Another Auto Fatality

The second fatality in Fall River caused by Newport autoists within a short time occurred last Sunday evening, when a colored man named Walter Green of that city was struck and instantly killed by an automobile said to belong in Newport. According to the Fall River papers, Green had stepped off a street car and was knocked down by a Newport auto which failed to stop. The number of the Newport machine was not learned by those who saw the accident, but word was sent to the Newport police to be on the lookout for the machine. A guard of the Newport police were sent to the Mile Corner and several auto parties were interviewed, but none of them would admit participation in the accident. Fall River detectives were sent down here and worked in conjunction with the Newport officers, with the result that David C. Woods, a licensed taxi driver, was arrested, and is alleged to have admitted being the man wanted, but said that he did not know that his machine struck the man. He was taken back to Fall River, waiving extradition.

When arraigned on a charge of manslaughter, he pleaded not guilty and bail was fixed at $5,000.

Woods has operated a public automobile for some time, and is generally regarded as a competent and careful driver. He has an excellent reputation in Newport and the news of his arrest came as a great surprise. He is married and lives on Coggeshall avenue.

It is rather singular that two accidents of a somewhat similar nature should have occurred within such a short time, the autos in both instances reaching Newport before the drivers were arrested.

Newport Mercury, Newport, RI 4 May 1918
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!