“Hoodlums Attack Youthful Couple In Riverdale Park,” Toronto Globe. August 7, 1931. Page 09. ---- Girl Robbed of Her Purse, Watch and Ring by Trio --- KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS ---- Brutally assaulted by three young hoodlums in Riverdale Park of an early hour this (Friday) morning, a girl and her gentleman companion were then robbed as they were held helpless in the clutches of the thugs. The girl, Helen Taylor, aged 23, of 63 Metcalfe Street, required medical attention before she was able to proceed to her home and her friend also suffered from the attack of the trio.
The couple were sitting on the grass at the rear of 223 River Street when the three thugs appeared. One grabbed the man, Thomas Baird, aged 23, of 210 Carlton Street, by the throat and another held his hand over the mouth of the young women, while the third proceeded to rob her of her purse and watch, and then stripped the gold ring set with five diamonds from her finger.
Releasing their hold on the two, and when about to make their getaway, the hoodlums stayed their rush from the scene long enough to strike the girl over the head with some blunt instrument, she relates, when she screamed for aid. Hearing the screams, householders of 224 River street notified the police.
Patrol Sergeant Carson from Dundas Street East Station responded, along with deteticives from headquarters, under Sergeant of Detectives Miilholland, who was accompanied by Detectives Hezzelwood, Strohm, McAllister, and Crowe.
The girl and her companion were found in a dazed condition and the former was attended by Dr. Bray, Gerrard Street East.
At an early hour this morning police were still searching the park and along the railway tracks at the Don for the thugs.
