Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-03-19
Ruling Breaks Down
Law on Knife Crimes
BY AL ALIBRANDO
star star Writer

| IL . 4IOllACS huO q 0AotA Az Jaw
designed to reduce crimes in
volving knives may prevent po-
lice from arresting hoodlums
who carry such weapons.
The realization that such a
situation exists began to de-
velop on Monday. when Mu-
Inicipal Judge Austin L. Tickling
freed Warren H. Baylor. 38, of
the 21OO block of Bryant street
lN.E. Baylor was arrested about
IA am. Sunday and charged
with carrying a knife--a 10
inch dagger in a scabbard,
tucked inside his belt.
Baylor had been charged
under a statute that prohibits
the carrying of dangerous
weapons and reads as follows:
mo person shall within the
District of Columbia carry
either openly or concealed on
or about his pefson a pistol
without a license or any
deadly or dangerous Weapon
capable of being concealed"
Judge Fickling ruled that the
deadly or dangerous weapon"
provision did not apply. even
though police have been max
ing such arrests under this Sec
ton for years.
Uses 1858 Change
Instead, he made his decision
on the basis of a section added
to the weapons acts in 1858.
This section says:
mo person shall within the
District Of Columbia possess.
with intent to use unlawfully
against another, an imitation
pistol, or a dagger, dirk. razor,
stiletto, or knife with a blade
longer than 3 inches, or other
dangerous weapon"
This section specifically re-
fers to knives and related weap-
ons," said Judge Tickling land
the concealed weapons section
does not. I believe they are
related and for that reason on
the basis of the section in
which the knives are mem
toned"
Judge Tickling said he freed
Baylor because the prosecution
did not charge or attempt to
show that he had exhibited
any intent to use it (the knife)
against another"
Police here view the Tickling
decision with alarm. Although
none would comment publicly.
several police officials cited
Washington'S 1857 crime report.
The report shows knives were
involved in 1872 aggravated
assault cases, while pistols and
revolvers we're used in only 223.
Razors were used in 80 cases.
while rifles and Shotguns were
involved in only 48 cases.
First Precinct Capt. John
Hughes pointed out that laws
prohibiting possession of SWITCH
blade knives sharply reduced
the use of this weapon in
crimes. Only five assault cases
involved switch-blades in 1857.
"There is another thing to
consider" said Capt. Hughes.
I'VE have laws against possess
sion of firearms by felons; but
with this possession section on
knives knocked out, there is
nothing to keep a felon from
having all the knives he wants. "
The attitude of police is that
well-meaning individuals do not
go around carrying large knives.
Judge Tickling agrees with this.
Cites Possible Case
1T know there are a lot Of
people carrying knives who
shouldn't" he said. How
ever, I believe the intent clause
was put in there for a purpose.
Suppose a man buys a hunting
knife and is arrested for q
traffic charge on the way home.
HE could be charged with illegal
possession of. a knife over three
Inches in length under some
interpretations"
| Capt. Hughes pointed out
that laws governing the pos
session of pistols and revolvers
provide that the purchaser Of
such a weapon may carry it
from the place Of purchase to
his home as long as 1t is secure
Ily wrapped.
1.-THE same provision could
be included in the sale Of long
bladed knives" said Capt.
Hughes, who also noted that,
although the sale Of firearms
10 regulated here, knives Of all