Dover, Delaware, August 9, 1923.

SPEICAL MEETING

Council met in Special session at 7:30 P. M., in the Robbins Hose Building to hear charges preferred against Chief of Police Edwin I. Lane by Joseph I. Pruitt.

The following members were present: Messrs. Bice, Hancock, Clark, Downes, Keith, Burton and President Hopkins.

Former Mayor A. B. Magee requested that he be allowed to represent Mr. Lane. Upon motion of Messrs. Downes and Clark, this request was granted.

Mr. Pruitt was called to the witness stand, and after being sworn by President Hopkins, testified that he had been drinking and that he did not remember much of what occurred when he was injured, but that he did remember being placed under arrest by Chief Lane. Upon being questioned by Mr. Magee, Pruitt admitted that he had served two terms in the workhouse and had been brought before local squires at least six times.

Joseph Rash, upon being called to the witness stand, testified that when chief Lane attempted to place Pruitt in an car and started to walk away. Lane then struck Pruitt three times, one of the blows causing Pruitt to fall against steps of the W. J. Massey residence. Mr. Rash stated that he believed Pruitt broke his collar bone when he fell.

Mr. Rash’s statement was corroborated by Wm. H. S. Davis, Jas. W. Wise, Sr., and Louis Aaron. J. A. Larrimore and Chas. Wilson testified that be saw Pruitt fall after Lane’s last blow.

Upon being questioned by Mr. Magee all the witnesses testified that Pruitt’s condition was such as would warrant an arrest.

Chief Lane then took the witness stand, and testified that this was the first time he had had any trouble in the seven years he had been in the service of the town. He stated that when he attempted to place Pruitt in tan automobile, Pruitt struck him in the mouth and started to walk away. Lane stated he ran after Pruitt, caught him and struck in twice, and then place him in a car and took him to the jail. Lane then stated he went to a local doctor and had the wound on his jaw attended to. Messrs. W. D. Burton and H. Glanville supplemented Chief Lane’s statements.

Upon motion of Messrs. Keith and Bice the room was cleared and council went into executive session, and was given legal advice by Attorney Jas. M. Satterfield, Town Solicitor.

Upon motion of Messrs. Downes and Burton the following resolution was adopted:

BE IT RESOLVED: That E. I. Lane, Chief of Police, be reprimanded for unwarranted use of his club in the arrest of Jos. I. Pruitt on Saturday, July 28, 1923; that the said Lane be cautioned and instructed by Council and Police Committee as to the use of his club in making arrests and, further, that he be suspended without pay for one week beginning August 7, 1923, and ending August 14, 1923.

There being no further business, Council on motion duly made and seconded voted to adjourn.

                                                Signed: W. A. Green