New Britain herald., 1918-08-07
Florence Casey Attacked Near Main Street Railroad Crossing
 by Joseph WaWZyk
MAN UNKNOWN TO VICTIM:
 MOTIVE NOT DISCOVERED
Knife Plunged Into Abdomen While Young Woman Was Going to Her Work in Russell X Erwin Office Prisoner Identified at Hospital Aft CT Being Captured, Following Dash For Freedom.

While on her way to work at the
 Russell & Erwin Mfg. Co., office, this
 afternoon, shortly after 1 o'clock Miss Florence Casey, about Is years old,
 was stabbed in the abdomen and is
 now in a critical condition at the New Britain General hospital
 Joseph Wawzyl1, aged about 25 years, is held by the police to answer the charge that may be preferred against him. If the young woman dies the charge will be murder, but If she recoVers the charge will be assault with intent to kill. This aft ernoon Miss Casey identified Wawzyk as her assailant An examination may be made to determine the mans mental condition. His actions indi- cate an unbalanced mind. No mo- tive is known for the assault
 Miss Casey, daughter of George F. Casey, a foreman at Traut SS ITine Mfg. Co.,, and living at 80 Dwight street, was on her way to work. Just as she was passing over the Main street railroad crossing WaWzyk was seen to approach from the opposite side. No particular attention was paid to either person for the mo- ment Miss Casey was seen to stagger and retrace her steps in the direction of the sidewalk. She fell and people on the sidewalk went to her aid. No outcry was made,
 At the same time Wawzyk began to run. He started down the railroad tracks towards the depot. Two young men gave chase. One of the youths approached alongside of the fleeing man near Cohen's grocery warehouse on Commercial street and tripped him. F. Lash jumped onto him and held him until Chief of Police Wm. J. Rawlings and Traffic Supervisor Clarence Lamphere came from the police station, almost opposite.
 Tn less than three minutes after the assault the assailant was safely lodged 1 behind the bars. On the way into the , police station Wawzl1y made wild eff ! forts to bite the policemen.
 He viciousy attempted to bite off an 1 em mblem ring off one of his fingers.
 I've got my registration card at l home. Why do you arrest me?" he shouted. It was with much difficulty | that he was restrained. After much effort he was placed in cell.
 Miss Casey was carried to Dr. George H. Bodleys office in the New Britain National Bank building and irst-aid treatment was given to her. The wound she received was just over he stomach. The abdomen wall was penetrated. Miss Casey did not lose at any time.
 "Why did he stab me?" she asked { several times.
 pr. BodIey and police officials said hey did not know and asked her if she knew any reason for the assault.
 +l, 1DnT1 ,n ! aid.
 \ The wound was exceeding painful Ind bled profusely. Even after the wound was temporarily dressed Miss Casey said that she could feel her. elf bleeding and said that the wound vas very painful. As quickly as pOssi ,le she was removed to the hospital.
 Dr. Bodely dressed the wound at he hospital and he said that he was lnab]e to forecast what the result would be. Miss Casey suffered greatly rom the shock.
 During the afternoon WaWzyk was aken to the hospital by Detective ! Sergeant Richardson and was taken { efore Miss Casey, who recognized him :. $ her assailant She was almost ! Vercome by the sight of the man. again Miss Casey reiterated that she lad never seen WaWzyk before and | new no reason why he should as ault her.
 Wavzvk who had calmed down / omeWhat between the tune or his | rrest and when taken to the hospital } be identified by the girl, developed | n extremely nervous condition when | onfronted with his victim, He tugged |