Category: News

May 14

Queens woman, 60, knocked unconscious by crooks who then stole her SUV

A 60-year-old woman was knocked unconscious in front of her Queens apartment building by five crooks who emptied her pockets and stole her SUV, shocking video shows.

Debbie Villanueva, who recently moved to Rockaway Beach from Brooklyn, was attacked unloading groceries as she spoke on her iPhone with her sister.

“I’m just in a lot of pain right now,” Villanueva told the Daily News Tuesday morning.

Villanueva, who recently moved from Brooklyn to Rockaway Beach, parked her Nissan Rogue outside her building on Beach 96th St. near Rockaway Beach Blvd. about 11:30 p.m. Friday.

But before she could get to the entrance of her building she was approached by two men who approached from across the street with three others.

Debbie Villanueva, was attacked Friday outside her home on Beach 96th St. near Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Queens as she unloaded groceries.

Villanueva “immediately knew what was going to happen” and told her sister to call 911, she told ABC7 New York.

Villanueva moved away from the steps in a failed attempt to dodge the suspect closest to her.

Video shows that suspect pulling at her belongings. She moved to her right, but then the same man clocked her on the left side of her head.

Debbie Villanueva was randomly punched Friday, May 10, 2024, outside her parked Nissan Rogue on Beach 96th St. near Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Queens as she unloaded groceries.
Debbie Villanueva was attacked Friday outside her home on Beach 96th St. near Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Queens as she unloaded groceries.

Villanueva fell to the ground, struck her head on the sidewalk and lost consciousness.

At that point, the man who punched her and the second suspect tore through her pockets, stealing her phone, $90 cash and the keys to her Rogue, which they all took off in.

The SUV was later found in Brownsville, police said, but the attackers are still being sought.

Debbie Villanueva was randomly punched Friday, May 10, 2024, outside her parked Nissan Rogue on Beach 96th St. near Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Queens as she unloaded groceries.
Debbie Villanueva was attacked Friday outside her home on Beach 96th St. near Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Queens as she unloaded groceries.

“This could have happened to anybody,” Villanueva told ABC7 New York. “I just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

She suffered a concussion, with doctors needing staples to close the gash on her head. She was on painkillers and still recovering Tuesday morning.

Debbie Villanueva was randomly punched Friday, May 10, 2024, outside her parked Nissan Rogue on Beach 96th St. near Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Queens as she unloaded groceries.
Debbie Villanueva was attacked Friday outside her home on Beach 96th St. near Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Queens as she unloaded groceries.

“I’m grateful just to be OK,” she told ABC7 New York.

“Emotionally I don’t know yet. I’m gonna be honest with you I don’t know if it has hit me yet. But I’m gonna take it one day at a time. What else can I do?”

May 14

Sinkhole Engulfs Sedan Following Hydrant Collision in Arizona

A Startling Turn of Events in Phoenix

A routine traffic accident escalated into a dramatic scene in Phoenix, Arizona, when an Infiniti sedan, after colliding with a Ford SUV, struck a fire hydrant, unleashing a flood that triggered a sinkhole. This unfortunate series of events unfolded early in the morning near the Desert Sky Mall at the intersection of 75th Ave and Virginia Ave. The floodwater’s immense pressure caused the ground beneath the sedan to collapse, creating a sinkhole that began to devour the vehicle.

Infiniti Swallowed By Sinkhole After Crash With Ford SUV

  • A sinkhole developed after a crash in Arizona and began to envelop a car sitting above it.
  • Authorities reported four injuries including one person in critical condition after the accident.
  • Crews needed a crane to remove the sunken sedan long after the incident.

Rescue Efforts and Community Impact

Quick action by the driver allowed an escape before the sinkhole could claim the sedan entirely. Meanwhile, the surrounding area, including a strip mall parking lot, suffered extensive flooding, leading to temporary business closures and a muddy aftermath. Recovery efforts were intense; a rescue diver and crane were deployed to retrieve the submerged vehicle, highlighting the unexpected and severe nature of the incident.

Reflections on Safety and Infrastructure

  • Rising Concern Over Sinkholes: The incident in Phoenix is part of a worrying trend in the area, with multiple sinkholes appearing recently, raising concerns about geological stability and infrastructure maintenance.
  • Community and Emergency Response: The swift response by emergency services prevented further disaster, but the event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safety standards and infrastructure health.
  • Ongoing Repairs and Vigilance: Efforts to repair the damages caused by the sinkhole are underway, reflecting a community’s resilience in face of natural and man-made challenges, ensuring such incidents are addressed swiftly to restore normalcy and safety.

This account seeks to inform and educate the community on the potential dangers posed by damaged infrastructure, urging both preparedness and awareness to prevent future occurrences. As we navigate these challenges, it becomes crucial to reassess our approaches to urban planning and emergency management.

May 14

SUV Crash Ignites Inferno on Hyannis Roadway, Causes Multiple Injuries

Devastating Collision and Fire in Hyannis

Early this morning, Hyannis, Massachusetts was the scene of a dramatic and fiery accident as an SUV collided with a utility pole on Smith Street near Circle Drive, leading to a rollover and subsequent blaze. The incident, which occurred just after 1 a.m., resulted in the vehicle being completely engulfed in flames. The local fire department swiftly responded, tackling the intense fire that threatened further damage.

Emergency Response and Casualties

Miraculously, all four passengers managed to escape the burning SUV, though not all were unscathed. Upon arrival, first responders transported one critically injured individual to Cape Cod Hospital, while the others received treatment for minor injuries. The aftermath of the crash was chaotic, with emergency services working hard to control the fire and manage the scene, which was exacerbated by a downed utility pole sprawled across the roadway.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with authorities piecing together what happened in the moments leading up to the collision. Speculations about the cause, including potential speed, mechanical issues, or other contributing factors, remain unconfirmed. This accident not only caused significant disruption to local traffic but also impacted the area’s infrastructure, with National Grid crews working diligently to repair the downed lines and restore normalcy to the affected Hyannis neighborhood. The community felt the ripple effects of this unsettling event, as the restoration efforts continued into the daylight hours, reminding residents of the night’s dramatic events.

May 14

Tragic Discovery on Cullen Boulevard: Investigation Launched After Man Found Beneath Vehicle

Distressing Incident Rouses Houston Early Morning

In the early hours of Sunday on Cullen Boulevard, Houston, a 43-year-old man was tragically discovered lifeless under an SUV. This alarming find occurred at approximately 4:40 a.m., prompting swift intervention from the city’s police and emergency services. This has initiated a thorough investigation to uncover how this unfortunate death came about.

Exhaustive Probe by Houston Police

Efforts to identify the deceased are underway by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. According to Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division, led by Sergeants A. Lopez and Detective N. Sharp, the event seems linked to a car accident. After the incident, a 44-year-old female driver was interrogated and later released, which adds complexity to the ongoing investigation.

Urgent Request for Community Input in Investigation

The exact circumstances of the man’s demise are still uncertain, with results from the forthcoming autopsy highly anticipated. The Houston Police remain open to insights without conjecture as to whether this was a mishap or involved criminal activity. They have requested anyone with knowledge concerning this distressing occurrence to reach out to the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600. As the probe continues, community involvement is vital for solving this mystery and ensuring the safety and peace of the local populace.

May 14

Investigation Underway After Man Found Deceased Under SUV in Houston

Mysterious Death on Cullen Boulevard

A somber scene unfolded in Houston early Sunday morning as a 43-year-old man was found deceased beneath an SUV on Cullen Boulevard. The discovery, made at approximately 4:40 a.m., prompted an immediate response from the Houston Police and emergency services. The area became a focus of intense investigative activity as authorities began to piece together the events leading to the tragic incident.

Details of the Incident and Initial Response

The incident, initially reported as a vehicle crash in the 13300 block of Cullen Boulevard, is under thorough investigation by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences and the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division. Detectives A. Lopez and N. Sharp are leading the inquiry. A 44-year-old female driver involved in the incident was detained for questioning and later released at the scene, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing probe.

Call for Witnesses and Ongoing Investigation

With many questions still unanswered, including the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause. The situation remains shrouded in mystery, with no clear indications yet whether the incident was an accident or involved foul play. Houston Police encourage anyone with information to step forward and contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600, as community cooperation could prove pivotal in shedding light on this unsettling event.

May 14

Prosecutor details murder charges against woman accused of running over man with SUV

A 36-year-old woman is being charged with first-degree murder for running over and killing a man with her SUV, according to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.

Leyton announced the charge on Tuesday, May 14.

A manager at the Speedway gas station at 509 S. Dort Highway in Flint, made a call to 911 saying a man was run over by a vehicle, and the vehicle drove away from the scene on Sunday, May 5 at 6:17 a.m., according to Leyton.

When Flint Police arrived on scene, they found the victim, 42-year-old William Charles Clemmons III, lying dead in the driveway of the gas station, Leyton said.

Investigators said before he died, Clemmons received multiple calls from a number which was registered to Candace Marie Patton, of Flint, according to Leyton.

Investigators discovered prior to the incident, there were angry, antagonistic text messages exchanged between the two, Leyton said, adding the texts suggested they had a relationship and it had gone south.

A search revealed Patton owned a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, Leyton said, adding camera footage from the corner of Dort Highway and Carpenter Road showed a Traverse – having the same registration plate as Patton’s – run over Clemmons III and drove away.

A woman is being charged with murder, accused of running over and killing a man with her SUV.

Leyton said a search warrant was executed for the SUV, and the following evidence was seized:

  • Black fiber under the SUV matching the victim’s clothing
  • Imprints and images matching his clothing was found on the SUV’s exhaust pipe
  • Human skin was found in the wheel well of the SUV

According to Leyton, the video and the information discovered during the investigation gives the prosecutor’s office probable cause for a case of first-degree murder.

Patton has been charged with first-degree murder and faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

May 14

5-year-old airlifted to hospital after scooter crashes into SUV

A 5-year-old boy was airlifted to the hospital after his scooter crashed into an SUV, according to Pocono Mountain Regional Police.

On Monday around 6:22 p.m., the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department was dispatched to the area of Mathews Drive and Kirtley Court in Blakeslee for a reported accident involving a juvenile on a scooter.

According to police, a 5-year-old boy was riding a scooter down the hill of Kirtley Court when he came to the intersection with Mathews Drive.

He wasn’t able to stop the scooter prior to entering the intersection, police said, and struck the rear bumper of an SUV that was traveling west on Mathews Drive.

The boy was flown from the scene via Med-Evac to Lehigh Valley, Hospital Cedar Crest. His condition is unknown.

May 14

Severe Motorcycle and SUV Collision in Gloucester Township Results in Serious Injuries

Tragic Encounter on Woodbury-Turnersville Road

In a distressing incident late Monday evening, two individuals sustained serious injuries in Gloucester Township when their motorcycle was struck by an SUV attempting to turn onto Woodbury-Turnersville Road. Police reports indicate the SUV driver failed to yield, leading to a collision despite the motorcycle rider’s efforts to avoid the accident. This critical moment resulted in the motorcycle embedding its front tire into the SUV’s engine compartment.

Response and Investigation by Local Authorities

Emergency teams responded promptly to the scene around 11 p.m., providing immediate assistance to the injured motorcyclists, who were then rushed to Cooper Hospital’s Trauma Center. The SUV occupants did not sustain injuries and declined medical treatment. Gloucester Township Police’s Serious Crash Investigation Team is thoroughly examining the circumstances of the crash, which led to a temporary road closure for investigation purposes.

Community Safety and Vigilance Appeal

In the aftermath of this severe accident, local authorities are actively encouraging community awareness regarding motorcycle safety. The Gloucester Township Police highlight the importance of recognizing motorcycles on the road, emphasizing their equal rights and visibility challenges. Residents are encouraged to review state-provided motorcycle safety resources to help prevent such incidents in the future, especially as traffic increases during the summer months.

This unfortunate event not only underscores the critical need for vigilant driving but also serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact such accidents can have on families and communities. As investigations continue, the community awaits further details and hopes for the recovery of those affected.

May 14

Motorcycle-SUV Collision Leaves Two Seriously Injured in Gloucester Township

Late Monday night, a severe collision occurred between a motorcycle and an SUV in Camden County, leaving two individuals critically injured. The incident unfolded around 11:00 PM at 425 Woodbury-Turnersville Rd. in Gloucester Township, right outside the Elmwood Hills Healthcare Center. Emergency responders found the motorcycle wedged into the SUV’s engine compartment, with both riders ejected from their vehicle.

Both motorcyclists were transported to Cooper Hospital’s trauma unit in Camden, where they are being treated for their injuries. Fortunately, the occupants of the SUV were unharmed and declined medical treatment. The road was shut down for about two hours while the accident scene was cleared and investigated.

The Gloucester Township Police Department’s Serious Crash Investigation Team revealed that the motorcycle was heading west when the SUV attempted a left turn directly in its path, causing the collision. Initial findings suggest the motorcyclist tried to evade the SUV but was unsuccessful. The investigation is ongoing, and the identities of those involved have yet to be disclosed. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at (856) 228-4500.