
a long raglan oyercoat. light in color. He
is said to be between thirty-five and forty
years of age His hair Is dark. and one
of the latest descriptions gives him
mustache He generally wears black
derby hat. Several times he is reported to
have worn dark felt hat.
Yesterday afternoon, while walking on
Broadway, Miss Helen Smith, aged fourteen
years of 403 North Wolfe street. received a
quantity of acid on her clothing. She told
Patrolman John H. Holzer of the north
eastern district that she had noticed man
following her several times between Monu-
ment and Madison streets. and she feels
sure that he is the man who must have
thrown the acid.
A Child Victim.
Lillian Roessler. aged thirteen years. left
her home on New Year afternoon shortly
after o'clock to visit friend on Eastern
avenue. near Milton avenue. She wore
new shoes. stockings and new coat. The
child walked along the north side of Pratt
street to the east side of Patterson Park
avenue. to the north side Of Eastern ave-
nue.. crossing the latter street at Milton
avenue. She does not remember any one
specially brushing by her. as there we're
several men whom she passed on her way
to the home of the friend.
When she returned home Mrs. Roessell.
her mother. noticed the spots on the child's
clothing. and upon investigation 1t was dis
covered that the right stocking was pep
pered with holes about a quarter Of an inch
In diameter. Mrs. Roesseli took the stock