Mad Dog Pursued By Mob of Five Hundred, 1912

From the Washington Herald on February 19, 1912:

MAD DOG AMUCK, TERRORIZES TOWN

New York, Feb. 18.-- Hundreds of persons in Mount Vernon went to bed tonight almost in a state of siege because a supposedly mad dog was at large.  During the day the dog had nipped at least five persons, including a five-year-old girl, had wounded several dogs with his fangs and led a remarkable hunt while the churches were pouring their congregations into the streets.  The dog, a tramp cur, first appeared as the congregation was leaving the First Presbyterian Church on South Sixth avenue shortly after noon, and dashed into the midst of the throng on the sidewalk.  At Fifth avenue and First street, the dog tore the leg of five-year-old Ada Patterson and then ran toward Lieut. Michael Silverstein and Policeman Herman Mattes, who had been attracted by the cries of "mad dog!"

Running in the middle of the street the mongrel turned into South Fourth avenue, the principal street of the city.  At this time it was followed by a crowd of at least five hundred persons.  Silverstein and Mattes had commandeered an automobile and stood on the running board with their pistols drawn as the car followed the dog, but afraid to shoot on account of the throngs in the street.  The dog is still at large.