The Ohio Daily Express

DA Punches Negro Attorney.

PHILADELPHIA, April 8. (ANP)—A near riot came about Sunday morning during the hearing at Magistrate's court when Ass't Dist. Att'y Edward Swotes struck Atty. Thomas Reed in the jaw.

The fight came about during the heated trial of Jerry Hawkins who had been charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest when officers allegedly told him to "move on" from a street corner Saturday night.

Reed was in the process of cross-examining the arresting officer before Magistrate Vincent Dean when Swotes cut and threw Reed off.

Reed asked Swotes if he was going to be permitted to ask the officer questions. There was a series of heated verbal exchanges when Reed told Swotes that he only weighed 121 pounds but "If you step outside I'll give a good account of myself."

When the cross-examination was again underway, Swotes cut in again. This time he told Reed, "You're not fit to be before the bar."

Reed turned to him and said, "You—bum!"

Swotes jumped to his feet and threw a right-hand blow which landed on Reed's left jaw.

Pandemonium broke loose. The spectators behind the rail grumbled loudly. Ass't. Dist. Atty Proper grabbed Reed along with another unidentified man.

"I'm not going to strike him back," Reed shouted. "I have other ways of fighting him."

Reed was released and the court room had to be cleared before this trial or any of the others could be heard.

The crowd of spectators milled about the front of the station house and grumbled and held sidewalk conversations as several uniformed policemen stood on the steps.

When interviewed, Reed said he was entering suit against Swotes for $10,000 damages for injuries received. He is at present under the medical care of Dr. Cyril Riley of Powelton avenue, near 41st street.

"I intend to prosecute to the full extent of the law," Reed said, "and I will have a warrant issued for his arrest."

The attorney also said that before the case goes before the grand jury he is going to request a special prosecutor from Harrisburg to handle the case so that there will be no chance for "fixes." He further stated that when the trial is scheduled he will request an outside judge to hear the case.

Reed, who is married and the father of four children, is a graduate of Lincoln university and the law school of Temple university.

He is a member of the staff of the Public Defender's office and a licensed pilot.