Regional Briefs – December 1, 2014

No Croaking: New Frog Species Groans, Coughs

CHERRY HILL, N.J. – Scientists have discovered a new frog species in southern New Jersey that makes some un-froglike sounds, the Courier-Post of Cherry Hill reported. The Atlantic Coast leopard frog groans and coughs instead of croaking. The unfamiliar call was noticed several years ago but it was recently that it was ID’ed in an online journal.

Cooking Oil Thief Nabbed With 500 Stolen Gallons

HOLMDEL, N.J. – A cooking oil thief was arrested early Friday with 500 gallons of the used glob stolen from behind restaurants, the Asbury Park Press reported. Police are trying to figure out what Carlos Garcia-Martinez planned to do with the loot.

Man Gets Haircut, Then Robs Barber Shop

NEW YORK – Three men went into a Bronx barber shop at 10 p.m. Friday and one of them got a haircut. As the barber finished the trim the hairy suspect pulled a gun and demanded the waiting customers hand over their money, The Associated Press reported. The three suspects then took the cash register and fled.

NY 3-Year Park Pass Price Cut on Monday

ALBANY – New York’s parks office is cutting the price of its 3-year Empire Passport to $130 for one day on Monday, down from the standard $165. Valid through March 2018, the permit allows unlimited access to all 180 state recreation areas. It will be available online or by 518-457-2500.

2 Guards Shot at Brooklyn Housing Complex

NEW YORK – Two security guards hired to protect a Brownsville housing complex were shot on the job Friday morning, with both men in critical condition, the Daily News reported. One man was coming off his shift, the other was just starting.

Housekeeper Accused Of $76,000 in Thefts

FREEPORT, N.Y. – A Long Island housekeeper was arrested Thursday for stealing $76,000, Newsday reported. Patricia Pavon, 47, took $11,000 in cash and $5,000 in jewelry from a Freeport home. The residents then contacted relatives in Uniondale who also employed her. That family determined $60,000 worth of jewelry was missing.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the December 1st, 2014 edition of Hamodia.