Regional Briefs – Jan. 23, 2019

Teen Gets Up to Four Years for Cop-Dragging Incident

BROOKLYN – A teenager who dragged a police officer while driving a stolen car was sentenced Wednesday to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison, The Associated Press reported. The short sentence of Justin Murrell, 17, for the incident that left Dalsh Veve with severe injuries was criticized by NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill as “an absolute disgrace.”

L Train Service Suspended Due to Water Main Break

NEW YORK – The L train service between Brooklyn and Manhattan was suspended for a short while Wednesday because of a water main break between 6th and 8th avenues, The Associated Press reported. Passengers were told to take other trains or the bus.

Preschool Teacher Arrested For Threat to Shoot Up School

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. – A preschool teacher who threatened to shoot her co-workers was arrested, The Associated Press reported. Gina Schroeder, 38, who works at The Goddard School, had her three guns seized and was charged with making terroristic threats.

NJ First Lady Starts Effort to Lower Maternal Mortality

CAMDEN, N.J. – New Jersey’s first lady on Wednesday launched an initiative to combat the state’s high percentage of women who die in childbirth, The Associated Press reported. Tammy Murphy said she will also focus on reducing the disparity between black and white mothers. The state ranks 45th in the nation in maternal mortality.