Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1933-03-07
New Yorker SIashes Officers
and Bystander in Union
Station Fight.
C0LLAPSES when TAKEN
TO CASUALTY HOSPITAL
Autopsy to Determine Whether He
Died From Blows or
Heart Attack.

After two furious battles-in which
he used his teeth, his feet and a long
bladed knife to send three policemen
and a civilian to Casualty Hospital
John E. Craig, AZ, believed to be resi-
dent OF New York, collapsed and died
early today while being examined by a
physician at the hospital.
An investigation was begun immed-
lately by Capt. William E. Holmes,
commander Of first precinct police Act
ing Coroner A. Magruder Macdonald
ordered the body removed to the morgue
for an autopsy.
The post-mortem performed by Act
ing Coroner Christopher j. Murphy re-
vealed Craig apparently died of concus-
sion of the brain, caused by blackjack
blows received in the fights. There was
q possibility, however, alcoholism con-
tributed to death. DR.. Murphy said, SO
the contents of the stomach were sent
to the District chemist for analysis. An
inquest probably will be held in a few
days.
Aroused Suspicion
The first struggle started when Frank
II. Martin, Union Station policeman,
tried to question Craig, who had aroused
his suspicion by lettering in the depot
for some time
Craig, according to the police re-
sponded to Martins inquiries by attack
ing him. Policeman Fred Rawlinson,
first precinct, on duty in the main
waiting room, ran to Martins aid.
Suddenly Craig drew a knife from
his pocket and slashed Martin across
his face and left ear" Rawlinson re-
ported. Il asked Martin if he had a
blackjack, and he took one from his
pocket and handed it to me-"
While Craig was still trying to cut
Martin, I struck him on the head with
the blackjack"
Apparently unaffected by the blow,
however, Craig continued battling,
Rawlinson said, and spectator-Carl
officers assistance.
Grasping Craigs feet in an effort to
throw him. Doney was cut on the back
Of his head.
Martin and Rawlinson, with Doney's
help, soon overpowered Craig-but not
before he had all but cut the station
policeman's coat from his back Craig
stopped fighting after his knife had
been wrested from him, and he was
taken to the hospital in a patrol.
At the entrance to the emergency
room, Craig sEung into action again,
Kicking RaW'inSon in the stomach and
knocking him from the platform, which
Is four or five feet high.
Policeman r. E. Maust, in charge Of
the patrol, attempted to subdue Craig,
but the latter sank his teeth into the
officers gloved hand.
COllapses Suddenly.
Meanwhile, Rawlingson had climbed
back upon the platform and, with hos
pital attaches, he and Maust overpower-
ed Craig once more.
Craig was taken into the hospital and
DR.. Robert F. Carmody began an ex-
animation. Before the physician had
completed his diagnosis. however, Craig
suddenly collapsed, and he was pro-
nounced dead a few minutes later.
The condition of Martin, who is 81
and lives at 234 Thirteenth street north
east, was not considered serious. Raw
linson, who is 81 and lives at 500 Ninth
street southeast. also was detained, doc
tors believing Craig'S kick may have in
flicted internal injuries. Maust and
Doney were discharged after receiving
treatment.
DR.. Carmody said Craig had three
cuts on his head, presumably inflicted
by the blackjack.
A letter found in his pocket was adj
dressed to him in care of New York
hotel. but the police learned he had
relatives in st. Petersburg, Fla.