The Engineer Who Paid for His Intervention
A Tacoma worker, attempting to stop an arrest, lies in critical condition after a brutal police encounter.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
James Williams, an engineer employed at Carbonado, is in serious condition after being struck by Patrolman Bannick Saturday night. According to Dr. Snyder, who is attending to the injured man, Williams suffered a fractured skull. While he may survive, it is considered doubtful that he will ever fully recover the use of his faculties. Public sentiment at this time is reported to be in favor of the officer; reports indicate that Williams was struck while attempting to intervene and release a prisoner currently in the custody of the officer.
“While Williams may live, it is doubtful if he will ever recover the full use of his faculties.”
This incident highlights the long-standing tensions between Tacoma residents and law enforcement, particularly regarding the use of force. Over a century later, the debate over how citizens should interact with police during an arrest remains a flashpoint for civic friction in Tacoma.
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