Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1926-03-06
WILLIAM BISHOP
TRIED FOR AUTO
CRASH NEAR CITY
Case Called Tuesday. Large At
tendance Compels Hearing In
City Hall Auditorium
BISHOP FINED SOS AND COSTS
WIN. BUNTING ATTENDS TRIAL

| WAAoiA OloiOp, u OHAICOICdSuGy
Va, was tried in this city on Tuesday
last on two charges: one for driving
an automobile while under the infiu-
ence of intoxicants; the other, for
driving in a reckless manner. A third
charge of manslaughter was with
drawn.
The case grew out Of the accident
which occurred on the stone road some
weeks ago, when Mr.. Bishop is alleg-
ed to have driven his car into the rear
Of William Bunting's carriage in
which Mr.. Bunting was riding. Mr..
Bunting was terribly lacerated about
his head, his face suffering the most,
the result being that the sight Of both
his eyes is entirely destroyed.
The trial took place before Magis-
trate Hargis, J. M. Crockett, Esq, ap-
pearing for Mr.. Bishop; and States
Attorney Edmund F. Johnson, Esq,
for the State. So great was the num-
Der desiring to hear the case that it
was held in the auditorium of the City
Hall.
In order to establish the charge of
driving the car while under the inf1u-
ence of intoxicants, the State present
ed evidence showing that persons talk
ing with Mr.. Bishop shortly after the
occurrence noted what was considered
unmistakable signs of his having been
drinking. Furthermore bottle corr
tanning corn whiskey was found under
the overturned car belonging,or driv-
en-, by Mr.. Bishop. as
On the other hand, the defense
brought witness after witness from
reputable citizens of Chincoteague to
prove that the accused was not
drinking man; that the witnesses had
known him for many years and had
never known him to be intoxicated.
They also testified to his good stand
, ing in the community. The testimony
of Dr. Wilson, who treated him for
certain decorations after the accident
was to the effect that Mr.. Bishop was
sober. Mr.. Bishop denied having any
whiskey in his machine, and conse-
quently did not know to whom the
bottle found belonged.
With regard to the reckless driving,
Mr.. Bishop maintained that he saw
nothing on the road and did not know
any one was in front Of his car until
the shock came. He testified that he
was blinded by the lights Of an ap-
preaching car and thought he had
been struck by it as it went rapidly
by. When his car was overturned he
was rendered semi-unconscious and
could not give very lucid account Of
what actually did happen.
Mr.. Bunting declared there was no
ether car on the road and that his
red light was burning on his buggy.
A. H. Northam who was close enough
to hear the crash of the vehicles con-
firmed this. Ray v. Gladding, how
ever, stated that about the time main
tanned by Mr.. Bishop, car passed
him rapidly on the way to Pocomoke,
intimating that this might have been
the car referred to by Mr.. Bishop.
This constitutes the main points Of
the evidence. After short argument
by counsel Of both sides, Justice Har-
gis returned verdict of guilty in the
matter of reckless driving, and Inn
posed a fine Of $105 and costs, the lat
ter amounting to about $500. The
fine was paid and Mr.. Bishop re-
leased.
There were many points about the
case that could not be definitely set
tied. This generally is the situation
when such sudden occurrences take
place. It was possible that car might
have been approaching which caused
Continued on Page 81