Regional Briefs – May 1, 2019

New York City to Pay $3.5m Settlement in Rikers Inmate Death

NEW YORK (AP) – New York City has reached a $3.5 million settlement in a lawsuit filed over the 2014 death of a Rikers Island inmate who records show was deprived of seizure medication.
The Daily News reported Wednesday that the city agreed last week to pay the money to the mother of Rolando Perez’ now-18-year-old son.
Perez died in January 2014, two days after being put in solitary confinement. He was being held at Rikers on burglary charges and was sent to solitary just a week before he was scheduled to be released.

Officer Struck by Car During Undercover Drug Investigation

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (AP) – A police officer was injured by a car authorities say was driven by the target of an undercover drug investigation.
The Toms River officer was hit around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday as he approached the vehicle in a shopping center in neighboring Lakewood. Authorities say the driver, Brian Swain, accelerated and stopped, the accelerated again and hit the officer, sending him onto the hood and into the car’s windshield.
Swain then drove off but was stopped by officers before he could leave the center.
Swain, 48, has been charged with attempted murder and weapons counts.

Duplex Fire Kills 76-Year-Old Man, Injures Firefighter

PATERSON, N.J. (AP) – A fire at a northern New Jersey duplex has killed a 76-year-old man and injured a firefighter.
Passaic County prosecutors say Russell Mahan’s body was found inside the Paterson home, which was severely damaged in the blaze that broke out Tuesday afternoon.

1 of New Jersey’s Last Coal-Powered Plants Shuts Down

UPPPER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) – One of New Jersey’s last coal-powered plants has closed.
Upper Township Mayor Rich Palombo told The Press of Atlantic City that the B.L. England plant closed Wednesday.
The mayor estimated the plant employed about 70 people. It operated only when demand was at its peak.