Regional Briefs – June 25, 2017

Officer Attends Graduation of Girl He Rescued in 2011

NORTH BABYLON, N.Y. – A police officer on Saturday attended the high school graduation of a teen he rescued from icy waters six years ago, Newsday reported. Sarah Thalhammer was 11 when a dog she was walking dragged her onto the frozen Great South Bay. When the ice gave way Matthew DeMatteo threw her a rope.

Dementia Patient Found Alive in Woods After 3-day Search

MOORESTOWN, N.J. – An elderly woman with dementia who went missing late Wednesday was found alive Saturday morning, The Associated Press reported. Agnella Zapotochny, 84, was conscious and talking with rescuers.

Two Pennsylvania Kids Win National Marbles Tournament

WILDWOOD, N.J. – A boy and girl from Pennsylvania won the 94th annual National Marbles Tournament Thursday, The Associated Press reported. Eli Murphy, 12, won the boys final while Sierra Ricci, 12, took the girls prize. Sierra’s sister, Amber, won in 2008.

Man Steals Potted Plants, Escapes in 100 Mph Chase

BROOKLAWN, N.J. – A man stole potted plants from a produce stand early Sunday, then escaped after leading officers on a 100 mph chase, NJ.com reported. Sean Pavlichko, 31, was able to flee when the officer ended the pursuit when it got too heated.

Dogs Maul 11-Year-Old Girl Walking to School

YONKERS, N.Y. – An 11-year-old girl on her way to school Thursday was mauled without warning by two bull mastiff-type dogs, The Associated Press reported. Jaelyn Rodriguez was saved when a passerby hit the dogs with the lid of a trash can and is recovering at home. Officers had to kill the dogs after they couldn’t be pacified.