NEW YORK, NY – On July 2, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced the formation of the Midtown Community Improvement Coalition. This new interagency quality of life initiative aims to enhance public safety and the overall quality of life in Midtown Manhattan by uniting law enforcement, elected officials, community, and business leaders.

Modeled after the successful 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID) Interagency Hub, the Midtown Community Improvement Coalition comprises over 20 city agencies, service providers, and community partners. Its goal is to create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant business district in Midtown Manhattan.

The coalition will tackle various public safety issues, including retail theft, substance use, the mental health crisis, beautification efforts, illegal scaffolding, and unlicensed cannabis shops. Teams will conduct regular walkthroughs to address issues in real-time, engage with local community members and businesses, and identify individuals needing services such as housing or medical care. Referrals will be made to the appropriate city agencies or service providers.

“With the launch of the Midtown Community Improvement Coalition, we are doubling down on our commitment to improving quality of life, protecting public safety, and beautifying these historic and beloved neighborhoods for working-class New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “Government working hand in hand with the community is crucial to creating a vibrant, cleaner, and more livable city where all New Yorkers can thrive. Community input is essential to our success, and I thank all of our partners for their collaborative efforts to make our city better.”

“Midtown Manhattan is essential to the economic well-being of our city and the entire region. It’s among the busiest commercial districts in the world, home to thousands of permanent residents, iconic tourist attractions, restaurants, retailers, and critical transportation hubs that are gateways to our city,” stated Manhattan District Attorney Bragg. “This new coalition, which combines the resources and expertise of various agencies and providers, will enhance public safety and quality of life for everyone in the area. We have already proven the success of these inter-agency collaborations through the 125th Street Hub, and I am confident we will be just as successful in Midtown. I want to thank Mayor Adams, the NYPD, the Garment District Alliance, and Times Square Alliance for their commitment to this collaborative effort.”

The Midtown Community Improvement Coalition aims to ensure that Midtown Manhattan remains a thriving, safe, and attractive area for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Onis Washington, 25, a resident of South Carolina, has been sentenced to 180 months in prison for carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The sentencing took place on June 28, 2024, with U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey presiding. In addition to the prison term, Washington received three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

The carjacking incident occurred on January 2, 2022, in the 1000 block of Carondelet Street. Washington and his co-defendant forcefully stole a vehicle from a victim and fled. The stolen vehicle was later spotted by the Louisiana State Police and the New Orleans Police Department, but the suspects refused to stop, leading to a chase. During the pursuit, Washington and his co-defendant crashed the stolen vehicle after hitting several other vehicles and then fled on foot. Washington was eventually arrested in South Carolina.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust in communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021, emphasizing these core principles.

U.S. Attorney Evans commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.

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Woodbury, NJ — The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office has announced that Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) checkpoints will be established in Woodbury City during the week of July 7.

These checkpoints, implemented according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Standard Operating Procedure Volume 3, Chapter 17, aim to detect and deter individuals from driving under the influence of alcohol and controlled dangerous substances.

The public is advised to be aware of these checkpoints and to exercise caution while driving.

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NEW YORK, NY – Mayor Eric Adams has extended the state of emergency in New York City due to the ongoing influx of asylum seekers arriving from the Southern border. This extension is necessitated by the unprecedented humanitarian crisis that the city is currently facing, which requires extraordinary measures to address the immediate needs of the new arrivals while continuing to support the tens of thousands of people currently utilizing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Shelter System.

In recent months, thousands of asylum seekers have arrived in New York City without any immediate plans for shelter. This has placed significant strain on the city’s resources, leading to the continuation of the state of emergency first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 224 on October 7, 2022, and extended by subsequent orders, including Emergency Executive Order No. 538 on December 27, 2023.

The current extension, detailed in Emergency Executive Order No. 612, dated June 28, 2024, and now further extended, underscores the city’s commitment to addressing this ongoing crisis. The state of emergency will remain in effect for an additional thirty days, with provisions to extend it further if necessary.

“Given the unprecedented humanitarian crisis we are facing, it is imperative that we continue to take extraordinary measures to meet the immediate needs of the asylum seekers,” Mayor Adams stated. “This extension allows us to maintain the necessary support and resources for those who have newly arrived, as well as those already relying on our shelter system.”

The order directs that the state of emergency declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022, is extended for thirty days. Additionally, section 1 of Emergency Executive Order No. 612, dated June 28, 2024, is extended for five days. The state of emergency will remain in effect for a period not to exceed thirty days or until rescinded, with further extensions to be issued as needed.

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BOSTON, MA – The President of a freight forwarding company has been indicted for allegedly smuggling goods from the United States into Russia without a license, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

Kirill Gordei, 34, faces charges of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, smuggling goods from the United States, and exporting a spectrometer listed as a commerce control item. Gordei was arrested on June 30 in Florida and released on conditions following an initial appearance in the Middle District of Florida. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Gordei, a citizen of Belarus and the United States residing in Hallandale, Fla., is the President of Apelsin Logistics, a freight forwarding company based in Hallandale Beach, Fla., with an address and websites in Russia.

According to the indictment, on August 11, 2023, Gordei allegedly misrepresented the destination of an Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 Mass Spectrometer, claiming it was bound for Uzbekistan when it was actually intended for Russia. This device, valued at over $600,000, is on the Controlled Commerce List and requires a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security for export to Russia. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, stringent export controls have been implemented to limit Russia’s access to critical technologies.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the importance of enforcing export controls to protect national security. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen stated that Gordei’s actions prioritized personal profit over national security. Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod highlighted the crucial role of freight forwarders in upholding export laws, accusing Gordei of willfully evading restrictions designed to weaken the Russian war effort.

The charge of Export of Commerce Control Items carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Smuggling goods from the United States can result in up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutes.

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Queens, NY — The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person from the 104 Precinct.

The missing individual is identified as Lucia Rivera-Tapia, a 13-year-old Hispanic female last seen in the area of Cypress Hills Street. She was last seen leaving her home on Wednesday, June 26, at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Lucia is described as having a light complexion, standing 5’1″ tall, and weighing approximately 110 pounds.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the NYPD.

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WASHINGTON, DC— A video showing President Joe Biden appearing to pass over a Black woman during a public event has gone viral, igniting a wave of controversy and discussion on social media. The footage, which surfaced on Tuesday, shows the President interacting with a crowd but seemingly overlooking a Black woman who was attempting to engage with him.

The incident occurred during a recent visit to a community event, where President Biden was greeting attendees and shaking hands. The video clip, widely shared and viewed millions of times, captures the moment when Biden moves past the woman despite her apparent effort to catch his attention. Critics have seized on the footage as an example of perceived racial insensitivity, while supporters argue it was an unintentional oversight in a crowded and chaotic environment.

Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions. Hashtags such as #BidenIgnoresBlackWoman and #ViralVideo have trended as users weigh in on the incident. Some commentators expressed disappointment and frustration, interpreting the action as a slight against the Black community. Others defended the President, suggesting that the video might not tell the full story and emphasizing his long-standing commitment to civil rights and racial equality.

The video is what White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre would call a ‘cheap fake’ as a full video was later released showing the President engaging the woman.

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McALLEN, TX – A 33-year-old Mexican citizen has been sentenced for receiving Lewd Images of Children, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Orlando Diaz-Ramirez pleaded guilty on September 8, 2023, admitting to receiving 300 videos of Lewd Images of Children from Israel Flores, 22, of Los Fresnos. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced Diaz to 97 months in federal prison. The court noted that Diaz had an additional eight gigabytes of child pornography on his Dropbox account and was employed as a choir teacher at a local middle school at the time of the offense. The court emphasized that Diaz’s actions contributed to the market for child pornography and the potential victimization of future children.

Flores was previously sentenced to 97 months in prison. Diaz and Flores are required to pay $24,000 and $21,000, respectively, to known victims. Both men will be ordered to register as sex offenders and serve five years of supervised release, which includes numerous restrictions on their access to children and the internet. As Diaz is not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.

In October 2020, authorities identified an individual uploadingLewd Images of Children to a Dropbox account and linked the associated IP address to Diaz’s residence in Donna. In April 2021, authorities executed a federal search warrant at Diaz’s residence, where he admitted to downloading Lewd Images of Children via Kik and uploading it to his Dropbox account. Diaz also disclosed that he possessed a USB drive containing child pornography received from Flores.

The investigation highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to address and combat the distribution ofLewd Images of Children, underscoring the serious consequences for those involved in such activities.

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TRENTON, NJ— The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has announced the rollout of new temporary registration tags, designed to enhance security and reduce fraud. These temporary registration tags, also known as temporary registration certificates or “temp tags,” will feature a new format and print on paper with advanced security features, in line with the provisions of P.L.2023, c.285, passed in January 2024.

The rollout will be phased over the summer, with both old and new tags visible on the roads during the transition. The NJMVC expects to fully phase out the old tags by early fall. Motor vehicle dealers will be given time to adapt to the new tags and procedures, considering the logistical adjustments required and the 30-day issuance period for temporary tags.

The NJMVC will provide details about the new security features and issuance procedures to law enforcement and dealers soon. The new law also includes stricter penalties and fines for the fraudulent issuance, possession, or display of temporary registration tags. Additionally, a vehicle registry for dealers to share information with the NJMVC will be established, with a planned launch in 2025.

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TRENTON, NJ— New Jersey’s proposed ban on gas-powered leaf blowers has sparked significant controversy, drawing criticism from residents, landscapers, and local businesses alike. The state aims to reduce noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but many argue the ban could have unintended negative consequences.

Critics highlight that leaf blowers are essential tools for landscapers and homeowners, particularly during the fall season when leaves accumulate rapidly. Gas-powered leaf blowers are known for their efficiency and power, enabling quick and thorough cleanup of large areas. Opponents of the ban argue that electric alternatives, while quieter and more environmentally friendly, do not match the performance and reliability of their gas-powered counterparts.

Small business owners and landscaping companies are particularly concerned. The cost of transitioning to electric leaf blowers could be prohibitive for many, especially considering the need for multiple units and backup batteries to maintain the same level of productivity. This financial burden could force some businesses to raise their prices, cut back on services, or even close down, leading to job losses in an industry that employs thousands across the state.

Beyond economic concerns, there are practical issues to consider. Electric leaf blowers, though quieter, require frequent recharging and may not have the same battery life as gas-powered models. This limitation could result in extended working hours and reduced efficiency, particularly in larger properties where access to power sources is limited. In addition, electric blowers may struggle in colder weather, potentially reducing their effectiveness during key times of the year.

Residents who rely on landscaping services fear that the ban could lead to increased costs for yard maintenance. Higher prices could discourage some homeowners from maintaining their properties, potentially leading to overgrown yards and decreased neighborhood aesthetics. Additionally, the noise reduction benefit, while significant, may not outweigh the practical challenges and economic costs for many.

There are also concerns about the enforcement of such a ban. Policing the use of leaf blowers would require additional resources, and distinguishing between gas and electric models from a distance could prove difficult for law enforcement. This could lead to inconsistent enforcement and potential conflicts between residents and authorities.

While the intention behind the proposed ban is commendable—reducing noise pollution and environmental impact—it is clear that the policy requires more nuanced consideration. The state must balance environmental goals with the practical realities faced by residents and businesses. Alternatives such as phased implementation, subsidies for purchasing electric equipment, or exemptions for certain types of properties or businesses could help mitigate some of the negative impacts.

New Jersey’s proposed ban on gas-powered leaf blowers aims to address important environmental and noise concerns, it risks imposing significant economic and practical burdens on residents and businesses. A more balanced approach that takes into account the needs and realities of all stakeholders is essential for achieving the state’s environmental goals without undue hardship.

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NEW YORK, NY — On Tuesday at approximately 2:57 a.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing near Saint Nicholas Avenue and West 185 Street within the 34 Precinct. Officers arrived to find a 20-year-old male with a stab wound to his back.

EMS transported the victim to NYC Health and Hospitals/Harlem in stable condition. However, the victim later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff. The deceased has been identified as Mateo Solis, a 20-year-old male from Manhattan.

There have been no arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The first suspect is described as a male approximately 5’7″ tall with a light complexion and a medium build, last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black sweatpants. The second suspect is described as a male approximately 5’7″ tall with a light complexion and a medium build, last seen wearing a black baseball cap, gray t-shirt, and gray pants.

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NEW YORK, NY— Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled the next phase of subway service increases, set to improve transportation across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Effective Monday, enhanced weekday midday and evening services have been implemented on the B, D, J, and M lines, with trains now arriving every eight minutes. Starting this Saturday, July 6, the 3 and 5 lines will also see enhanced weekend service, with trains arriving every 10 minutes.

“While transit systems across the country were cutting service, I fought hard to save the MTA from the fiscal cliff and expand subway service in last year’s budget,” said Hochul. “These enhancements have brought more riders back to the system and provide more affordable and reliable transit for New Yorkers.”

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is also extending the Rockaway Park Shuttle to 10-car trains and lengthening the shuttle’s route to Rockaway Blvd on weekends through Labor Day. From 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, the extended shuttle will operate from Rockaway Blvd, offering beachgoers a convenient transfer to and from A trains serving the Lefferts Blvd and Far Rockaway branches.

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Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on COVID-19 Situation Amid Rising Hospitalizations

ALBANY, NY— Governor Kathy Hochul today addressed the current state of COVID-19 in New York, highlighting the impact of new variants and increased social gatherings.

As summer brings high temperatures and more indoor activities, Governor Hochul urged residents to adhere to safety measures like testing when symptomatic, following CDC guidelines, staying updated with vaccinations, and seeking necessary treatments.

She noted that although hospitalizations are higher compared to last year, they remain significantly lower than the peaks seen in 2022. “While we are well below the figures seen during the pandemic, we are closely monitoring activity regarding the latest variants,” stated Hochul. “By following the guidance and taking simple precautions, New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy summer.”

The data reflects a rise in hospital admissions due to COVID-19. On Monday, the seven-day average for newly reported COVID-19 hospital admissions statewide stood at 0.72 per 100,000 residents. This is an increase from the 0.31 per 100,000 residents recorded on the same day in 2023, and a decrease from the 1.66 per 100,000 seen in 2022.

Dr. James McDonald, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, also commented on the trends, observing that while hospital admissions are increasing, they are still below the figures from previous years. He emphasized the importance of improving indoor ventilation to mitigate virus transmission and reminded the public that his standing order for updated vaccines remains effective, allowing vaccinations at local pharmacies.

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NEW YORK, NY – Mayor Eric Adams announced a significant decrease in crime rates across New York City during the second quarter of 2024, marking six consecutive months of declining crime figures. The announcement came during a briefing led by Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard from the Public Information Office of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “The prerequisite to prosperity is public safety and justice. The city must be safe.” He praised the NYPD, highlighting the dedication of Commissioner Caban, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Patrol John Chell, and Deputy Commissioner Daughtry, for their relentless efforts to protect New Yorkers.

The Mayor acknowledged the challenges faced by the city, including a surge in protests and the arrival of some individuals with criminal intentions among the migrants and asylum seekers. “We have a small proportion of dangerous individuals who have arrived in our city, but this does not represent the majority who are here to pursue their American dream,” Adams stated. He commended First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella and Deputy Commissioner Weiner for their investigative work in Colombia to address these threats.

Mayor Adams expressed gratitude to the NYPD officers, referring to them as “heroes” for their ongoing commitment to reducing violence and disorder. “They are continuously providing the service that we expect with the level of professionalism that we want,” he said.

Highlighting the progress made, Mayor Adams noted, “This administration inherited a 40 percent increase in crime when we took office, but we have seen a consistent decrease over the past six months.” The Mayor attributed this success to various initiatives aimed at tackling issues such as shootings, illegal mopeds, dirt bikes, and ghost cars. “New York City is the safest big city in America,” he proclaimed.

The briefing concluded with Mayor Adams reiterating his administration’s commitment to public safety and expressing confidence in the continued effectiveness of the measures implemented.

The NYPD, under the leadership of Mayor Adams and Commissioner Caban, remains focused on maintaining the safety and security of all New Yorkers, ensuring that the city continues to thrive as a safe and prosperous metropolis.

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Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

WASHINGTON, DC – Sean Branch, 31, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury of first-degree burglary while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and other charges related to a violent home invasion and assault on a woman and her twelve-year-old son. The incident occurred in Southeast Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Branch was also convicted of three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of second-degree cruelty to children, and two counts of threats to do bodily harm. The verdict was returned on July 3, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, presided over by the Honorable Michael O’Keefe. A sentencing date has not yet been set, but Branch faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison for his offenses.

According to the government’s evidence, Branch had formed a friendship with the adult victim during the summer of 2020, which led to him storing belongings in her apartment. In the days leading up to the offense, Branch and the victim argued over whether he could continue to store his belongings there. On September 11, 2020, shortly after 8:30 a.m., Branch broke into the apartment through an exterior window, wearing a ski mask. He approached the woman and her child in the living room, struck the woman in the face with a gun, causing severe bleeding, and then dragged them to the back bedroom while repeatedly demanding his belongings. Branch pointed the gun at the child’s head and threatened to kill both victims before fleeing the scene.

The victims identified Branch based on his voice and the context of the offense. MPD officers recovered surveillance footage showing Branch fleeing from the ground floor balcony wearing a ski mask. Officers also found a pair of sweatpants and a jacket along Branch’s flight path that matched the assailant’s appearance on video. DNA testing linked Branch to the recovered clothing.

The case underscores the efforts of the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring justice to victims of violent crime in the District of Columbia.

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OXFORD, MS – A former Robins Air Force Base employee has been arrested for making false statements and obstructing justice during a federal criminal investigation into a 2017 military plane crash that resulted in the deaths of 16 service members.

On July 10, 2017, a United States Marine Corps KC-130 transport aircraft, known as “Yanky 72,” crashed near Itta Bena, Mississippi, killing fifteen Marines and one Navy Corpsman. On Tuesday morning, James Michael Fisher, 67, formerly of Warner Robins, Georgia, and currently residing in Portugal, was arrested based on an indictment issued by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Mississippi. The indictment charges him with obstruction of justice and making false statements during the investigation into the crash.

According to the indictment, Fisher, a former propulsion engineer with the C-130 program office at Robins Air Force Base, engaged in conduct aimed at avoiding scrutiny for his past engineering decisions that might be related to the crash. The indictment alleges that Fisher knowingly concealed key engineering documents from criminal investigators and made materially false statements about his past engineering decisions.

Fisher faces two charges of making false statements and two charges of obstruction of justice. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi, along with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

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WASHINGTON, DC – James Miller, 41, of Virginia, was sentenced today for burglary, simple assault, and destruction of property related to a break-in at his pregnant ex-wife’s home in Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

On January 10, a Superior Court jury found Miller guilty of burglary, simple assault, and destruction of property following a trial. Today, Superior Judge Robert A. Salerno sentenced Miller to five years in prison.

According to the government’s evidence, Miller broke into his ex-wife’s home on September 19, 2023, by breaking through the front door. Once inside, he charged at his ex-wife, grabbed her by the throat, and threw her to the ground. After she got back up, he grabbed her by her bathrobe and threw her onto the couch. The victim and her 22-year-old daughter, who was hiding upstairs, both called 911. Police arrived at 1:49 a.m. and arrested Miller at the scene.

U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in investigating the case. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Hyde and Matthew Covert of the Domestic Violence unit for prosecuting the case.

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Bronx, NY — On Saturday at approximately 7:30 p.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting an assault in front of 2227 University Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a 28-year-old on-duty MTA bus operator who had been assaulted by an unknown individual.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was punched and spat on by an individual attempting to disembark from the BX3 MTA bus near the West 183 Street stop. The assailant fled on foot.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was transported by EMS to New York Presbyterian Allen Hospital for medical evaluation.

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Smithtown, NY — A Smithtown man was arrested for weapons and fireworks charges following the execution of a search warrant at his home on July 4.

During the search of the Pia Boulevard home, Suffolk County Police officers confiscated two assault rifles, two handguns, several high-capacity feeding devices, and bullets. Additionally, they seized 15 boxes of fireworks containing approximately 100 mortars and two firework cakes.

In an unrelated incident, four people were injured, and multiple vehicles were damaged by fireworks in Port Jefferson Station on July 4.

Authorities remind residents that fireworks are illegal in New York State and only licensed professionals are permitted to use and possess them.

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BALTIMORE, MD—Baltimore Police Department officers successfully arrested a 27-year-old male following a vehicle stop in the Western District, leading to the recovery of a handgun and the discovery of an active warrant.

The incident occurred on the evening of July 5, 2024, around 9:35 PM, during a routine investigation near the intersection of Monroe Street and Mosher Street. The arrest took place in the 1400 block of South Monroe Street where, in addition to the handgun and ammunition, it was found that the suspect was wanted under an active MTA warrant.

Following the arrest, the suspect was transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility, where he was charged according to the findings of the stop. The police department continues to prioritize safety and law enforcement in the area.

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ROCKVILLE, MD—A devastating incident in Rockville has led to the death of a 3-year-old boy, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Montgomery County Police Department’s Major Crimes Division.

The tragedy unfolded late Friday night, around 11:44 PM, when emergency services received a call reporting the child missing. Responding to the scene at Elmcroft Court, Rockville City Police discovered the toddler in a neighborhood pool. Immediate life-saving efforts were undertaken, with officers administering CPR before the child was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

While the investigation is active, authorities have indicated that no foul play is suspected at this stage. The Montgomery County Police Department has chosen not to release the child’s name.

In light of this incident, the Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD Unit has issued a reminder urging the public to call 911 immediately if a loved one wanders. Additional resources and safety information are available on the unit’s website to assist families in preventing such tragic occurrences.

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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ—The Atlantic City Police Department has reported the arrest of 32-year-old Taquanda Roberts following a series of vehicle collisions that occurred while she was allegedly attempting to evade a vehicle repossession.

The incident began on July 4, 2024, around 1:34 PM, when Officer Kenlyn Johnson was called to the 700 block of Maryland Avenue to address a dispute over vehicle repossession. According to police, Roberts was attempting to prevent her vehicle from being towed when she abruptly entered her vehicle during the dispute.

Roberts reportedly drove onto the sidewalk, striking a parked car, then hurriedly picked up her children and attempted to flee. Despite commands from Officer Bryan Victoria-Garcia to exit her vehicle, she accelerated away, subsequently hitting another vehicle occupied by a woman and her four children, ages one to 10.

Roberts continued to flee the scene but was later apprehended by Detective Christopher Dodson without further incident. All individuals involved in the crashes were treated on-site by medical personnel.

Taquanda Roberts is now facing charges related to the incident, with details of her legal proceedings pending.

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NEWARK, DE—Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run incident that occurred yesterday afternoon on Salem Church Road, resulting in the death of a 57-year-old man from Newark.

The collision took place at approximately 4:14 PM, when the victim was walking northbound along the right shoulder of the road, just north of Michaels Lane. An unidentified white vehicle, also traveling northbound, veered onto the shoulder for undetermined reasons and struck the pedestrian. The vehicle then fled the scene, continuing northbound.

The victim was promptly transported to a local hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced deceased. Authorities are withholding his name until family members are notified.

Investigators are seeking a white vehicle with likely front right damage and are asking anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle involved to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

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BALTIMORE, MD—Early this morning, Baltimore Police responded to a tip about potential drug sales involving minors in the 1700 block of Lemmon Street. Although no individuals were found selling drugs upon arrival, officers conducted a thorough search of the area.

During their investigation, a significant quantity of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) was discovered in a vacant property on the same block. The drugs have been seized and submitted to the Evidence Control Unit (ECU) for further examination.

The Baltimore Police Department has commended the responding officers for their diligent efforts in addressing community concerns and potentially preventing further criminal activity. The investigation is ongoing.

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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ—The Atlantic City Police Department has announced that the Absecon Drawbridge, previously closed due to a malfunction, is now open. Earlier today, the bridge was shut down in both directions, affecting traffic on Route 30.

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes, including the Atlantic City Expressway or Route 40, to enter or exit Atlantic City.

Repair efforts were expected to take several hours, but the bridge has since been reopened to traffic, restoring normal flow in the area.

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