Regional Briefs – January 25, 2017

3 Arrested for Combined $682,000 in Unpaid Tolls

WEEHAWKEN, N.J. – Three drivers were arrested Wednesday at the Lincoln Tunnel for owing a combined $682,000 in unpaid tolls and fees, The Associated Press reported. Manuel Aristyarias, 51 has 9,219 E-ZPass violations, Somaya Elkaramany, 47, has 383 while Washington Cevallos-Vega, 31, has 176.

Zoning Board Delays Vote On Islamic Center — Again

BAYONNE, N.J. – The Bayonne zoning board Tuesday night again postponed a vote on whether to approve construction on an Islamic center, NJ.com reported. Roughly 500 people attended the meeting, split between supporters and opponents. Supporters waved signs that read “Muslim Lives Matter.”

Cars Stolen in Newark Often Left Running, Unattended

NEWARK – Police say 22 percent of the cars stolen so far this year in New Jersey’s largest city were left unattended with the engines running. Newark police say it’s an invitation for thieves since it takes seconds to break a window and drive off, The Associated Press reported.

Car Carrier Catches Fire on NJ Turnpike

ROBINSVILLE, N.J. – A car carrier ferrying 10 cars burst into flames while traveling along the NJ Turnpike Tuesday evening, The Associated Press reported. The blaze was brought under control within an hour and there were no major injuries. Five cars were damaged.

103 Puppies Rescued After Van Crashes Into Ditch

AVOCA, N.Y. – A box van carrying 103 puppies on Tuesday lost control, causing it to hit a ditch and overturn on a highway near Rochester, The Associated Press reported. The puppies were rescued and delivered to pet stores. Five of them sustained minor injuries.

Man Hailed for Finding Missing Autistic Teen Asleep in Shed

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – A man was hailed as a hero Wednesday for finding a missing autistic teenager sleeping in his backyard shed during a rainstorm, Newsday reported. Mike Caputo was awarded a key to the town for finding Joseph Barbella, 16, who had gone missing for about 12 hours on Tuesday.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the January 26th, 2017 edition of Hamodia.