The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-06-04
TWO FALL VICTIMS
 OF NEGRO AMMAN
 IN AC|PCO GROCERY
Italian Merchant and Wife SIugged by Highwayman With Backs to Felon.
 No Arrests Made

Joe Lucia and his wife. Lena Ital- ian merchants. 20o5 Jasper street, Acipco, were attacked and knocked believed by police to be the flat side of hammer, by an unknown ne- gro, in their store last night about 10:45 o'clock. Police who are work ing on the case are inclined to be- Iieve that this is the work of "ax- men" revived after few months of inaction Evidently the negro was frightened away from his intended loot by the screams of Mrs. Lucia. who retained consciousness despite the terrific blow she had received. as the money drawer was undis- turbed.
 The injured couple were rushed to South Highlands Infirmary by Ri- dout where their injuries received medical attention. Attending physi- clans have not determined the ex- tent of the injury to Lucia, pending an x-ray examination today. Mrs. Lucia received a deep gash in her forehead and an abrasion of the head.
 Describes Acts of Crime
 Officers Jones and Smith ques- toned Mrs. Lucia concerning the at- tack made upon them, prior to her removal to the infirmary. She stat ed that tall negro came into their store about 10:40 and requested a "coney-island" Mrs. Lucia said that while her husband was preparing the sandwich, the negro ordered an ice cream cone, which she prepared. The ice cream freezer and the cookr ing arrangements for the sandwiches are side-by- side in the store. she ex plained, so that while she was pre- pairing the cone, she and her hus- band were placed together.
 Tempt Assassin
 Mrs. Lucia declared that their backs were to the negro and that he first struck her husband. rem 6ering him practically unconscious with the first blow and then striking her Mrs. Lucia was unable to re- member, although it was surmsed by the officers. that she clung to the negro's neck which frightened him, and he evidently dragged her out side of the store where she was found by neighbors, summoned by her screams. Lucia was found pros- trate behind the counter in pool of blood, from the deep wound in his head.
 Saw Fleeing Negro
 Mrs. R. Vassar, merchant 2000 Jas per street, stated that the negro whom she saw-,run from the Lucia establishment after the assault was the same one who had only left her store after purchasing an ice cream cone last night. She was unable to give a definite description of him however. Mrs. Vassar is of the be- lief that he and his wife were the intended victims of the ax-man, al- though he was frightened away by. the arrival of two additional men In the store.
 Another Saturday Robbery
 One other robbery of similar na- ture was perpetrated last night, all though the highwayman obtained only s1 for his efforts. Ada Adams, negro, 1877 Inez avenue. was knocked in the head with a huge rock, while standing in front of her residence, by negro man whom she claims followed her from Hill's Grocery at Twentieth street. She stated that she only had s1 and that this was in her stocking and was taken by the bandit. She was taken to Hill man hospital where she is now in critical condition as result Of the wound