SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A man has sued a local Claim Jumper restaurant claiming he ordered French onion soup and bit into a condom instead of melted cheese. Zdenek Philip Hodousek filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Orange County Superior Court seeking unspecified damages over fears he may have contracted a disease.
Hodousek's attorney Eric Traut said his client wants to have restaurant employees' DNA tested to find a match to the condom.
A public relations firm representing Claim Jumper said no one can prove the so-called "foreign object" Hodousek took from the restaurant is the item that was submitted to a lab for testing.
The firm said an internal probe revealed no employee wrongdoing.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Hold The Mayo!
RACINE,WI — A woman reportedly broke into the home of her boyfriend’s other girlfriend and vandalized it — pouring salsa and mustard over dressers and clothes.
Connie Castro, 22 allegedly burglarized the woman’s home July 7 and vandalized it, according to a criminal complaint.
There was salsa on dressers, mustard on clothes, a couch slashed, photos ripped and curtains knifed, the complaint said. A king-sized bed, a silk bedspread and a 63” TV were damaged as well.
Items stolen included jewelry, shoes, Nintendo games, perfume, clothing, DVDs and about $725. The total damage was estimated at about $9,000.
Racine Police Department officers found fingerprints from the kitchen window, which was the entry point.
The woman said she had been having trouble with Castro because of the “relationship they both are in with a (man).” Officers matched the fingerprints from the scene to Castro and arrested her Friday.
Castro is charged with two counts: burglary of a dwelling and criminal damage to property, both repeat offenses.
If convicted of the charges, Castro could face up to 26 years of imprisonment and $35,000 in fines.
Connie Castro, 22 allegedly burglarized the woman’s home July 7 and vandalized it, according to a criminal complaint.
There was salsa on dressers, mustard on clothes, a couch slashed, photos ripped and curtains knifed, the complaint said. A king-sized bed, a silk bedspread and a 63” TV were damaged as well.
Items stolen included jewelry, shoes, Nintendo games, perfume, clothing, DVDs and about $725. The total damage was estimated at about $9,000.
Racine Police Department officers found fingerprints from the kitchen window, which was the entry point.
The woman said she had been having trouble with Castro because of the “relationship they both are in with a (man).” Officers matched the fingerprints from the scene to Castro and arrested her Friday.
Castro is charged with two counts: burglary of a dwelling and criminal damage to property, both repeat offenses.
If convicted of the charges, Castro could face up to 26 years of imprisonment and $35,000 in fines.
Friday, June 19, 2009
76 Cent Beatdown
OKLAHOMA CITY - A man in Oklahoma City said he was attacked for his bologna and cheese sandwich. Police say 24-year-old Roger Hamilton told them he was sitting on a bus station bench Wednesday, about to put mayonnaise on his sandwich, when another man began staring at him.
Hamilton told police that the man then punched him in the mouth and grabbed his sandwich and left.
Police said Hamilton has a swollen lip and his face was covered in blood. The police report listed the value of the sandwich at 76 cents.
Police have not found the attacker.
Hamilton told police that the man then punched him in the mouth and grabbed his sandwich and left.
Police said Hamilton has a swollen lip and his face was covered in blood. The police report listed the value of the sandwich at 76 cents.
Police have not found the attacker.
Legally Lushed
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. - An Indiana lawyer who was found asleep headfirst in a neighbor's trash can after a night of drinking has apologized and says he's embarrassed. No charges have been filed against Larry Wilder, who is the Jeffersonville City Council's attorney.
Wilder said he had dinner and drinks with friends in nearby Louisville, Ky., on Tuesday night. He said he was driven home in a client's limousine but remembers little that happened after that.
A neighbor found Wilder in the trash can early Wednesday and called police, who helped Wilder home.
Jeffersonville Police Chief Tim Deeringer said no crime was committed and that Wilder was cooperative and not a threat to anyone.
The City Council president said she will call a special meeting next week to discuss Wilder's status with the city.
Wilder said he had dinner and drinks with friends in nearby Louisville, Ky., on Tuesday night. He said he was driven home in a client's limousine but remembers little that happened after that.
A neighbor found Wilder in the trash can early Wednesday and called police, who helped Wilder home.
Jeffersonville Police Chief Tim Deeringer said no crime was committed and that Wilder was cooperative and not a threat to anyone.
The City Council president said she will call a special meeting next week to discuss Wilder's status with the city.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
New Usage
AUSTIN, Texas - Going green helped a woman rob an Austin bank. The Travis County Sheriff's Office says a woman held up a bank Tuesday and apparently used a recyclable grocery bag to haul away the greenbacks.
Sheriff's spokesman Roger Wade told The Associated Press, after viewing surveillance photos of the unidentified woman with the green bag, that he's guessing "that's where she put the money."
Wade said the bag was the only one the woman has going in and coming out of the Regions Bank branch.
No weapon was displayed. Nobody was injured.
The amount of money stolen was not released by law officers.
Sheriff's spokesman Roger Wade told The Associated Press, after viewing surveillance photos of the unidentified woman with the green bag, that he's guessing "that's where she put the money."
Wade said the bag was the only one the woman has going in and coming out of the Regions Bank branch.
No weapon was displayed. Nobody was injured.
The amount of money stolen was not released by law officers.
The Garden Variety
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A woman planting tomatoes in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley said she was shocked when the was turning over the soil in her garden to plant tomatoes and found cat paws sticking out. Patricia Lutz called police after making the discovery on Thursday at her home. A state trooper responded and dug up the rest of the cat.
A neighbor was charged with trespassing after acknowledging he buried the cat there May 30. He told The Morning Call of Allentown on Monday that he thought he had the right to bury his cat there because he'd been tending the plot for 19 years. The cat, named Patches, is now in a pet cemetery.
Lutz said she can't bring herself to plant tomatoes there, at least this year
A neighbor was charged with trespassing after acknowledging he buried the cat there May 30. He told The Morning Call of Allentown on Monday that he thought he had the right to bury his cat there because he'd been tending the plot for 19 years. The cat, named Patches, is now in a pet cemetery.
Lutz said she can't bring herself to plant tomatoes there, at least this year
Honked Off
EVERETT, Wash. - Being honked off doesn't give you a right to honk on. That's the ruling from a Snohomish County Superior Court judge in the case of a woman who expressed her anger at a neighbor by leaning on her car horn at 6 a.m. Helen Immelt got in a dispute with the neighbor in 2006, after she learned that he had filed a complaint with their homeowners association about her chickens.
She responded by parking in front of his house at 5:50 a.m. the next day and leaning on her horn for 10 minutes straight. After he called the police, she returned for a second round of honking two hours later.
Immelt was cited for a noise violation and appealed her conviction to the superior court, saying her honking was free speech. But Judge Richard J. Thorpe ruled Monday, "Horn honking which is done to annoy or harass others is not speech."
She responded by parking in front of his house at 5:50 a.m. the next day and leaning on her horn for 10 minutes straight. After he called the police, she returned for a second round of honking two hours later.
Immelt was cited for a noise violation and appealed her conviction to the superior court, saying her honking was free speech. But Judge Richard J. Thorpe ruled Monday, "Horn honking which is done to annoy or harass others is not speech."
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Duct Taped Lover
ADELANTO, Calif. - Authorities arrested a woman for allegedly trying to kidnap her daughter's boyfriend and haul him away to Northern California. A sheriff's spokeswoman said Tuesday that two women went to the young man's home on Saturday afternoon and tried to tie him up with duct tape.
The victim told authorities the women said they were taking him to get him away from one of the women's 21-year-old daughter. Authorities said both women were arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping.
Officials said the girlfriend was later arrested for investigation of dissuading a witness and extortion for allegedly trying to get her boyfriend to recant his statements on the kidnapping to authorities.
The victim told authorities the women said they were taking him to get him away from one of the women's 21-year-old daughter. Authorities said both women were arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping.
Officials said the girlfriend was later arrested for investigation of dissuading a witness and extortion for allegedly trying to get her boyfriend to recant his statements on the kidnapping to authorities.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Unkept Arrest
SANDUSKY, Ohio - An Ohio man arrested for mowing unkept grass at a public park said he just wanted to make his city look nice. John Hamilton said he took control of the situation because the grass in Sandusky's Central Park was about a foot high. According to a police report, a witness said Hamilton was blowing grass onto the sidewalk and shredding trash in the park that had not been picked up.
Police said they arrested 48-year-old Hamilton after he refused to stop mowing and charged him with obstructing official business and disorderly conduct.
City Manager Matt Kline called the arrest unfortunate and said he understands Hamilton's frustration. Kline said budget cuts have left Sandusky understaffed for seasonal maintenance work.
Police said they arrested 48-year-old Hamilton after he refused to stop mowing and charged him with obstructing official business and disorderly conduct.
City Manager Matt Kline called the arrest unfortunate and said he understands Hamilton's frustration. Kline said budget cuts have left Sandusky understaffed for seasonal maintenance work.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
2 Wrongs...
RACINE, Wi. - Police in Wisconsin say four people were injured after a drunk driver hit another drunk driver in Racine.
Police say one drunk driver was traveling at a high rate of speed on Main Street when he missed a turn and went the wrong way on another street around 2:40 a.m Saturday. He hit two parked cars, rolled over and hit an oncoming car driven by another drunk driver.
Lt. Mike Polzin says none of injuries are considered life threatening.
He says a 27-year-old Pleasant Prairie man was cited for causing injury by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and a 35-year-old Racine man was cited for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated
Police say one drunk driver was traveling at a high rate of speed on Main Street when he missed a turn and went the wrong way on another street around 2:40 a.m Saturday. He hit two parked cars, rolled over and hit an oncoming car driven by another drunk driver.
Lt. Mike Polzin says none of injuries are considered life threatening.
He says a 27-year-old Pleasant Prairie man was cited for causing injury by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and a 35-year-old Racine man was cited for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated
Caught Up!
PELHAM, N.H. - Police in southern New Hampshire are searching for a burglar who says he's sorry.
Pelham police say a resident who pulled into his driveway Friday afternoon caught a burglar coming out of the house with jewelry boxes and electronic items.
The homeowner told police that when he approached the burglar, the man apologized, then put the stolen goods back.
Police say the homeowner tried to detain the burglar by engaging him in conversation, but the suspect fled by the time officers arrived.
Pelham police say a resident who pulled into his driveway Friday afternoon caught a burglar coming out of the house with jewelry boxes and electronic items.
The homeowner told police that when he approached the burglar, the man apologized, then put the stolen goods back.
Police say the homeowner tried to detain the burglar by engaging him in conversation, but the suspect fled by the time officers arrived.
Ad For Hire
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - An unemployed Connecticut woman has taken her job search to the side of a highway.
Pasha Stocking, of East Hampton, has rented a billboard along Interstate 95 in Bridgeport. The sign includes her photo and the message, "Hire Me!" It directs people to her Web site, http://www.hirepasha.com.
Stocking, a 37-year-old single mother, was laid off in June. She says has tried everything to land a new job in marketing and design. She also is interested in executive assistant positions.
Stocking says she got the idea from a Milwaukee man who did the same thing.
She says she's paying for the ad with money she had been saving to buy a home. She won't say how much she spent, but the billboard company says on its Web site that a similar sign costs about $7,000 a month.
Pasha Stocking, of East Hampton, has rented a billboard along Interstate 95 in Bridgeport. The sign includes her photo and the message, "Hire Me!" It directs people to her Web site, http://www.hirepasha.com.
Stocking, a 37-year-old single mother, was laid off in June. She says has tried everything to land a new job in marketing and design. She also is interested in executive assistant positions.
Stocking says she got the idea from a Milwaukee man who did the same thing.
She says she's paying for the ad with money she had been saving to buy a home. She won't say how much she spent, but the billboard company says on its Web site that a similar sign costs about $7,000 a month.
Monday, March 30, 2009
$25,000 Candle Light
FERNDALE, Mich. - Police in a Detroit suburb say a teenager has been charged with lighting an unconscious man's pants on fire and causing a third-degree burn to the man's groin. Police in Ferndale, Mich., said 18-year-old Tyler Quick was arraigned Friday on a charge of assault.
Ferndale police Lt. William Wilson tells The Daily Tribune of Royal Oak that Quick was attending a party at the home of a 51-year-old man when the host passed out.
Police say Quick placed a lit candle under the man's crotch, setting fire to his pants. The man awoke and extinguished the fire. A police lieutentant said Quick thought it would be funny to burn the victim.
Authorities said Quick is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
They said the injured man was ticketed for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Ferndale police Lt. William Wilson tells The Daily Tribune of Royal Oak that Quick was attending a party at the home of a 51-year-old man when the host passed out.
Police say Quick placed a lit candle under the man's crotch, setting fire to his pants. The man awoke and extinguished the fire. A police lieutentant said Quick thought it would be funny to burn the victim.
Authorities said Quick is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
They said the injured man was ticketed for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Blasted Breakfast
SALT LAKE CITY - Police said a customer fired one or two shots into a Salt Lake City McDonald's after the driver of the car he was in was told the restaurant was not serving lunch yet. Police said the female driver of a white Dodge Intrepid pulled up to the drive-thru and ordered from the lunch menu early Sunday but was told only breakfast was available.
Police said two men then got out of the car and one pulled a sawed-off shotgun from the trunk, shooting into the drive-thru window once or twice, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday. No one was injured.
The car then left the scene.
Police said two men then got out of the car and one pulled a sawed-off shotgun from the trunk, shooting into the drive-thru window once or twice, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday. No one was injured.
The car then left the scene.
Unbelief In Bathrooms
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. - Police said a New Hampshire man was arrested early Monday after allegedly urinating on an employee at the MGM Grand Casino at Foxwoods. Police said the man, 39, began urinating inside a concourse trash can and then on a casino employee.
Police charged the man with breach of peace. They said he was intoxicated and was arrested without incident.
The man was scheduled to appear April 14 in New London Superior Court.
Police charged the man with breach of peace. They said he was intoxicated and was arrested without incident.
The man was scheduled to appear April 14 in New London Superior Court.
Expensive Attack
WARREN, Mich. - A woman sued a police dog that she blamed for injuries after it bit her in the buttocks. To a suburban Detroit judge, the bottom line was that the lawsuit was frivolous. So Warren District Judge David Viviano slapped 55-year-old Inez Starks with a $500 fine.
The Eastpointe woman filed a lawsuit last August against the city of Warren, several police officers and Liberty, a German shepherd dog in the police department's K-9 unit.
Starks claims she has suffered nerve damage since Liberty bit her during an April 2007 confrontation among police, her daughter and others.
But according to The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens, neither police nor city attorney Raechel Badalamenti found any evidence Starks was bitten.
A telephone listing for Starks could not be located Saturday.
The Eastpointe woman filed a lawsuit last August against the city of Warren, several police officers and Liberty, a German shepherd dog in the police department's K-9 unit.
Starks claims she has suffered nerve damage since Liberty bit her during an April 2007 confrontation among police, her daughter and others.
But according to The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens, neither police nor city attorney Raechel Badalamenti found any evidence Starks was bitten.
A telephone listing for Starks could not be located Saturday.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Unlikely Duo
RACINE, Wis. - A deputy in his underwear teamed up with a bank president to track down an alleged drunk driver. Police said Deputy Russell Preston was home Thursday evening when a pickup truck hit a light pole, skidded into his front yard and kept going. Preston gave chase on foot, wearing a T-shirt, boxers and socks.
Johnson Bank president Dick Hansen was driving by and witnessed the commotion. He motioned for Preston to get in and together they followed the driver.
The two nabbed the driver a few blocks away. The 32-year-old driver was cited for operating while intoxicated and other offenses.
Hansen said Preston immediately identified himself as a deputy. Hansen said he had to take Preston's word, since "it's not like he was wearing his badge."
Johnson Bank president Dick Hansen was driving by and witnessed the commotion. He motioned for Preston to get in and together they followed the driver.
The two nabbed the driver a few blocks away. The 32-year-old driver was cited for operating while intoxicated and other offenses.
Hansen said Preston immediately identified himself as a deputy. Hansen said he had to take Preston's word, since "it's not like he was wearing his badge."
Tricky Shipment
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Federal authorities are investigating a professional magician's claim that he successfully shipped himself in a crate from upstate New York to Las Vegas by the United Parcel Service.
A spokesman for UPS says the company believes Wade Whitcomb's claim is a hoax. The Transportation Security Administration and the FBI are investigating Whitcomb's claim.
Whitcomb is a professional magician from North Syracuse who says he shipped himself to Las Vegas in November as a publicity stunt to promote a friend's new Web site.
Whitcomb says he traveled in a custom-made crate and videotaped the trip with four cameras pointed out of the crate and another inside.
Whitcomb told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his lawyer told him not to talk to the media.
A spokesman for UPS says the company believes Wade Whitcomb's claim is a hoax. The Transportation Security Administration and the FBI are investigating Whitcomb's claim.
Whitcomb is a professional magician from North Syracuse who says he shipped himself to Las Vegas in November as a publicity stunt to promote a friend's new Web site.
Whitcomb says he traveled in a custom-made crate and videotaped the trip with four cameras pointed out of the crate and another inside.
Whitcomb told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his lawyer told him not to talk to the media.
Hellfire
BELTON, S.C. - Authorities charged a South Carolina pastor accused of setting fire to his own church with second-degree arson. Anderson County Fire Chief Billy Gibson said Christopher Daniels, 40, reported a fire at Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Belton when he opened the church for services Sunday morning.
Gibson said the century-old church suffered moderate fire damage and significant smoke damage. Members said the church changed names recently and was vandalized with graffiti a few months ago.
Daniels remains at the Anderson County jail under a $25,000 bond. Jail officials didn't know if he had an attorney and a message left at his home wasn't immediately returned.
Gibson said the century-old church suffered moderate fire damage and significant smoke damage. Members said the church changed names recently and was vandalized with graffiti a few months ago.
Daniels remains at the Anderson County jail under a $25,000 bond. Jail officials didn't know if he had an attorney and a message left at his home wasn't immediately returned.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ice Creamed!
FORT PIERCE, Fla. - What would you do for a Klondike bar? Authorities said a man shoved an ice cream bar down his pants and then offered a Texaco station store owner $69 not to turn him in for shoplifting. The owner told police that a 65-year-old man tried to sneak the Klondike bar, along with packages of Ramen noodles and Famous Amos cookies, out of the store without paying Tuesday night.
When the store owner confronted the man as he tried the leave the store, the owner reported that the man pulled the flattened ice cream snack out of his back pocket and offered the owner $69 for it.
The owner called police, and the man was charged with retail theft and violation of probation charges. He was being held on $500 bail.
When the store owner confronted the man as he tried the leave the store, the owner reported that the man pulled the flattened ice cream snack out of his back pocket and offered the owner $69 for it.
The owner called police, and the man was charged with retail theft and violation of probation charges. He was being held on $500 bail.
Chaotic Kangaroo
CANBERRA, Australia - When a dark intruder smashed through his bedroom window and repeatedly bounced on his bed, Beat Ettlin at first was relieved to discover it was a kangaroo. "My initial thought when I was half awake was, 'It's a lunatic ninja coming through the window,'" the 42-year-old told The Associated Press on Monday. "It seems about as likely as a kangaroo breaking in."
But his relief was short-lived. As Ettlin cowered beneath the sheets with his wife and 9-year-old daughter at 2 a.m. Sunday, the frantic kangaroo bounded into the bedroom of his 10-year-old son Leighton Beman, who screamed, "There's a 'roo in my room!"
"I thought, 'This can be really dangerous for the whole family now,'" Ettlin said.
The ordeal played out over a few minutes in the family's house in Garran, an upmarket suburb in the leafy national capital of Canberra.
Ettlin, a chef originally from the Swiss city of Stans, said he jumped the 90 pound (40 kilogram) marsupial from behind and pinned it to the floor. He grabbed it in a headlock and wrestled the trashing and bleeding intruder into a hallway, toward the front door.
He used a single, fumbling hand to open the front door and shoved the kangaroo into the night.
"I had just my Bonds undies on. I felt vulnerable," he said, referring to a popular Australian underwear brand.
The kangaroo, which Ettlin said was around his height, 5 foot 9 inches (176 centimeters), left claw gouges in the wooden frame of the master bed and a trail of blood through the house. The animal was cut when it came crashing through the bedroom window.
Ettlin, who had scratch marks on his leg and buttocks and was left wearing only his shredded underpants, described himself as "lucky."
The kangaroo vanished into a nearby forest from where it likely came. Wildlife authorities confirmed Monday they had received a phone call saying an injured kangaroo had entered the caller's home and left.
Greg Baxter, a Queensland University lecturer on Australian native animals, said kangaroos rarely invade homes but have done so in the past when panicked.
"It is very unusual, but when kangaroos become panicked, they lose all sense of caution and just fly for where they think they can get away," Baxter said.
Eastern gray kangaroos are common around Canberra's forested urban fringe. They are so numerous at one defense department site in the city that officials want to cull hundreds of the animals to stop them ruining the habitat.
Although it had been a harrowing experience, Ettlin's wife could see the funny side.
"I think he's a hero: a hero in Bonds undies," Verity Beman, 39, said of her husband.
But his relief was short-lived. As Ettlin cowered beneath the sheets with his wife and 9-year-old daughter at 2 a.m. Sunday, the frantic kangaroo bounded into the bedroom of his 10-year-old son Leighton Beman, who screamed, "There's a 'roo in my room!"
"I thought, 'This can be really dangerous for the whole family now,'" Ettlin said.
The ordeal played out over a few minutes in the family's house in Garran, an upmarket suburb in the leafy national capital of Canberra.
Ettlin, a chef originally from the Swiss city of Stans, said he jumped the 90 pound (40 kilogram) marsupial from behind and pinned it to the floor. He grabbed it in a headlock and wrestled the trashing and bleeding intruder into a hallway, toward the front door.
He used a single, fumbling hand to open the front door and shoved the kangaroo into the night.
"I had just my Bonds undies on. I felt vulnerable," he said, referring to a popular Australian underwear brand.
The kangaroo, which Ettlin said was around his height, 5 foot 9 inches (176 centimeters), left claw gouges in the wooden frame of the master bed and a trail of blood through the house. The animal was cut when it came crashing through the bedroom window.
Ettlin, who had scratch marks on his leg and buttocks and was left wearing only his shredded underpants, described himself as "lucky."
The kangaroo vanished into a nearby forest from where it likely came. Wildlife authorities confirmed Monday they had received a phone call saying an injured kangaroo had entered the caller's home and left.
Greg Baxter, a Queensland University lecturer on Australian native animals, said kangaroos rarely invade homes but have done so in the past when panicked.
"It is very unusual, but when kangaroos become panicked, they lose all sense of caution and just fly for where they think they can get away," Baxter said.
Eastern gray kangaroos are common around Canberra's forested urban fringe. They are so numerous at one defense department site in the city that officials want to cull hundreds of the animals to stop them ruining the habitat.
Although it had been a harrowing experience, Ettlin's wife could see the funny side.
"I think he's a hero: a hero in Bonds undies," Verity Beman, 39, said of her husband.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Stealing Spree
KENNER, La. - First of all, police said he was speeding. Second, the 18-year-old wasn't wearing a seat belt and was driving on a suspended license. But that was the least of his troubles. According to police, when the man was pulled over on Tuesday they found a marijuana cigarette. Then they found out the car he was driving was reported stolen. Then they found $27,000 worth of stolen goods in the car.
And when officers asked about the small dog on the front seat, the man could not tell them anything about it.
But a call to the veterinarian listed on the dog's tag led to its owner, who said the pet had been stolen during a home burglary.
Detectives were unsure if the suspect remained in jail Friday.
And when officers asked about the small dog on the front seat, the man could not tell them anything about it.
But a call to the veterinarian listed on the dog's tag led to its owner, who said the pet had been stolen during a home burglary.
Detectives were unsure if the suspect remained in jail Friday.
"I Love You Man...."
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Police said a drunken man was arrested after he cursed at an officer who refused to give him a hug. The Ann Arbor News reported the 44-year-old man had been yelling at people and walking in the street Thursday when officers responded. The man agreed to return to his home in Washtenaw County's Superior Township, about 30 miles west-southwest of Detroit.
But he then approached a patrol car and yelled at an officer, asking for a hug and swearing at him when the officer refused, while still blocking traffic.
The man was arrested and detained. He refused a Breathalyzer test and may face disorderly conduct charges.
But he then approached a patrol car and yelled at an officer, asking for a hug and swearing at him when the officer refused, while still blocking traffic.
The man was arrested and detained. He refused a Breathalyzer test and may face disorderly conduct charges.
It Wasn't Me
NEW CASTLE, Pa. - A four-foot alligator rescued in an abandoned school on fire in western Pennsylvania may have also started the blaze. North Beaver Township officials are not identifying the owner of the former elementary school that burned Thursday afternoon near New Castle, about 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.
But they said the man was living with a menagerie of animals in the building, including the alligator, about 70 rabbits and unspecified "aquatic animals." The Pennsylvania Game Commission was involved in caring for the animal.
Fire Chief Paul Henry said the building's owner believes the alligator started the fire by knocking over a portable heater. Firefighters removed the animal, but only after taping its mouth shut
But they said the man was living with a menagerie of animals in the building, including the alligator, about 70 rabbits and unspecified "aquatic animals." The Pennsylvania Game Commission was involved in caring for the animal.
Fire Chief Paul Henry said the building's owner believes the alligator started the fire by knocking over a portable heater. Firefighters removed the animal, but only after taping its mouth shut
The Great Return?
WOODBINE, Ga. - Authorities say they arrested an escaped jail inmate trying to sneak back into the lockup with cigarettes allegedly stolen from a nearby store.
Sheriff Tommy Gregory said Saturday that 25-year-old Harry Jackson had opened a door to the exercise yard and climbed the outer fence.
Deputies found a jail door unlocked early Saturday and were looking for the inmate. They spotted Jackson trying to come back in and found 14 packs of cigarettes they believe were stolen from a convenience store about a block away.
Jackson faces new charges of breaking out of jail and burglary. He was already in jail in Camden County in far southeast Georgia for charges including possession of a controlled substance and violating probation.
Sheriff Tommy Gregory said Saturday that 25-year-old Harry Jackson had opened a door to the exercise yard and climbed the outer fence.
Deputies found a jail door unlocked early Saturday and were looking for the inmate. They spotted Jackson trying to come back in and found 14 packs of cigarettes they believe were stolen from a convenience store about a block away.
Jackson faces new charges of breaking out of jail and burglary. He was already in jail in Camden County in far southeast Georgia for charges including possession of a controlled substance and violating probation.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Cookie Counterfeit Caper
BREMERTON, Wash. - Police in Washington state say they've captured three people who bought Girl Scout cookies with counterfeit $20 bills. Troop 40411 leader KC Gettings says she went to a bank Saturday to get change and was told she had two counterfeit $20 bills.
She says she found an additional $60 worth of fake bills in the cookie receipts for a total loss of $100.
Police say the counterfeiters also were using fake bills to make purchases at stores all over Kitsap County, west of Seattle.
Three people were in custody Monday and police say there's probable cause to arrest a
fourth
She says she found an additional $60 worth of fake bills in the cookie receipts for a total loss of $100.
Police say the counterfeiters also were using fake bills to make purchases at stores all over Kitsap County, west of Seattle.
Three people were in custody Monday and police say there's probable cause to arrest a
fourth
Homemade Cruelty
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A man who tried to cool out his hyper cat by stuffing her into a boxlike homemade bong faces cruelty charges - and catcalls from animal lovers. Lancaster County sheriff's deputies responding to a domestic disturbance call Sunday alleged they saw 20-year-old Acea Schomaker smoking marijuana through a piece of garden hose attached to a duct-taped, plastic glass box in which the cat had been stuffed.
"This cat was just dazed," Sgt. Andy Stebbing said. "She was on the front seat of the cop car, wrapped in a blanket, and never moved all the way to the humane society."
Schomaker told deputies 6-month-old Shadow was hyper and he was trying to calm her down. The contraption she had been stuffed inside was 12 inches by 6 inches. Shadow was timid but in good condition Monday at the Capital Humane Society, executive director Bob Downey said.
"What the human mind doesn't invent, huh?" Downey said.
Schomaker, who was released from jail after paying a $400 fine on the arrest warrant, faces drug and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. He did not immediately respond to phone messages left Monday seeking comment.
"This cat was just dazed," Sgt. Andy Stebbing said. "She was on the front seat of the cop car, wrapped in a blanket, and never moved all the way to the humane society."
Schomaker told deputies 6-month-old Shadow was hyper and he was trying to calm her down. The contraption she had been stuffed inside was 12 inches by 6 inches. Shadow was timid but in good condition Monday at the Capital Humane Society, executive director Bob Downey said.
"What the human mind doesn't invent, huh?" Downey said.
Schomaker, who was released from jail after paying a $400 fine on the arrest warrant, faces drug and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. He did not immediately respond to phone messages left Monday seeking comment.
A Bra Full
WINONA, Minn. - A 20-year-old woman faces drug charges after police found cocaine and marijuana hidden in her bra. Buffalo County police notified authorities in Winona Thursday that a car headed their way may have been involved in a drug deal.
A Winona officer pulled over the vehicle and searched the woman. Deputy Chief Tom Williams said that turned up about 100 grams of marijuana and 4.25 grams of cocaine in her bra. He says she was also carrying about $600 in cash.
A Winona officer pulled over the vehicle and searched the woman. Deputy Chief Tom Williams said that turned up about 100 grams of marijuana and 4.25 grams of cocaine in her bra. He says she was also carrying about $600 in cash.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
No Contest Guilt
SAGINAW, Mich. - A man has pleaded no contest to indecent exposure after police said he was arrested for performing a sex act with a car wash vacuum. The Saginaw News reported 29-year-old Jason Leroy Savage entered the plea Wednesday in Saginaw County Circuit Court. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but will be treated as one at sentencing on March 25.
Police said Savage was arrested after a resident called officers early on Oct. 16 to report suspicious activity at a car wash in Thomas Township, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit.
Defense attorney Philip Alexander Sturtz had no immediate comment Thursday.
Police said Savage was arrested after a resident called officers early on Oct. 16 to report suspicious activity at a car wash in Thomas Township, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit.
Defense attorney Philip Alexander Sturtz had no immediate comment Thursday.
My Country Tis Of Thee....
FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Authorities arrested a man who claimed he was justified in stealing candy at a truck stop because he had served in the military. Police said an officer confronted a 31-year-old man at the truck stop early Monday morning. The officer reported finding several packages of candy and nuts, two black T-shirts and a 20 oz. bottle of beer in his pockets.
He said he had paid for all the items, but a clerk denied ringing up any purchases for him.
A report stated that while in the patrol vehicle, the man screamed out the window that he had served in the military over in Iraq and could steal all the M&M'S he wanted.
His veteran status could not be immediately verified.
The man was charged with retail theft and was being held on $5,000 bail.
He said he had paid for all the items, but a clerk denied ringing up any purchases for him.
A report stated that while in the patrol vehicle, the man screamed out the window that he had served in the military over in Iraq and could steal all the M&M'S he wanted.
His veteran status could not be immediately verified.
The man was charged with retail theft and was being held on $5,000 bail.
Hard To Swallow
NORTH PORT, Fla. - Authorities in southwest Florida said two 19-year-olds unsuccessfully tried to swallow a bag of marijuana during a traffic stop and were charged with tampering with evidence. North Port police reported that an officer stopped the teens on Saturday because their car's high beams were on.
The officer said he noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When he went back to the car after checking their identification, he said he found the pair covered in "little, green leafy-like substance," and they were chewing and having trouble swallowing.
The officer reported finding four grams of marijuana in one of the teen's shoes, leading to an additional possession charge.
The pair have since been released from jail.
The officer said he noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When he went back to the car after checking their identification, he said he found the pair covered in "little, green leafy-like substance," and they were chewing and having trouble swallowing.
The officer reported finding four grams of marijuana in one of the teen's shoes, leading to an additional possession charge.
The pair have since been released from jail.
Monday, February 23, 2009
You've Got (Weed) Mail
RACINE,Wi — A drug dog in Milwaukee hit on a package bound for a Racine address last week, starting a quick set-up by the Racine County Metro Drug Unit to try to nab the suspects.
The Racine County Sheriff’s Department Metro Drug Unit was contacted on Thursday by a Milwaukee police detective. The detective said that a dog had hit on a package at a shipping center in Milwaukee.
Officers found 11 pounds of marijuana inside the package. The package, which came from Texas, was to be sent to a Racine address in the 1300 block of Terrace Avenue.
A Racine County Metro Drug Unit agent agreed to act as the delivery person.
At 12:30 p.m. Thursday the agent delivered the package to the address, where a man reportedly took it from the front porch and put it on top of a garbage can next to the house.
A short time later a green minivan left the driveway. When agents stopped the vehicle they found Reyes Quezada-Sandoval and Francisco Llamas inside, along with the package.
During interviews with drug unit agents, Quezada-Sandoval said he met someone at El Ray Mexican Restaurant in Milwaukee who offered him $100 to drive to Racine to pick up a package. He said he was told it was a package of cheese. Quezada-Sandoval said he was going to drive the package to El Ray, where he said he had been told to leave it in the unlocked van for someone to pick up.
Llamas reportedly told agents that someone named Jose Reyes offered him $300 for the use of an address. Llamas said he gave his brother’s Terrace Avenue address for the delivery.
Both men reportedly told agents they expected to be paid after the delivery was complete.
Llamas, 38, 1233 Terrace Ave., and Quezada-Sandoval, 36, of Milwaukee, were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver as party to the crime. If convicted, they could face up to $25,000 in fines and 12 1/2 years imprisonment.
The Racine County Sheriff’s Department Metro Drug Unit was contacted on Thursday by a Milwaukee police detective. The detective said that a dog had hit on a package at a shipping center in Milwaukee.
Officers found 11 pounds of marijuana inside the package. The package, which came from Texas, was to be sent to a Racine address in the 1300 block of Terrace Avenue.
A Racine County Metro Drug Unit agent agreed to act as the delivery person.
At 12:30 p.m. Thursday the agent delivered the package to the address, where a man reportedly took it from the front porch and put it on top of a garbage can next to the house.
A short time later a green minivan left the driveway. When agents stopped the vehicle they found Reyes Quezada-Sandoval and Francisco Llamas inside, along with the package.
During interviews with drug unit agents, Quezada-Sandoval said he met someone at El Ray Mexican Restaurant in Milwaukee who offered him $100 to drive to Racine to pick up a package. He said he was told it was a package of cheese. Quezada-Sandoval said he was going to drive the package to El Ray, where he said he had been told to leave it in the unlocked van for someone to pick up.
Llamas reportedly told agents that someone named Jose Reyes offered him $300 for the use of an address. Llamas said he gave his brother’s Terrace Avenue address for the delivery.
Both men reportedly told agents they expected to be paid after the delivery was complete.
Llamas, 38, 1233 Terrace Ave., and Quezada-Sandoval, 36, of Milwaukee, were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver as party to the crime. If convicted, they could face up to $25,000 in fines and 12 1/2 years imprisonment.
Job Hunting Pro
THERESA, Wis. - At a time when some people are having trouble finding one job, Daniel Seddiqui is lining up 50 _ one in every state. Each job symbolizes the state's most famous industry, and each lasts one week _ just long enough for the 26-year-old to appreciate the labor and explore the region.
He's been a park ranger in Wyoming, a corn farmer in Nebraska and a wedding coordinator in Las Vegas.
Last week, in Week 23 of his yearlong saga, he was a cheesemaker in southeast Wisconsin. He mixed ingredients, hoisted slabs of cheddar _ and tasted plenty of his work.
"I would say this was as hard as logging," he said Friday, referring to his stint as a logger in Oregon three months ago. "Everything here is done by hand so there's a lot of heavy lifting."
Seddiqui, who grew up in Los Altos, Calif., insists his job-hopping isn't a gimmick. It's a legitimate effort to travel the U.S., learning about cultures across the country and developing a respect for what other people do, he said.
For example, at his Nebraska job he was surprised that every farmer he met had a college degree.
He's been a park ranger in Wyoming, a corn farmer in Nebraska and a wedding coordinator in Las Vegas.
Last week, in Week 23 of his yearlong saga, he was a cheesemaker in southeast Wisconsin. He mixed ingredients, hoisted slabs of cheddar _ and tasted plenty of his work.
"I would say this was as hard as logging," he said Friday, referring to his stint as a logger in Oregon three months ago. "Everything here is done by hand so there's a lot of heavy lifting."
Seddiqui, who grew up in Los Altos, Calif., insists his job-hopping isn't a gimmick. It's a legitimate effort to travel the U.S., learning about cultures across the country and developing a respect for what other people do, he said.
For example, at his Nebraska job he was surprised that every farmer he met had a college degree.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
1987!
LA GRANDE, Ore. - An Oregon woman finally received an invitation to her nephew's high school graduation in New Jersey, but she may be a little late _ it was in 1987.
Theresa Schlossarek, of La Grande, found the invitation last week in her mailbox. The envelope, which had been opened, was postmarked June 2, 1987, from Toms River, N.J., where her brother, Hermann Ilnseher, lives.
Ilnseher said the lack of response from his sister was noticed but dismissed.
"We just thought that she lived so far away, she couldn't come," Ilnseher said. "She usually would send money, though, so we did joke about that later on, that maybe she could send some and add interest for the years passed."
Peter Hass, spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service's Portland district, called the delay "very unusual and very unfortunate."
Hass said the envelope could have been stuck in machinery or misrouted and delivered to the wrong address, which would explain why it arrived opened. But he said no matter the age of the mail, "if it's postmarked, we're obliged to deliver it."
Schlossarek's nephew, Michael Ilnseher, now an assistant principal at an Atlanta-area high school, said he didn't remember his aunt not receiving an invitation.
"I never realized something could be lost for 22 years like that," he said.
Theresa Schlossarek, of La Grande, found the invitation last week in her mailbox. The envelope, which had been opened, was postmarked June 2, 1987, from Toms River, N.J., where her brother, Hermann Ilnseher, lives.
Ilnseher said the lack of response from his sister was noticed but dismissed.
"We just thought that she lived so far away, she couldn't come," Ilnseher said. "She usually would send money, though, so we did joke about that later on, that maybe she could send some and add interest for the years passed."
Peter Hass, spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service's Portland district, called the delay "very unusual and very unfortunate."
Hass said the envelope could have been stuck in machinery or misrouted and delivered to the wrong address, which would explain why it arrived opened. But he said no matter the age of the mail, "if it's postmarked, we're obliged to deliver it."
Schlossarek's nephew, Michael Ilnseher, now an assistant principal at an Atlanta-area high school, said he didn't remember his aunt not receiving an invitation.
"I never realized something could be lost for 22 years like that," he said.
Granny's Hot Line
BELLEVUE, Neb. - The family of an 86-year-old woman who was billed for over $1,000 in phone sex calls suspects identify theft. Arlene Hald recently received a credit card bill addressed to her husband, Sylvester, who died nearly 20 years ago. Hald said they never had a credit card, yet an account in his name was charged.
Hald's daughter, Peggy Rytych, believes her father was the victim of ID theft. She called the billing company, Preferred Platinum Plan, which agreed to remove the charges.
Rytych says they thought that was the end of it _ until another bill arrived for over $70. The California-based company agreed to remove the latest charges and never bill Hald again.
Hald's daughter, Peggy Rytych, believes her father was the victim of ID theft. She called the billing company, Preferred Platinum Plan, which agreed to remove the charges.
Rytych says they thought that was the end of it _ until another bill arrived for over $70. The California-based company agreed to remove the latest charges and never bill Hald again.
Undecover Prisoner
MADISON, Wis. - A Madison man already serving time for impersonating an officer apparently hasn't learned his lesson.
Thirty-year-old Joshua D. Kay is charged with a new count of impersonating an officer. At an initial court appearance Friday he stood mute so the court entered a plea of not guilty.
Prosecutors say Kay has been telling other inmates he's actually a sheriff's deputy, working undercover to investigate other deputies.
Online court records didn't list an attorney for Kay on Saturday.
Kay is serving an eight-month jail sentence for three misdemeanors. Among them was a 2007 conviction for turning on flashing red lights and a siren on his personal car to try to stop a speeder. The other car was being driven by an off-duty police officer.
Thirty-year-old Joshua D. Kay is charged with a new count of impersonating an officer. At an initial court appearance Friday he stood mute so the court entered a plea of not guilty.
Prosecutors say Kay has been telling other inmates he's actually a sheriff's deputy, working undercover to investigate other deputies.
Online court records didn't list an attorney for Kay on Saturday.
Kay is serving an eight-month jail sentence for three misdemeanors. Among them was a 2007 conviction for turning on flashing red lights and a siren on his personal car to try to stop a speeder. The other car was being driven by an off-duty police officer.
Tasered In The Nude
BAY CITY, Mich. - Going to church brought no peace to a man Tasered by police as he stood in the nude in 27-degree weather. A funeral Mass was being held inside St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church when police received 911 calls about a naked man Friday morning. Sgt. Gordon Cameron said the man told officers he was having problems with his parents and wanted to go to church.
Cameron told The Bay City Times that the man cursed and verbally abused police before Officer Troy Sierras immobilized him with a Taser, an electronic device that fires barbs causing temporary paralysis.
The man was draped in a blanket and taken to Bay Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Cameron said the man, whose name was withheld, likely wouldn't be charged with any crime.
Cameron told The Bay City Times that the man cursed and verbally abused police before Officer Troy Sierras immobilized him with a Taser, an electronic device that fires barbs causing temporary paralysis.
The man was draped in a blanket and taken to Bay Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Cameron said the man, whose name was withheld, likely wouldn't be charged with any crime.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Clumsy Robber
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Authorities said a burglary suspect was literally caught with his pants down while trying to run away. A deputy responded to an alarm at a convenient store early Tuesday morning and reported seeing a 37-year-old man exiting through a smashed-out front door while carrying several packs of cigarettes.
Deputies said the man tried to flee, but the handfuls of cigarettes prevented him from holding up his pants, which fell down and tripped him before he could make it out of the parking lot.
The man was charged with criminal mischief, burglary, theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held on $12,000 bail.
Deputies said the man tried to flee, but the handfuls of cigarettes prevented him from holding up his pants, which fell down and tripped him before he could make it out of the parking lot.
The man was charged with criminal mischief, burglary, theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held on $12,000 bail.
Morbid Love Fest
TWIN FALLS, Idaho - A southern Idaho funeral home was the beginning rather than the end for Gene Kincheloe and Mozelle Wales-Kincheloe, who tied the knot there on Valentine's Day. Kincheloe, 66, and Wales-Kinchelo, 72, said they met about a year ago while attending a weekly grief group at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home after both lost their longtime spouses in 2007. On Saturday they returned to say their vows in front of about 50 family and friends.
"This is our first wedding outside the justice of the peace," Wales-Kincheloe told The Times-News.
The couple plans to do some traveling in a new pickup truck with a trailer.
"This is kind of neat," said Nadine Ellis, who oversees grief group meetings at the funeral home. "It doesn't just have to be a sad place. It can be a place of joy, too."
Kincheloe had been married for 20 years before attending the sessions in which he met his future bride.
"Gene kept asking me, 'Who's that lady sitting over there?'" Ellis said. "I saw a pretty immediate spark there. When they finally got connected it was awesome."
Kincheloe made some early stumbles, though.
"I couldn't remember her name," he said. "Then I messed up on her phone number. I was trying to call her to go out for dinner."
She accepted the invitation but was less quick to agree to getting engaged.
"It took her a long time to say yes," said Kincheloe, a Marine veteran and former truck driver. "I proposed nearly every other day."
"As your parents get older, it's hard," said Wales-Kincheloe's daughter, Renee Mitchell, of Hailey. "I'm so happy she has a companion, someone to get out with. I feel blessed."
"This is our first wedding outside the justice of the peace," Wales-Kincheloe told The Times-News.
The couple plans to do some traveling in a new pickup truck with a trailer.
"This is kind of neat," said Nadine Ellis, who oversees grief group meetings at the funeral home. "It doesn't just have to be a sad place. It can be a place of joy, too."
Kincheloe had been married for 20 years before attending the sessions in which he met his future bride.
"Gene kept asking me, 'Who's that lady sitting over there?'" Ellis said. "I saw a pretty immediate spark there. When they finally got connected it was awesome."
Kincheloe made some early stumbles, though.
"I couldn't remember her name," he said. "Then I messed up on her phone number. I was trying to call her to go out for dinner."
She accepted the invitation but was less quick to agree to getting engaged.
"It took her a long time to say yes," said Kincheloe, a Marine veteran and former truck driver. "I proposed nearly every other day."
"As your parents get older, it's hard," said Wales-Kincheloe's daughter, Renee Mitchell, of Hailey. "I'm so happy she has a companion, someone to get out with. I feel blessed."
Managing Theft?
METAIRIE, La. - Deputies said they didn't have to look far to find the person who stole thousands of dollars worth of heating and air conditioning equipment. They say the thief was right behind the counter.
According to a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office arrest report, a 44-year-old man, who manages an appliance part store, may have made off with about $203,000 worth of inventory.
On Jan. 9, the manager filed a theft report indicating that 70 rolls of 50-foot copper sheets were missing from his inventory. The report said that further investigation by the company revealed that the manager had been entering the store after hours using his personal alarm code.
Officials said the manager later confessed to selling the equipment and pocketing up to $50,000 in cash on the deals.
According to a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office arrest report, a 44-year-old man, who manages an appliance part store, may have made off with about $203,000 worth of inventory.
On Jan. 9, the manager filed a theft report indicating that 70 rolls of 50-foot copper sheets were missing from his inventory. The report said that further investigation by the company revealed that the manager had been entering the store after hours using his personal alarm code.
Officials said the manager later confessed to selling the equipment and pocketing up to $50,000 in cash on the deals.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What Part Of The Bible....
TOLEDO, Ohio - A man held a woman captive in handcuffs and an adult diaper for three days while he read Bible passages to her, police said.
Troy Brisport, 34, was charged with kidnapping and felonious assault. Bail was set Tuesday at $400,000.
He picked up the woman Wednesday night in Detroit after she told him she had nowhere to stay, and brought her to his home in Toledo, about 55 miles away, police said.
The woman told police that after she fell asleep Brisport handcuffed her wrists and ankles, gagged her, undressed her and put her in an adult diaper, then read Bible passages, said police Capt. Ray Carroll.
She apparently was not sexually assaulted, Carroll said.
However, court documents alleged that Brisport tried several times to suffocate the woman using a pillow and blanket.
The woman told police she escaped Saturday after Brisport fell asleep. Police found her dressed only in a T-shirt and the adult diaper and still wearing handcuffs.
There was no immediate response Tuesday to a call seeking comment from jail officials, and there was no indication whether Brisport had an attorney to speak for him.
Troy Brisport, 34, was charged with kidnapping and felonious assault. Bail was set Tuesday at $400,000.
He picked up the woman Wednesday night in Detroit after she told him she had nowhere to stay, and brought her to his home in Toledo, about 55 miles away, police said.
The woman told police that after she fell asleep Brisport handcuffed her wrists and ankles, gagged her, undressed her and put her in an adult diaper, then read Bible passages, said police Capt. Ray Carroll.
She apparently was not sexually assaulted, Carroll said.
However, court documents alleged that Brisport tried several times to suffocate the woman using a pillow and blanket.
The woman told police she escaped Saturday after Brisport fell asleep. Police found her dressed only in a T-shirt and the adult diaper and still wearing handcuffs.
There was no immediate response Tuesday to a call seeking comment from jail officials, and there was no indication whether Brisport had an attorney to speak for him.
Wedgie Defense
SALT LAKE CITY - It took a wedgie and a headlock to pin down a man suspected of breaking into a car. Yvonne Morris, a technician at the Brickyard Animal Hospital, said she chased a man who broke into a co-worker's car, but he kept squirming away from her.
Morris eventually grabbed the man's boxer shorts and pulled. Salt Lake City police said she then she put a headlock on the man until help could arrive.
The man was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property and outstanding warrants.
Morris eventually grabbed the man's boxer shorts and pulled. Salt Lake City police said she then she put a headlock on the man until help could arrive.
The man was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property and outstanding warrants.
Abusive Essay
OREGON, Wis. - A father allegedly shot his 9-year-old son in the buttocks with a BB gun, a revelation that came to light after the boy wrote a school essay about the incident. The boy had written an essay about the "painful afternoon my Dad shot me with a BB gun." The elementary-school teacher turned the essay over to authorities.
Prosecutors charged the 36-year-old father on Friday with one felony count of child abuse. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 6 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The criminal complaint said the father told an investigator he shot the boy after the child didn't move fast enough from blocking the TV. He said he aimed at his son's rear pocket because he thought it would be more padded.
"I knew right away it was a stupid thing I did," the father said. "I told my kids the only way I'm going to touch them is to kiss them, hug them, tickle them. I was very, I was not under the influence of anything. It was a very stupid decision."
He was released Friday on a signature bond and ordered not to threaten or engage in any acts of violence against his son. He was also ordered not to engage in physical discipline of any child.
Prosecutors charged the 36-year-old father on Friday with one felony count of child abuse. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 6 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The criminal complaint said the father told an investigator he shot the boy after the child didn't move fast enough from blocking the TV. He said he aimed at his son's rear pocket because he thought it would be more padded.
"I knew right away it was a stupid thing I did," the father said. "I told my kids the only way I'm going to touch them is to kiss them, hug them, tickle them. I was very, I was not under the influence of anything. It was a very stupid decision."
He was released Friday on a signature bond and ordered not to threaten or engage in any acts of violence against his son. He was also ordered not to engage in physical discipline of any child.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Quick Thinking
BELLEVUE, Wash. - A man in Washington state made sure a pair of burglars didn't get away with his three flat-screen televisions _ he moved their getaway car.
Patrick Rosario was in the basement of his Bellevue home on Tuesday when he heard the burglars upstairs.
The Seattle Times says the 32-year-old Rosario, who had been laid off from his job as a Washington Mutual manager, called 911 while he sneaked out of the house.
He saw a white van sitting in front of his house with the motor running and the keys in the ignition, and he got in and drove it to a friend's house.
Police say the burglars left the televisions, a laptop computer and a jewelry box by the door and took off on foot.
The sheriff's office said no arrests had been made.
Patrick Rosario was in the basement of his Bellevue home on Tuesday when he heard the burglars upstairs.
The Seattle Times says the 32-year-old Rosario, who had been laid off from his job as a Washington Mutual manager, called 911 while he sneaked out of the house.
He saw a white van sitting in front of his house with the motor running and the keys in the ignition, and he got in and drove it to a friend's house.
Police say the burglars left the televisions, a laptop computer and a jewelry box by the door and took off on foot.
The sheriff's office said no arrests had been made.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Handcuffed Destiny
BARNSTABLE, Mass. - A Massachusetts man who walked into a police station and asked for help removing a pair of handcuffs dangling from one wrist ended up wearing another pair instead.
Barnstable, Mass., police Sgt. Sean Sweeney said 21-year-old Allahmanamjad (el-ah-MAN'-a-jahd) Barbel showed up Tuesday claiming he couldn't get off the cuffs his sister slipped on him at a child's birthday party.
Police ran Barbel's name through the state warrant system and discovered he had outstanding warrants on charges of driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, threatening to commit a crime and making annoying phone calls.
Sweeney said police removed the cuffs _ then slipped on a new pair to arrest him.
Barnstable, Mass., police Sgt. Sean Sweeney said 21-year-old Allahmanamjad (el-ah-MAN'-a-jahd) Barbel showed up Tuesday claiming he couldn't get off the cuffs his sister slipped on him at a child's birthday party.
Police ran Barbel's name through the state warrant system and discovered he had outstanding warrants on charges of driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, threatening to commit a crime and making annoying phone calls.
Sweeney said police removed the cuffs _ then slipped on a new pair to arrest him.
Restricted Restroom
SNELLVILLE, Ga. - Snellville politics have reached a low point. Jerry Oberholtzer, the mayor of the Atlanta suburb, has been asking for police escorts to the restroom in City Hall after a verbal altercation with city council member Robert Jenkins a few months ago. Oberholtzer says he no longer feels comfortable around Jenkins.
Jenkins says the mayor has no reason to worry for his physical safety and should only "fear me as a political opponent." The mayor has even had police Chief Roy Whitehead escort him to the restroom.
Jenkins and Oberholtzer have butted heads for years. Last week, the mayor sent pictures of what he said are code violations at one of Jenkins' properties to police. Authorities issued a warning to the councilman to clean up by March 1 or face jail time.
Jenkins says the mayor has no reason to worry for his physical safety and should only "fear me as a political opponent." The mayor has even had police Chief Roy Whitehead escort him to the restroom.
Jenkins and Oberholtzer have butted heads for years. Last week, the mayor sent pictures of what he said are code violations at one of Jenkins' properties to police. Authorities issued a warning to the councilman to clean up by March 1 or face jail time.
Singing Arsonist
DREXEL HILL, Pa. - Police in a Philadelphia suburb say a 19-year-old woman accused of arson was caught on a surveillance camera singing, "The fire department is going to be mad at me."
Police say Amanda Gessner touched off 7 blazes in trash and brush between 3 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. Tuesday within blocks of where she lives in Upper Darby Township.
Officials say Gessner was witnessed earlier in the evening at a local convenience store singing the ditty about the fire department. Her tune was caught on the store's surveillance camera.
One fire damaged a home where a family of four was sleeping. They escaped without injury.
Gessner is being held on $100,000 bail, charged with arson and related offenses.
Authorities say they have no reason to believe she is connected to the recent arsons in Coatesville, a few miles away.
Police say Amanda Gessner touched off 7 blazes in trash and brush between 3 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. Tuesday within blocks of where she lives in Upper Darby Township.
Officials say Gessner was witnessed earlier in the evening at a local convenience store singing the ditty about the fire department. Her tune was caught on the store's surveillance camera.
One fire damaged a home where a family of four was sleeping. They escaped without injury.
Gessner is being held on $100,000 bail, charged with arson and related offenses.
Authorities say they have no reason to believe she is connected to the recent arsons in Coatesville, a few miles away.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Ilegal Kidnapping Affairs
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Three women believed a 28-year-old woman was having an affair with one of their boyfriends and came up with a plan to get rid of her by having her deported. A Bellingham police spokesman, Lt. Steve Felmley, said two of the women shoved the victim in a car Friday and took her to a Border Patrol station.
A Border Patrol agent, Michael Bermudez, on Monday said they took no one into custody and called police to deal with the women. The police spokesman said they don't ask crime victims whether they are in the country legally, so the 28-year-old is free.
Meanwhile, the three women are being investigated for unlawful imprisonment.
Felmley said, "I don't think this plan is working out the way they thought it would."
A Border Patrol agent, Michael Bermudez, on Monday said they took no one into custody and called police to deal with the women. The police spokesman said they don't ask crime victims whether they are in the country legally, so the 28-year-old is free.
Meanwhile, the three women are being investigated for unlawful imprisonment.
Felmley said, "I don't think this plan is working out the way they thought it would."
Jail Over Jeans?
DELAND, Fla. - Authorities said a man was behind bars for using a tire iron to attack his brother over a pair of jeans. A sheriff's office report said a 23-year-old man and a 25-year-old man were arguing Thursday night over the pants. The argument escalated and punches were thrown.
The 23-year-old man then got the tire iron from a truck and struck his older brother in the back of the head and took off running. Authorities said he returned home and told deputies he felt bad about hitting his brother.
The 23-year-old was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was taken to jail where he was being held without bail Friday.
The 23-year-old man then got the tire iron from a truck and struck his older brother in the back of the head and took off running. Authorities said he returned home and told deputies he felt bad about hitting his brother.
The 23-year-old was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was taken to jail where he was being held without bail Friday.
Pot Or Poop?
MINQUADALE, Del. - A Delaware man was accused of giving new meaning to the phrase "dirty diapers." New Castle County police said a 26-year-old man was smoking pot and planning to sell it when probation officers stopped by his house for a routine check. The man tried to hide the marijuana inside diapers that were intended for two infants inside his home.
Police found 45 grams of the drug in one diaper and 34 grams inside another. Police also found prescription pills and drug paraphernalia.
The man was charged with possession with the intent to deliver marijuana and other drug offenses. He's also charged with two counts of unlawful dealing with a child.
Police found 45 grams of the drug in one diaper and 34 grams inside another. Police also found prescription pills and drug paraphernalia.
The man was charged with possession with the intent to deliver marijuana and other drug offenses. He's also charged with two counts of unlawful dealing with a child.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A Lesson Learned
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - A Michigan judge says he's learned a lesson about locking his car after a 16-year-old prisoner who escaped from a courthouse cell was found hiding in the vehicle's trunk.
The Macomb Daily reports the teen had vanished Friday after appearing in juvenile court in Mount Clemens on a probation violation.
Sheriff's deputies searched for about an hour until a security officer became suspicious when he saw a picture that had fallen to the ground outside judge's car.
A deputy checked the car and found the boy in the trunk.
Macomb County Circuit Judge Peter Maceroni says the teen likely used a button inside the unlocked car to open the trunk.
The Macomb Daily reports the teen had vanished Friday after appearing in juvenile court in Mount Clemens on a probation violation.
Sheriff's deputies searched for about an hour until a security officer became suspicious when he saw a picture that had fallen to the ground outside judge's car.
A deputy checked the car and found the boy in the trunk.
Macomb County Circuit Judge Peter Maceroni says the teen likely used a button inside the unlocked car to open the trunk.
More Than Milk
LONDON - A British prosecutor says an elderly milkman supplied customers with cannabis as well as bottles of milk.
Robert Holding, 72, delivered marijuana as he made his daily rounds in the town of Burnely, in northwestern England.
Prosecutor Sarah Statham said Friday that Holding offered the drug to elderly customers suffering from aches and pain. She says the customers left Holding notes on their doorsteps to order the drug.
According to Britain's dairy industry, around 1.5 million British homes have milk delivered by a milkman. Deliveries have declined over the last 20 years.
Holding pleaded guilty to supplying the drug and was given suspended jail sentence of 36 months.
Robert Holding, 72, delivered marijuana as he made his daily rounds in the town of Burnely, in northwestern England.
Prosecutor Sarah Statham said Friday that Holding offered the drug to elderly customers suffering from aches and pain. She says the customers left Holding notes on their doorsteps to order the drug.
According to Britain's dairy industry, around 1.5 million British homes have milk delivered by a milkman. Deliveries have declined over the last 20 years.
Holding pleaded guilty to supplying the drug and was given suspended jail sentence of 36 months.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Just Stay Home
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Elvis has left the vehicle. A man was arrested on more than 50 traffic citations _ all in one day. Police said Elvis Alonzo Barrett, 46, fled from police trying to stop him for a traffic violation Thursday morning. Police said he ran through red lights, crashed into another car and a fence. Police said they found crack cocaine and a crack pipe in his car.
Barrett faces several charges, including fleeing and eluding and reckless driving.
He was also issued more than 50 traffic citations on charges including speeding, running red lights, and not wearing a seat belt.
Police said Barrett has a lengthy criminal history and his driver license was suspended.
Barrett faces several charges, including fleeing and eluding and reckless driving.
He was also issued more than 50 traffic citations on charges including speeding, running red lights, and not wearing a seat belt.
Police said Barrett has a lengthy criminal history and his driver license was suspended.
Split-N-Run
STOCKTON, Calif. - A suspected bank robber is behind bars after a woman whose car he hit during the getaway declined a share of the booty to keep quiet. According to investigators, a 46-year-old man walked into a branch of Bank of the West at noon Thursday and handed an employee a note demanding money.
Investigators said the man fled with the cash, but a few minutes later collided with another car. The driver told police that the man explained he had just robbed a bank and offered her a share of the take to keep quiet.
The woman called police. The man was arrested on suspicion of robbery
Investigators said the man fled with the cash, but a few minutes later collided with another car. The driver told police that the man explained he had just robbed a bank and offered her a share of the take to keep quiet.
The woman called police. The man was arrested on suspicion of robbery
Punishment Fits The Crime
EAGAN, Minn. - An elementary school principal could be disciplined for allegedly forcing a 6-year-old boy to unclog a toilet with his bare hands. The principal of Rahn Elementary has been on paid leave since mid-December while the school district investigated a complaint from the boy's parents. The school board proposed disciplinary action on Thursday. The nature of the discipline wasn't made public.
The boy's parents claim their son told them the principal made him clean out a toilet bowl that the boy had accidentally clogged on Dec. 12. The boy told his parents he wiped himself with paper towels, instead of toilet paper, causing the clog.
The principal declined to respond to the claims Thursday. He also didn't say what disciplinary action was proposed and whether he'd appeal.
The boy's parents claim their son told them the principal made him clean out a toilet bowl that the boy had accidentally clogged on Dec. 12. The boy told his parents he wiped himself with paper towels, instead of toilet paper, causing the clog.
The principal declined to respond to the claims Thursday. He also didn't say what disciplinary action was proposed and whether he'd appeal.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Represent Your Sentences
IOWA CITY, Iowa - Authorities say a 19-year-old Iowa City man showed up drunk to serve a three-day public intoxication sentence at the Johnson County Jail on Tuesday. Court records said initial tests showed the man had a blood-alcohol content of 0.101 percent when he arrived at the jail.
He now faces another charge, but a court date on the new charge hasn't been set.
Court records said the man pleaded guilty to public intoxication in May 2008 and was convicted of public intoxication second-offense last December.
He now faces another charge, but a court date on the new charge hasn't been set.
Court records said the man pleaded guilty to public intoxication in May 2008 and was convicted of public intoxication second-offense last December.
Disguised Devils
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Police in Nashville said two young burglars covered their intent by talking religion. Police arrested a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old and charged them with aggravated burglary. The Tennessean reported the teens were going through a neighborhood, knocking on doors while carrying church bulletins.
Police said if someone answered the door, one of the youths would talk about religion. If no one was home, the residence was burglarized.
But police said three homes in the area were burglarized, with electronic equipment stolen.
Authorities said they recovered stolen goods from a car the suspects were driving.
Police said if someone answered the door, one of the youths would talk about religion. If no one was home, the residence was burglarized.
But police said three homes in the area were burglarized, with electronic equipment stolen.
Authorities said they recovered stolen goods from a car the suspects were driving.
Double Parked Dummy
PHILADELPHIA - It's not a good idea to have a lot of marijuana in a car if it's double-parked. Police in West Philadelphia stopped to question a woman who was double-parked without her car's hazard lights on early Wednesday morning.
As the officers spoke with the woman, a male passenger fled from the vehicle on foot. He got away, and police said an officer suffered minor injuries chasing him.
Police continued to question the woman who, they said, appeared to be under the influence. She handed over an expired license and was taken into custody.
Police said a subsequent search of the car by a K-9 unit turned up nearly 60 pounds of marijuana.
As the officers spoke with the woman, a male passenger fled from the vehicle on foot. He got away, and police said an officer suffered minor injuries chasing him.
Police continued to question the woman who, they said, appeared to be under the influence. She handed over an expired license and was taken into custody.
Police said a subsequent search of the car by a K-9 unit turned up nearly 60 pounds of marijuana.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Crippled Criminal
COLUMBUS, Ga. - Columbus police arrested a man in a wheelchair after he allegedly stole a woman's purse early Saturday and then spit in an officer's face. Police said a 51-year-old man approached a 49-year-old woman who was reclining on a couch in the lobby of their apartment building with her brown purse beside her.
Police said the man took the purse and tried to get away but the woman yelled at him to return the purse and it was recovered. The man got into an elevator and went to his room but was arrested for robbery a short time later.
Two officers took the man to a medical center for treatment. Police said the man then insulted the weight of one officer and then cursed and spit in his face.
The man was charged with obstruction of an officer and was released from the Muscogee County Jail later that day.
Police said the man took the purse and tried to get away but the woman yelled at him to return the purse and it was recovered. The man got into an elevator and went to his room but was arrested for robbery a short time later.
Two officers took the man to a medical center for treatment. Police said the man then insulted the weight of one officer and then cursed and spit in his face.
The man was charged with obstruction of an officer and was released from the Muscogee County Jail later that day.
Good Samaritian Beating
NEW YORK - Police said a cab driver who tried to take a purse from a woman fare beater was beaten by a group of good Samaritans who thought they were seeing a robbery. Police said it happened Saturday morning near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal when four woman, who had been club-going, got into a fight with the cab driver over the fare.
Police say the women left the taxi without paying and the cab driver gave chase, grabbing one of the women's purses.
That's when a group of men in a passing car thought they were witnessing a mugging and jumped on the cab driver, beating him and then fleeing the seen.
The cab driver was treated for cuts on his face.
The women were later picked up by police as they exited the Staten Island Ferry and issued summonses for fare beating.
Police say the women left the taxi without paying and the cab driver gave chase, grabbing one of the women's purses.
That's when a group of men in a passing car thought they were witnessing a mugging and jumped on the cab driver, beating him and then fleeing the seen.
The cab driver was treated for cuts on his face.
The women were later picked up by police as they exited the Staten Island Ferry and issued summonses for fare beating.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Spurned Love Affair
VICTORVILLE, Calif. - Prosecutors say a spurned lover ambushed his ex-girlfriend and tried to cut out the breast implants he paid for by stabbing her. San Bernardino County prosecutor David Foy says 28-year-old Thomas Lee Rowley attacked his ex in July 2006 outside her mother's home in Hesperia, some 70 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert.
Rowley is on trial in Superior Court in Victorville for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, stalking, burglary, and false imprisonment.
The 26-year-old woman survived six stab wounds and the punctured breast implants were repaired.
Rowley's former roommate Dennis McGill testified this week that the defendant wanted to reclaim what was rightfully his. Rowley allegedly told McGill, "I'm gonna cut 'em out and get em back."
Rowley is on trial in Superior Court in Victorville for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, stalking, burglary, and false imprisonment.
The 26-year-old woman survived six stab wounds and the punctured breast implants were repaired.
Rowley's former roommate Dennis McGill testified this week that the defendant wanted to reclaim what was rightfully his. Rowley allegedly told McGill, "I'm gonna cut 'em out and get em back."
Dude Looks Like A Lady
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Dressing as a girl to take a high school Regents exam in place of another student landed a 17-year-old upstate New York boy in some serious detention. Deandre Ellis, 17, of Schenectady was arrested on a felony charge after the incident Tuesday. City school officials said a monitor verifying that each student was taking the proper exam suspected something was amiss when the name on the test and the person taking it didn't match.
District spokeswoman Karen Corona said a closer look revealed the test-taker was a boy masquerading as a girl.
Police said Ellis, who was released to probation authorities, was charged with burglary for entering the school to commit a crime. His public defender didn't immediately return a phone call or e-mail seeking comment.
District spokeswoman Karen Corona said a closer look revealed the test-taker was a boy masquerading as a girl.
Police said Ellis, who was released to probation authorities, was charged with burglary for entering the school to commit a crime. His public defender didn't immediately return a phone call or e-mail seeking comment.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Must Be Magic
LAGOS, Nigeria - One of Nigeria's biggest daily newspapers reported that police implicated a goat in an attempted automobile theft. In a front-page article on Friday, the Vanguard newspaper said that two men tried to steal a Mazda car two days earlier in Kwara State, with one suspect transforming himself into a goat as vigilantes cornered him.
The paper quoted police spokesman Tunde Mohammed as saying that while one suspect escaped, the other transformed into a goat as he was about to be apprehended.
The newspaper reported that police paraded the goat before journalists, and published a picture of the animal.
Police in the state couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
Belief in black magic is widespread in Nigeria, particularly in far-flung rural areas.
The paper quoted police spokesman Tunde Mohammed as saying that while one suspect escaped, the other transformed into a goat as he was about to be apprehended.
The newspaper reported that police paraded the goat before journalists, and published a picture of the animal.
Police in the state couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
Belief in black magic is widespread in Nigeria, particularly in far-flung rural areas.
Thanks For Da Invite
MADISON, Wis. - The invitations have been sent through Facebook. The rules are set. Police and medical responders are ready to go.
When a whistle blows Saturday afternoon, University of Wisconsin-Madison students will begin pelting each other with snowballs in a fight they hope will go down in history.
More than 3,700 students at Michigan Technological University in 2006 laid claim to the largest snowball fight, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Organizer Mike Basak, a UW-Madison freshman, said Saturday's snow showdown would likely beat that record, though he's decided not to bother with the hassle of submitting it to Guinness.
More than 4,000 people are members of the event's Facebook group, and word continues to spread as rival dormitories get ready to rumble in the center of campus.
"Once the whistle blows, let the chaos ensue!" Basak said.
The ground rules are simple: No throwing at cars. No throwing at buildings. And don't hit innocent passers-by.
Some suspect poor timing means the Michigan record might not fall.
Temperatures in Madison were forecast to remain in single digits Saturday. Wisconsin's men's basketball team plays at Illinois at the time of the fight. And although snow is everywhere on campus, it's the powdery kind that's hard to pack.
Still, school officials are prepared for the event.
UW-Madison spokesman John Lucas said in a statement that officials would monitor the event, which he noted wasn't university-sanctioned.
"We want students to be able to enjoy winter and have fun, but safety is also an important priority," he wrote.
The Dean of Students' office recruited a student group of volunteer emergency medical technicians to be on the scene. One of its organizers, Katie Egan, said members would be ready to treat injuries such as bleeding and hypothermia and call 911 if needed.
Police Sgt. Jason Whitney said officers were getting in touch with the organizers and would be ready Saturday. Patrolling snowball fights was something new for his force, he said.
As for judging a winner, Basak said, that was not the point. "It's just a bunch of chaos until it all kind of dies down," he said.
When a whistle blows Saturday afternoon, University of Wisconsin-Madison students will begin pelting each other with snowballs in a fight they hope will go down in history.
More than 3,700 students at Michigan Technological University in 2006 laid claim to the largest snowball fight, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Organizer Mike Basak, a UW-Madison freshman, said Saturday's snow showdown would likely beat that record, though he's decided not to bother with the hassle of submitting it to Guinness.
More than 4,000 people are members of the event's Facebook group, and word continues to spread as rival dormitories get ready to rumble in the center of campus.
"Once the whistle blows, let the chaos ensue!" Basak said.
The ground rules are simple: No throwing at cars. No throwing at buildings. And don't hit innocent passers-by.
Some suspect poor timing means the Michigan record might not fall.
Temperatures in Madison were forecast to remain in single digits Saturday. Wisconsin's men's basketball team plays at Illinois at the time of the fight. And although snow is everywhere on campus, it's the powdery kind that's hard to pack.
Still, school officials are prepared for the event.
UW-Madison spokesman John Lucas said in a statement that officials would monitor the event, which he noted wasn't university-sanctioned.
"We want students to be able to enjoy winter and have fun, but safety is also an important priority," he wrote.
The Dean of Students' office recruited a student group of volunteer emergency medical technicians to be on the scene. One of its organizers, Katie Egan, said members would be ready to treat injuries such as bleeding and hypothermia and call 911 if needed.
Police Sgt. Jason Whitney said officers were getting in touch with the organizers and would be ready Saturday. Patrolling snowball fights was something new for his force, he said.
As for judging a winner, Basak said, that was not the point. "It's just a bunch of chaos until it all kind of dies down," he said.
Hardworker?
NATCHEZ, Miss. - A Wal-Mart employee has been charged with embezzlement after allegedly ringing up a sale of $5.25 for more than $500 worth of merchandise. Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said a 20-year-old cashier was arrested Thursday along with a 22-year-old customer at the Wal-Mart in Natchez.
Mullins said the cashier charged the customer $5.25 for seven pairs of jeans, a baby crib, a pair of scrubs, a picture frame, sweat suit, laundry detergent, a bra, four pairs of pants, diapers, pizza, coffee, four 12-packs of drinks, canned goods, air freshener, nachos, noodles, frozen goods, chips and a family pack of beef.
The actual total for the merchandise was $547.50.
Mullins said the two women were being held Friday without bond pending an initial court appearance.
Mullins said the cashier charged the customer $5.25 for seven pairs of jeans, a baby crib, a pair of scrubs, a picture frame, sweat suit, laundry detergent, a bra, four pairs of pants, diapers, pizza, coffee, four 12-packs of drinks, canned goods, air freshener, nachos, noodles, frozen goods, chips and a family pack of beef.
The actual total for the merchandise was $547.50.
Mullins said the two women were being held Friday without bond pending an initial court appearance.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Expensive Eviction
SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. - A New York landlord accused of removing the toilet and other fixtures from a basement apartment to get a tenant to move out has been fined nearly $10,000. The Rockland Board of Health issued the fine to Fausto Pinos of Bushkill, Pa., on Wednesday.
Pinos did not appear at the meeting, but his brother, Jesus Pinos, speaking on his behalf, said the landlord did not dispute the charges. He said Pinos thought that removing the toilet, a bathtub, kitchen sink, stove, oven and countertop from the Spring Valley, N.Y., apartment would force the woman and her child to move.
It is not clear why the landlord wanted her evicted.
Officials said Fausto Pinos was charged with 24 housing code violations. There was no listing for a Fausto Pinos in Bushkill, Pa.
Pinos did not appear at the meeting, but his brother, Jesus Pinos, speaking on his behalf, said the landlord did not dispute the charges. He said Pinos thought that removing the toilet, a bathtub, kitchen sink, stove, oven and countertop from the Spring Valley, N.Y., apartment would force the woman and her child to move.
It is not clear why the landlord wanted her evicted.
Officials said Fausto Pinos was charged with 24 housing code violations. There was no listing for a Fausto Pinos in Bushkill, Pa.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Getaway Car?
CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Authorities are looking for a shoplifter who was run over twice by her getaway car after stealing $1,200 worth of designer purses from a Cape Coral store. A T.J. Maxx security guard told police she saw a woman stuff six designer Dooney & Bourke purses into her pants Tuesday morning and walk out of the store. The guard said she was confronting the woman when a car pulled up.
A report said the shoplifter tried to get into the vehicle but fell out and was run over by the car. She then got up and jumped onto the hood of the car. As the car was driving away, the report said the woman fell off and was run over again. On her third attempt, she finally made it into the vehicle.
Police are using the car's license plate and a check the woman dropped to track her down.
A report said the shoplifter tried to get into the vehicle but fell out and was run over by the car. She then got up and jumped onto the hood of the car. As the car was driving away, the report said the woman fell off and was run over again. On her third attempt, she finally made it into the vehicle.
Police are using the car's license plate and a check the woman dropped to track her down.
Hair 1st
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Police said an elderly woman in Palm Beach County crashed into a man on a scooter and then kept driving to make her hair appointment. Boynton Beach police spokeswoman Stephanie Slater said a 77-year-old woman was arrested Thursday for leaving the scene of an injury crash.
The man suffered abrasions all over his body. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Police said the woman was turning right when she pulled into the path of an oncoming scooter that had the right of way. The scooter collided with her silver Toyota, vaulting the man off the scooter, onto the windshield and then onto the roadway.
Police spotted her car after she had her hair appointment.
The man suffered abrasions all over his body. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Police said the woman was turning right when she pulled into the path of an oncoming scooter that had the right of way. The scooter collided with her silver Toyota, vaulting the man off the scooter, onto the windshield and then onto the roadway.
Police spotted her car after she had her hair appointment.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pricey Brick
DENTON, Texas - A man in Denton, Texas who was expecting a shipment of tools instead received a 30-pound brick of marijuana that police say is worth more than $10,000. Officer Ryan Grelle says the man opened the box Monday night, realized it contained drugs and contacted police.
The package from the Pharr area was handled by UPS in McAllen on Jan. 6. and apparently was intended for a Dallas address.
The Denton Record-Chronicle reports no such address exists in Dallas, so the package wound up 40 miles to the northwest at the similar address in Denton.
The package from the Pharr area was handled by UPS in McAllen on Jan. 6. and apparently was intended for a Dallas address.
The Denton Record-Chronicle reports no such address exists in Dallas, so the package wound up 40 miles to the northwest at the similar address in Denton.
Wild Ride Night
MOUNT SINAI, N.Y. - A drunken Long Island driver switched places with his passenger - but the new driver also was intoxicated. Suffolk County police said an officer spotted the driver and passenger stopped on the road and switching places early Thursday in Mount Sinai.
When they started moving again, their car began tailgating another vehicle, causing it to go onto the shoulder.
Both men now face charges of felony driving while intoxicated. Police said both have previous convictions.
The car was been seized.
When they started moving again, their car began tailgating another vehicle, causing it to go onto the shoulder.
Both men now face charges of felony driving while intoxicated. Police said both have previous convictions.
The car was been seized.
Don't Take Your Pets There
VINELAND, N.J. ) - Police say a New Jersey man posed as a female animal doctor, ran an illegal veterinary practice and set up a phony rescue agency that may have duped pet lovers out of thousands of dollars. Vineland police arrested 26-year-old Daniel C. Tyce on Friday and charged him with practicing medicine without a license. He is being held on $10,000 bail.
Police say he ran a business called South Jersey Small Animal Rescue, falsely identifying himself as Dr. Danielle Smith, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school.
Police say he inoculated pets and offered small animals for adoption for a fee. He also solicited donations, claiming the agency was a nonprofit. Authorities say it was not.
Police do not know if Tyce has retained a lawyer.
Police say he ran a business called South Jersey Small Animal Rescue, falsely identifying himself as Dr. Danielle Smith, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school.
Police say he inoculated pets and offered small animals for adoption for a fee. He also solicited donations, claiming the agency was a nonprofit. Authorities say it was not.
Police do not know if Tyce has retained a lawyer.
A Lesson Taught?
MONTERREY, Mexico - Four teenagers say police in a northern Mexican town spray-painted their hair, shoes and buttocks to teach them not to paint graffiti on public property.
Emilio Alfaro of Nuevo Leon state's Human Rights Commission said Thursday the youths have filed a complaint alleging that police in Guadelupe slapped, kicked and painted them with spray cans after detaining them for vandalism.
The youths are aged between 14 and 16. They presented paint-stained shoes and photos of their painted heads as evidence.
Guadelupe's police department says several officers have been suspended while the matter is being investigated.
The youths were fined more than $200 before being released on Tuesday.
Guadelupe is outside the city of Monterrey.
Emilio Alfaro of Nuevo Leon state's Human Rights Commission said Thursday the youths have filed a complaint alleging that police in Guadelupe slapped, kicked and painted them with spray cans after detaining them for vandalism.
The youths are aged between 14 and 16. They presented paint-stained shoes and photos of their painted heads as evidence.
Guadelupe's police department says several officers have been suspended while the matter is being investigated.
The youths were fined more than $200 before being released on Tuesday.
Guadelupe is outside the city of Monterrey.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mayor Busted!
RACINE,WI Mayor Gary Becker has been arrested on multiple felony charges related to attempted sexual assault of a child and having child pornography, according to a state agency.
Becker was taken into custody at Brookfield Square Mall in Brookfield on Tuesday afternoon. He was arrested for child enticement, possession of child pornography, exposing a child to harmful materials, attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child, use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime and misconduct in public office, according to the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation.
A complaint made to the Racine Police Department several weeks ago is what led to the arrest, according to Lt. Jim Dobbs, a department spokesman.
At a press conference at City Hall Wednesday morning, Dobbs said that city police then contacted DCI, which took over the investigation.
Upon his arrest Becker was transported to the Kenosha County Jail, where he is being held on a $165,000 cash bond.
Racine County Sheriff Bob Carlson said local authorities made the decision to move Becker to Kenosha. “It’s a better security process,” he said. “It’s not unusual.”
However, the case is still a Racine County case, according to Deputy District Attorney Rich Chiapete. They have not drafted a criminal complaint yet and said they couldn’t comment further until they received all of the paperwork on the investigation.
“We’re still waiting on reports,” Chiapete said. “We’re anticipating it’s going to be (Thursday)” that charges are formally filed.
If charges are filed, Becker would appear in Racine County Circuit Court at 1:30 p.m. Thursday for an initial appearance.
Police Chief Kurt Wahlen said Wednesday morning that he was shocked by the allegations against Becker. He knew about the investigation when the department received the complaint, but said DCI handled it.
“They took the ball and ran with it,” Wahlen said. “We moved into the back seat.”
Bill Cosh, a spokesman for DCI, said Wednesday he was unable to provide any further details on their investigation. It has not been released where the child pornography was found, however City Attorney Rob Weber said no search warrants had been executed at City Hall.
Cosh would not say whether Becker’s arrest was part of an online sting through DCI’s Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. In the ongoing program, state agents pose as underage children online. Child predators make contact with the agents and set up meetings, oftentimes for sex with what they think is a minor.
When the suspected predator shows up at the meeting place, they are arrested.
Becker was taken into custody at Brookfield Square Mall in Brookfield on Tuesday afternoon. He was arrested for child enticement, possession of child pornography, exposing a child to harmful materials, attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child, use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime and misconduct in public office, according to the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation.
A complaint made to the Racine Police Department several weeks ago is what led to the arrest, according to Lt. Jim Dobbs, a department spokesman.
At a press conference at City Hall Wednesday morning, Dobbs said that city police then contacted DCI, which took over the investigation.
Upon his arrest Becker was transported to the Kenosha County Jail, where he is being held on a $165,000 cash bond.
Racine County Sheriff Bob Carlson said local authorities made the decision to move Becker to Kenosha. “It’s a better security process,” he said. “It’s not unusual.”
However, the case is still a Racine County case, according to Deputy District Attorney Rich Chiapete. They have not drafted a criminal complaint yet and said they couldn’t comment further until they received all of the paperwork on the investigation.
“We’re still waiting on reports,” Chiapete said. “We’re anticipating it’s going to be (Thursday)” that charges are formally filed.
If charges are filed, Becker would appear in Racine County Circuit Court at 1:30 p.m. Thursday for an initial appearance.
Police Chief Kurt Wahlen said Wednesday morning that he was shocked by the allegations against Becker. He knew about the investigation when the department received the complaint, but said DCI handled it.
“They took the ball and ran with it,” Wahlen said. “We moved into the back seat.”
Bill Cosh, a spokesman for DCI, said Wednesday he was unable to provide any further details on their investigation. It has not been released where the child pornography was found, however City Attorney Rob Weber said no search warrants had been executed at City Hall.
Cosh would not say whether Becker’s arrest was part of an online sting through DCI’s Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. In the ongoing program, state agents pose as underage children online. Child predators make contact with the agents and set up meetings, oftentimes for sex with what they think is a minor.
When the suspected predator shows up at the meeting place, they are arrested.
Monday, January 12, 2009
If The Price Is Right...
GREENFIELD, Calif. - Police have arrested a Greenfield man for allegedly arranging to sell his 14-year-old daughter into marriage in exchange for $16,000, 100 cases of beer and several cases of meat.
Police said they only learned of the deal after the 36-year-old man went to them to get his daughter back because payment wasn't made as promised. The man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of human trafficking.
Officers also arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of statutory rape. Investigators believe the girl went willingly with the man, but she's under California's legal age of consent and can't legally marry.
Police say arranged marriages involving underage girls have become a problem in this small Central Coast farming community.
Police said they only learned of the deal after the 36-year-old man went to them to get his daughter back because payment wasn't made as promised. The man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of human trafficking.
Officers also arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of statutory rape. Investigators believe the girl went willingly with the man, but she's under California's legal age of consent and can't legally marry.
Police say arranged marriages involving underage girls have become a problem in this small Central Coast farming community.
Merry Christmas To You!
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - A couple accused of assaulting each other over an unappreciated Christmas gift have been ordered to stay away from each other. Randi Young, 24, and Heath Blom, 26, were arrested on Christmas day. Police said the pair argued after Blom complained about getting a Wii game system from Young instead of the remote control airplane he asked for. When Young started to leave, Blom allegedly grabbed her by the hair and she turned around and hit him,
In court Monday, Young asked that the no-contact order be lifted, saying they just had a bad Christmas. But the judge denied the request.
In court Monday, Young asked that the no-contact order be lifted, saying they just had a bad Christmas. But the judge denied the request.
No R.I.P.
COVINA, Calif. - Police said a man has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after he crashed head-on into a hearse taking a body to a funeral with a sheriff's deputy watching. Covina police Sgt. Ray Marquez said the Los Angeles County deputy pulled up behind a car Saturday and said the driver appeared unconscious as he sat idling at a green light.
The deputy tapped on the driver's window, and the car immediately surged through the intersection into oncoming traffic and hit the hearse.
Marquez says no one was injured. He said an 18-year-old was arrested, cited, and released later Saturday.
Marquez said a replacement hearse arrived to take the body to its destination, a funeral at a nearby church.
The deputy tapped on the driver's window, and the car immediately surged through the intersection into oncoming traffic and hit the hearse.
Marquez says no one was injured. He said an 18-year-old was arrested, cited, and released later Saturday.
Marquez said a replacement hearse arrived to take the body to its destination, a funeral at a nearby church.
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