Regional Briefs – February 26, 2017

Driver Arrested With a $13,000 Bill for Unpaid Tolls

WEEHAWKEN, N.J. – A New Jersey man who owes $12,740 in unpaid tolls across 21 separate accounts was arrested Friday at the Lincoln Tunnel, The Associated Press reported. The officer recognized the car of Dominic Slockbower, 36, as a “habitual toll violator.”

Fire Sweeps Through NJ Hotel, Leaves 2 Injured

VINELAND, N.J. – A fire swept through the Ramada Inn in Vineland early Friday, injuring two people, including a police officer, The Associated Press reported. Guests were hanging from second floor windows and throwing their belongings out the windows.

Rutgers Pays Up for Obama’s 2016 Address

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Final figures show Rutgers University spent $1.5 million on last year’s commencement ceremony headlined by then-President Obama, NJ.com reported. About 52,000 people attended the event. While Rutgers usually pays speakers a $35,000 fee, the Democrat spoke for free.

Taxpayers’ Cost for Christie Security Detail Tops $2M

TRENTON – The detail protecting Gov. Chris Christie cost more than $2 million in his first seven years in office, including during a failed bid for the White House, The Associated Press reported. Costs varied; last year’s was $369,000 while 2015 cost $614,000.

2 WWII-era Grenades Found, Nursing Home Evacuated

CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. – Two World War II-era grenades were found Friday afternoon in the refrigerator of a 91-year-old nursing home resident, the Journal News reported. The Tappan Zee Manor home was evacuated while police searched for any additional explosives. None were found.