Regional Briefs – March 6, 2016

Ex-Officer Sentenced for Racial Thefts at Traffic Stops

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. – A former police officer charged with stealing from Hispanics during traffic stops was sentenced on Friday to between 1 and 3 years in prison, The Associated Press reported. Scott Greene, 52, was acquitted on hate charges.

Black, Hispanic Numbers Dip at Elite High Schools

NEW YORK – The already low numbers of black and Hispanics at eight prestigious NYC high schools will inch downward, The Associated Press reported. For example, out of 950 students in next year’s freshman class at Stuyvesant High, nine are black and 14 are Hispanic. That’s down from 10 and 20 now.

Postal Worker Admits to Stealing Gift Cards

ROCHESTER – A postal worker admitted stealing $6,500 worth of gift cards while working in a mail sorting area last October, The Associated Press reported. Sheila Fullmer was seen using a gift card that had been reported missing. She faces up to 10 years in prison.

Man Gets Jail for Leading Police on Dangerous Pursuit

NEWARK – A man who in 2014 led police on an extended chase while driving a stolen vehicle was sentenced Friday to 11 years in state prison, The Associated Press reported. Freddie Wright, 24, injured a woman was expectant and reached speeds in excess of 100 mph during the pursuit.

New Guidelines Give NJ Cops Broader Use of Stun Guns

TRENTON – New guidelines give state troopers wider discretion on stun guns, The Associated Press reported. AG John Hoffman on Thursday said they no longer need first determine whether a suspect was likely to cause death or injury. They will now be allowed its use on people who actively resist arrest.

Quick-Thinking Teen Survives Push Onto Subway Tracks

QUEENS – A quick-thinking teen survived being pushed onto subway tracks by squeezing between the platform and the wheels of an oncoming train, The Associated Press reported. Police are seeking the man who approached the 17-year-old from behind Saturday. She suffered only minor injuries.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the March 7th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.