We dislike to prejudice a case, and it is our policy not to comment in a crucial manner upon a specific act of violence in a manner that might influence, even slightly, adjudication of it. But there are exceptions, and one of those exceptions is to be found I the case of a few nights ago in which a citizen was run down and seriously injured by an automobile which spend away leaving the victim unconscious in the street. Such an act arouses strong feelings of condemnation. According to the information available, the citizen was not taking more than normal risk by entering the street. But, the driver of the automobile it seems was careless at least, probably violating the rules of caution and the law. The victim was struck violently and hurled to the pavement, seriously hurt. The driver of the car, evidently realizing that he was in fault, sped away from the scene without halting to offer aid, or express regret. The act of running away is evidence of criminal guilt, and it will require strong rebuttal proof to prevent conviction if the driver is ever apprehended. It is reasonable to believe that the driver knew he had struck his victim, and the conclusion is that quickly realizing his fault, he hastened away to prevent detection, an act followed by such strong resentment in the community, and bring about a demand that the guilty party be apprehended and punished.
From the editorial page of the Durham Morning Herald, Saturday, January 19, 1924
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