Evening star., 1909-05-31
CRAzED MAN ATTACKS PRIESTS
WORSHIP1RS FLEE IN PANIC
FROM FRENZIED MAN.
Four Men and Policeman Overpower
Machinist After Struggle-Serv-
ice Is Resumed.

NEW YORK. May 31.-The rawlings of
John Strika, machinist of powerful
physique. in ST. Rose of Lima's Roman
Catholic Church, Rockaway. yesterday
morning at the conclusion of the SER
mon, created panic which caused
several women to faint.
Before members of the congregation
and policeman had overpowered the
man half the congregation had fled.
Strika arrived at the church early
and seated himself in the fourth pew
from the pulpit in the center section.
collar and listened attentively while
Father Henry Murray preached on the
Pentecost.
Now and then he moved about ner-
vously. He attracted no particular at
tention, however, until the sermon
ended.
Loudly Denounced Sermon.
The final words had scarcely been
spoken when Strika jumped to his feet
and in a loud voice began to make
rambling comments upon the sermon.
He was SO incoherent the astonished
auditors could make out little save
that he was displeased with a point
made by the priest.
Some women seated in the pew with
Strika became frightened and there
was much excitement all through the
church Father Murray and Father De
Polls, his assistant descended from
the pulpit and walked slowly toward
the man. Father Murray speaking quiet
ly to him.
Strika began to screech, waved his
arms and advanced to meet them. Sud
denly doubling his fists he swung at
E1th thcr ny,I cod
striking him in the face. The priests
retreated slowly to the pulpit, with
Strika following.
Panic of Churchgoers.
Men and women were on their feet
and some were running for the doors.
Some of the mothers hid their children
under pew seats. Four men walked up
the aisle behind Strika, another ran 20
the Rockaway police station. five
blocks away. and returned with Police
man Smell of the bicycle squad.
When Smell entered the church Strika
was on his knees in the pulpit and
Fathers Murray and De Polls were en-
deavoring to quiet the worshipers. They
called out that there was no danger and
by keeping cool themselves prevented a
stampede for the doors.
The policeman had got part way up the
aisle when Strika leaped to his feet, glar-
ing at the priests and the congregation.
He shouted incoherently and tried to bite
the four men who closed in on him. Fear
ing he would do himself or others harm
the quartet made a concerted rush upon
the craZed machiniSt.
Handcuffed After Struggle.
Strika, with the strength of madman,
thrust his adversaries from him. He
struck out wildly with his fists, snapped
with his teeth and kicked. Smell succeed
ed in Handwriting him, but he continued
to struggle.
Strika was removed from the church
and taken to the police station, where
the lieutenant in charge finally got him
to give his name. Strika said he lived
on Division street, near the boulevard,
but would not give the number. In that
neighborhood it was learned that a ma
chinist named Strika once lived there, but
had moved away. He had wife and
four children
After Strika had been taken from the
church, Father Murray Quieted those re-
naming and resumed the service.
Strika will be taken to Long Island Col
lege Hospital this morning to be examined
mentally. Last night he was raging in
his cell under close guard.