Regional Briefs – June 22, 2017

De Blasio Lays Out Plan to Close Rikers Complex

NEW YORK – Mayor Bill de Blasio detailed Wednesday how he plans to close down the Rikers Island jail complex within a decade, The New York Times reported. The prison population would be reduced to 5,000 by making it easier to pay bail, expanding diversion programs and speeding up processing times.

Pickup Going Wrong Way Hits Dump Truck, 1 Dead

FRANKLIN, N.J. – A pickup truck going the wrong way down Rt. 55 slammed head-on into a dump truck loaded with sand early Thursday, leaving the driver dead, The Associated Press reported. The road was closed for hours for cleanup and the investigation.

Man Admits to Impersonating Police Officer to Rob Home

NEWARK – A burglar admitted Wednesday to impersonating a police officer in order to rob an Irvington home of thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry, The Associated Press reported. it took police nearly six years to arrest Peter Kopic, 38 for the 2011 robbery.

Times Square Crash Victims Graduate From High School

DUNELLEN, N.J. – Two teens injured in last month’s Times Square crash graduated high school on Wednesday, The Associated Press reported. Destiny Lightfoot received a standing ovation when she came in a wheelchair and the mother of Jessica Williams, who is still hospitalized, received her diploma.

Democratic Mayor Declines 3rd Term, Blames Trump

HOBOKEN, N.J. – Hoboken’s Democratic mayor said Tuesday she’s focusing on climate change rather than running for a third term, The Associated Press reported. Dawn Zimmer blamed her decision on President Trump’s pulling out of the Paris climate accord.