A MAN SHOT BY A JUDGE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 523, 26 April 1872, Page 1 (Supplement)

A MAN SHOT BY A JUDGE.

At half-past 3 o’clock in the afternoon of the Ist of December—says a Californian paper—Charles de Young, editor of the Chronicle, was walking on the east side of Montgomery-street, in company with Mr: John M'Combe, a money broker, when Judge Delos Lake, who was standing on the inside of the sidewalk, sprang upon him, precipitating the whole force of his body upon him. He struck at him several times rapidly, but without effect. He then raised his cane as if to strike him. They both struggled for a moment, and then De Young freed himself from Lake’s grasp. They stood eyeing each other for a few seconds, when Lake drew a Derringer pistol, upon which De Young closed with him again, and grasped his right arm to prevent his shooting. They struggled and fell, De Young under. Lake all the time had his pistol in his hand, and was endeavoring to point it at De Young’s head. He alternated this endeavour by pounding De Young over the head with the pistol. De Young was unable to resist, except to endeavor to prevent Lake’s shooting him. The struggle lasted, perhaps, thirty seconds. Wo one in the meantime interfered, as looker’s on were chiefly anxious to get out of the way of flying bullets. Finally Lake discharged his Derringer, the ball from which grazed De Young’s scalp, inflicting a flesh wound, causing blood to flow freely. Lake then continued to pound De Young, clubbing the pistol for that purpose. Several persons then rushed in, and tore Lake off from De Young. Lake was arrested and a large crowd accompanied De Youn" to his office. The ball which Lake fired took effect in the thigh of E. D. Wheeler, who was taken to his room. It is said that De young put his jhand in his pocket, as if about to draw, before Lake drew, but this is denied by De i'oung, who asserts that he was without arms. The Chronicle office was immediately surrounded by a dense and excited crowd, and the denunciations of Lake were loud and deep. The cause of the attack is found in the many reflections on Judge Lake in the columns of the Chronicle, and more particularly the recent articles drawn forth by the Casey libel suit. Lake’s Court (the Municipal Criminal) anjourned sine die, so that he no longer holds an official position. Lake was taken immediately to the office of a magistrate, to give bail.