Regional Briefs – July 6, 2017

Mom Arrested for Leaving Child Alone in Lego Store

ROCHESTER – A mother faces child endangerment charges for letting her 10-year-old child hang out in a Lego Store Sunday night while she shopped elsewhere in the Eastview Mall, The Associated Press reported. Jia Fan, 44, was seen walking away from the child by store employees who contacted security.

Village Mulls Ending Ban On Short-Term Rentals

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. – Village officials in the Hamptons are considering ending a law that prohibits short-term stays in rental properties, Newsday reported. West Hampton Dunes residents complain that the 2013 law limiting leases to two weeks or longer gives an unfair advantage to Airbnb.

Balloon Causes Long Island Power Outage

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. – A loose balloon was blamed for a 90-minute power outage Tuesday afternoon which affected more than 1,300 businesses and homes, Newsday reported. PSEG Long Island said that a balloon with a metallic coating touched a primary wire, causing the short circuit.

Convertible Idling Outside Airport Stolen With Dog Inside

NEWARK – A thief noticing a blue convertible idling outside Newark Airport Thursday morning jumped inside and took off, not noticing the dog in the back seat, The Associated Press reported. Police are searching for the BMW.

July 4th Partiers Toss Firework Under Car, Hurting Cop

PATERSON, N.J. – Revelers threw an exploding firework under a police vehicle Tuesday night, injuring an officer’s hand when he exited the cruiser, NJ.com reported. Two other officers also had fireworks thrown at their vehicles by the gang of more than 100 people.

Cop Awarded $1.4M After Facing Retaliation Over Ticket

NEWTON, N.J. – A former Hamburg officer was awarded $1.4 million by a jury Wednesday after he was harassed out of his job for refusing to dismiss a parking ticket given to the wife of an officer, the New Jersey Herald reported. Daniel Farruggio was made to clean bathrooms and put on 12-hour night shifts.