The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-09-29
PUT NO BLAME ON
COUNTY OFFICER
But Coroner's Jury Said He Was
Seriously Indiscreet" in
Blocking Highway.

AS a result of a two hours investi-
cation into the circumstances ieao-
ing Nd to william Henry Martins
death Thursday night from injuries
received when his automobile turned
turtle, the coroner's jury yesterday
absolyed Constable T. A. Davis from
any charge Of having indirectly caused
the accident While clearing the Of
feeH from what might have proved a
grave crarge. the jury saw nj 10
characterize his action in blocking the
,o.aw.y Al seven Pines as seriously
indiscreet
The verdict said Martins death was
brought about by the overturnins
Of an automobile truck driven by pAm
under very dangerous conditions'
Constable Davis and Joseph Otey, one
OF Martins companions on the fatai
ride. were the only two witnesses ex-
amined by Coroner Taylor. although
Vernon Hicks and Joe ROBBINS Oh
Seven Pines, were present and READY
to testify In regard to ahe ooetruc,
ton placed in the road there: y. -
Moore. the third member OF the paf's
was unable to attend.
Immediately following the hearing
Deputy Sheriff w. w. SydnoT, OF men
rico County. arrested otey on 'ne
charge of disorderly conduct. When
takan before Magistrate T. J. Puryeaf
a. Henrico Courthouse by Policeman
lohn shoemaker. Otey was sentenceu
n nav a fine Of $3.50 and costs. Tnis
y. ,d,d and was released. He was no.
charged with speeding. as Martin mao
.ontro, Of the automobile during inc
entire ride.
C-.t.b,e Gives His Version.
The evidence given Coroner Ta!ioi
tv Davis and Otey was sumcien. "
,sya any blame from the omces
On. Martins death. Davis repeateo
h;s narrative of the chase after tne
sneed,nr trio and their efforts 70 eIuos 3
.rrest. He sad that when he ar.eS'eu
the party after tney passed nm
seven Pines Martin gave him MS nam
"A John Jones and said he hveo Oh
West Marshall Street.
He also testified that the occupants
NJ the car used abusive language "
him after they had got away ana ''H.
he haa twice seen the car moving a
what he considered rate OF I'LL
or forty miles an hour. -,
In regard to the OBSTRUCTION WIN
he placed in the road at Seven rines
his statement showed that the puse.
was not injured by the autotnophs
passaxe and that only the TWO rish
wheels Of the truck passed over Tug
shafts OF the buggy about eieht inches
from the end. He felt sure, ne Saiu'
that no injury was done the trucA W
its slight impact with the buggy ano
that when il moved OF 1t showed NJ
signs OF damage.
Club May Tske Action.
Present at the hearing were E. c,
Peiouse. president Of the Richmond
Al. ,mobiie Club, and other members OF
that organization. The automoo'le
drivers of the city feel that Constable
Davis exceeded his authority III barri-
cadins the road as he did. without
placine lights. and the Automobile
Club may decide 10 take action in re-
gard Ia hts case President Pelouse
said last night that the executive COM
mittee Of the club would have social
meeting to-day and tomorrow would
meet in formal business session to
investigate the scope OF action and the
desirability of proceeding against Con-
stable Davis. The committee is COM
posed of the following members: J. +.
Palmatcry. chairman: c. l. Batktns
II. c. Peck. Isaac Thalhimer Il. c.
Bright and the president OF the club.
Thomas A. Davis. the Officer whose
action Wednesday night has been
questioned. has been constable OF the
lower constabular district Of Henrico
County since the last county election.
He is n resident of Fairfield District
and was chosen to his offfcc by a pop
ular vote.
This afternoon at o'clock Rev.
Morris :. Eagle. rector of Chris, Epis.
copai Church. will con:uct the funeral
services over Martins body. Burial
will DC in lakewood Cemetery