People v. Pape , 66 Cal. 366 ( 1885 )

The Court.

It is not contended by appellant but that the information sufficiently charges an assault with intent to murder. The jury found the defendant (appellant) guilty of an assault with a deadly weapon. The offense of which defendant was found guilty is included in that with which he was charged. (People v. English, 30 Cal. 215.) It is urged the information fails to aver the assault was with a deadly weapon; that a “ tin box filled with gunpowder ” is not necessarily a deadly weapon. But the information charges that the tin box filled with gunpowder, wherewith it is alleged the assault was made, was a deadly weapon. The important part of the averment is that the weapon was deadly. (People v. Congleton, 44 Cal. 92.) Where the indictment either avers that the instrument or thing was a deadly weapon, or states facts from which the court can see that it was necessarily such, it would seem to be sufficient. (People v. Jacobs, 29 Cal. 579.) It is further contended that an assault was not proved, because the case shows defendant was not present when the explosion occurred. “ An assault is an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to comrnIt~a" violent injuryjarLthe person of another.” (Pen. Code, §240.) It has been said that the attempt must be apparent. (Whart. Grim. Law, § 603.) But this does not mean that it must be apparent to the person against whom the assault is made, and it is no defense that the attack is made upon an unconscious person. (Id. 612.) Nor, upon principle, must it appear, to constitute the offense, the intent was that the injury should follow immediately on the act which is the attempt. If defendant placed the vessel containing gunpowder in the coal bin of the prosecuting witness, it may be he might have been indicted for an attempt to murder, but his act was an assault. He had a present ability to do the act. There was evidence to sustain the verdict. Judgment and orders affirmed.