Regional Briefs – December 30, 2014

Boy Struck, Killed By NJ Police Cruiser

FRANKLIN, N.J. – A 10-year-old boy, Matthew McCloskey, was walking to a friend’s house for a sleepover Sunday when he was struck and killed by a police cruiser, The Associated Press reported. Officer Nicholas Locilento was heading to a call.

New Jersey Police Officer Hit by SUV Dies

CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. – A police officer died Monday two days after being struck by an SUV while on the beat, The Record reported. Stephen Petruzzello and his partner, Thaier Abdallah, both 22, were hit by Anie Kalayian. Abdallah is expected to survive.

Jayden, Sophia Remain Top Names for NYC Babies

NEW YORK – Jayden for boys and Sophia for girls are the most popular names for the 120,457 infants born in 2013, the New York City Health Department said Monday. The top 10 hasn’t changed much. Noah and Liam elbowed into the boys’ list, while Aiden and Ryan have dropped off. “Sofia” with an “f” is back in the girls mix after being edged out by Ava in 2012.

With No Snow, Cuomo Can’t Promote Snowmobiling

LOWVILLE, N.Y. – Gov. Andrew Cuomo canceled his trip Monday to a popular snowmobiling destination because of the lack of snow. The governor was supposed to go to the Ridge View Lodge in Lowville and rent about two dozen sleds. But with little or no snow in the region, Cuomo has called off those plans.

Fur Sellers Toss Bleach At Animal Rights Protest

NEW YORK – Three fur sellers were charged after they tossed bleach and ammonia from a Manhattan roof six stories up onto an animal-rights protest below. The bleach struck at least one baby stroller and a few pedestrians. Two of the men were caught inside the building with garbage bags reeking of cleaning fluid.

Prison Staffer Gave Cell Phones to Inmate

TRENTON, N.J. – A Fort Dix prison staffer on Monday admitted providing two cell phones to an inmate between May and June of this year, The Associated Press reported. Elizabeth Quinones, 30, faces up to a year in prison at her sentencing April 9.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the December 30th, 2014 edition of Hamodia.