Regional Briefs – April 14, 2015

Man Steals Car to Avoid Missing Court Hearing

RIVERDALE, N.J. – A Riverdale man anxious not to be late for a court hearing in Paterson is behind bars for stealing a friend’s car to make the appointment, NJ.com reported. The friend called police to report his car missing. As he was talking to the officers, Jorge Ramirez-Sierra called to say he was returning the car. He was arrested as soon as he pulled up.

Teaneck Flushes Sewer After Gasoline Dumped Down Drain

TEANECK, N.J. – Teaneck firefighters flushed the sewer lines on Sunday after a resident dumped gasoline down a drain in their home in the northwest part of the city, The Record reported. One home was evacuated.

Thousands of NJ Residents Got Bigger Tax Rebates Than Owed

TRENTON – Thousands of state residents got bigger tax credits than they were owed, and the state could see $1.6 million returning to the treasury after the funds are recovered, the state comptroller’s office said on Thursday. Some 3,771 taxpayers got full rebates under the Homestead Property Tax Credit even though their properties have multiple units.

Lesson Goes Awry: Teen Hits Gas Instead of Brake

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. – A New Jersey teenager on Thursday slammed into an apartment building and three gas meters — causing a gas leak — when she hit the accelerator instead of the brake during a driving lesson with her father, the Home News Tribune reported. The 16-year-old had just received her learners’ permit. About 40 residents were evacuated.

Cop Caught on Camera Stealing Cash During Deli Raid

NEW YORK – A Brooklyn detective was suspended without pay Thursday after he was seen on a surveillance video pocketing $3,000 during a business raid. Ian Cyrus was probing the sale of untaxed cigarettes.

Carjacker ID’d Via App on Stolen Cell Gets Prison

NEWARK – An armed carjacker who was identified by the “find my iPhone” feature was sentenced on Monday to more than 11 years in prison, The Associated Press reported. Lee Carraballo in 2012 carjacked a Rutgers law student at gunpoint. The victim located his phone remotely and called police.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the April 14th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.