This Day in History: November 17th, 1924

This Day in History: November 17th, 1924

HELD UP BY THREE BANDITS
Attack Made Upon John Sanchev Near Milltown Church
MAKES GETAWAY WITHOUT CASH

Three unmasked bandits held up John Sanchev, aged forty-two years, of 1164 Ohio Avenue, Trenton, in front of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Milltown, at 10:15 o’clock last night while he was on his way to board a Trenton Street Line trolley for his home. Before the bandits were able to carry out the robbery, they were frightened away by the cries of their victim. Sanchev was mercilessly beaten by the bandits who rained blows upon his face and body, and when he was found by William Huff and Howard DeHart, two young Milltown men, his face was badly battered.

Huff and DeHart went in pursuit of the bandits but they escaped, one taking to the fields and shaking off his pursuers and the other two boarding a westbound Trenton trolley car. Sanchev was taken to the office of Justice of the Peace Joseph A. Headley of Milltown where he told his story of the assault and attempted robbery. Sanchev had reached the church, which is but a short distance from the Trenton trolley junction, when three men came upon him from the rear and, without explanation, began striking him. He tried his best to ward off the blows but they came so fast and furious that he was soon overpowered. Sanchev, who rifled his clothes, called for help and DeHart and Huff came to his rescue. The highwaymen made a hasty retreat.

When brought before Justice Headley, Sanchev stated that he had been visiting at the home of Mrs. Catherine Plassia and that he was in search of employment in Milltown. He was returning to his home in Trenton when the assault took place. He stated that he had $10 in his wallet at the time of the holdup which the bandits overlooked in searching him.

The police of Milltown and the state police made an investigation soon after the robbery was reported but did not find any trace of the bandits. Edward Beecher and William Beecher, Milltown marshals, joined the state troopers in searching for the bandits. The Trenton police were also notified to watch the incoming trolleys, but the men probably alighted before reaching Trenton, as no trace of them was found on any of the trolleys reaching Trenton before midnight.

Sanchev stated he believed the holdup men to be Frenchmen. When they left him in his dazed condition, Sanchev stated that he heard one of the men address the other as “Tenoff.” Sanchev went back to the home of Mrs. Plassia after having his injuries treated, and this morning he left for his home. Sanchev is a married man.


This day in History: March 11, 1904

This day in History: March 11, 1904

“FAST LINE” BUMPS A MAN ON TRACKS – Cuts Off an Arm and Nearly Kills Eugene Ellingham.

PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION SAVES THE FELLOWS LIFE – HE WAS ON THE TRACKS — ACCIDENT HAPPENED NEAR MILLTOWN.


Eugene Ellingham, who lives near the Red Lion tavern, was struck by a car of the Trenton and New Brunswick “Fast Line” a short distance from where the road leaves the line of the Middlesex and Somerset traction Company at Milltown last night. He was badly injured. The prompt medical assistance which he received doubtless saved his life.

The man was on the tracks when car No. 28, in charge of Motorman Kohlhepp and conductor Haley, came along at a high rate of speed. The motorman saw the man on the tracks but could not slow down quickly enough to save the fellow.

The car was stopped and the car crew picked the injured man up, put him board the car and hurried him to the office of Dr. Riva, at Milltown. Dr. Riva temporarily dressed the man’s injuries and sent him on to this city in the trolley car.

At the corner of George and Washington streets, the car was met by Dr. Schuyler Clark and the ambulance.

Dr. Clark found that the man was in a very serious condition. His right arm so badly crushed that had to be amputated at the elbow. there were several scalp wounds on the back of the head and body bruises and an injury to his spine. He ordered the man taken to the hospital as quickly as possible.

The man’s condition at the hospital to-day was more favorable and this afternoon a second operation was performed by Dr. Alsop, who amputated the arm higher up.

The injured man has been unable as yet to give any account of how the accident happened. He has been only semi-conscious.