Regional Briefs – August 20, 2015

Boy, 5, Calls 911 After Car Crash Kills Mom, Sister

ONEIDA, N.Y. – A 5-year-old boy used his mother’s cellphone to call 911 after she and his brother died in a crash, The Associated Press reported. Ellen Caswell, 31, was driving home late Sunday when she veered off the road and hit a utility pole, causing her vehicle to overturn. Her son, Kadyn, found her phone and called his father, who instructed him to call 911.

National Guard Soldier Getting NY’s Highest Military Award

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – A member of the Army National Guard on Wednesday was awarded New York state’s highest military award for heroism for coming to the aid of two teenagers who were shot on a Syracuse street last fall. Staff Sgt. Marlana Watson, 28, of Binghamton received the New York State Medal of Valor during a ceremony on Long Island.

Following Garage Blast, Owner Arraigned on Bomb-Making Charges

BUFFALO – A man who caused an explosion in his garage that led to the amputation of his left leg was arraigned Wednesday on charges of making and possessing a bomb, The Associated Press reported. Michael O’Neill, 45, pleaded not guilty.

Couple Arrested for Leaving 2 Kids in Hot Car

CENTRAL SQUARE, N.Y. – A couple was arrested Monday afternoon for leaving two children in a vehicle on a 90-degree day while they shopped at Wal-Mart, The Associated Press reported. A passer-by saw a 4-year-old girl sleeping in a van and a 9-year-old boy sweating heavily. Both children were treated at the scene and released.

Man Without Use of Arms Has Gun Charge Dropped

TRENTON – A man who can’t use his arms because of a spinal condition has had a gun possession charge against him dropped, the Trentonian reported. Prosecutors dismissed charges against Marcus Hubbard last week, citing a lack of evidence. Four men were in a car that ran a red light in Trenton last year. Officers found a stolen handgun in a seatback.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the August 20th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.