Tag: News

May 16

Fatal Collision Between Amtrak Train and SUV Causes I-35 Shutdown in Round Rock

Tragic Incident Halts Traffic

A tragic accident near Round Rock today resulted in an Amtrak train colliding with an SUV, leaving one person dead. The collision occurred just before the late morning rush, leading to a significant shutdown of the I-35 frontage roads. Round Rock Police are currently investigating the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Investigation and Traffic Impact

The crash happened along I-35 and McNeil Road, creating a major disruption in local transportation. Amtrak has not released specific details about the incident as the investigation is ongoing, but delays are expected. Local police have been directing drivers to avoid the area and find alternate routes to ease the post-accident traffic congestion.

Official Response and Ongoing Probe

The Round Rock Police Department received a call about the fatal crash around 11 a.m., but they have not confirmed if there were any additional injuries or casualties. As authorities continue to investigate, they are urging the public to stay clear of the affected roads to facilitate a smoother probe and traffic management. The community awaits further updates as officials work to uncover the details of this devastating event.

May 15

Teenage Girl Abducted in Liberal, Kansas: Police Seek SUV with Texas License Plates

Abduction Details and Police Investigation

Authorities in Liberal, Kansas, are urgently searching for a 14-year-old girl, Marisheila Luis De La Cruz, who is believed to have been abducted by a man driving an SUV with Texas license plates. Marisheila was last seen at 6:45 p.m. at Mary Frame Park, wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and pink sandals. The suspect, described as a possible Hispanic male with black hair, was last seen wearing a black shirt and black pants.

Description of Suspect and Vehicle

The suspect was driving a black 2007 Chevy Tahoe with Texas license plate number TTJ8135. It is currently unclear whether they are still in the Liberal area or have moved elsewhere. Police are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or the incident to call 911 immediately to assist in the investigation and ensure Marisheila’s safe return.

May 15

Vienna Township assesses damage after SUV crashes into building

Half of the Vienna Township Hall is now closed after an SUV crashed into the building.

The vehicle crossed a busy Vienna Road, colliding with a tree, before becoming lodged inside the wall of the township offices. Two people were in the car at the time and taken to the hospital.

“There was quite a bit of cutting involved, I mean, in order to get it out,” said Township Supervisor Joseph A. Rizk. “It was lodged in a room. The firefighters had to use all their skills to do it. Thank god they are trained very well in our area.”

Rizk says only the bumper of the SUV was outside the building, causing extensive damage inside.

“The inside would be very insecure from a structural standpoint until those foundation walls are completely re-done,” said Rizk.

Rizk is waiting on an insurance adjustor to assess the damage. He estimates it would cost over half a million to fix, but believes it will be covered by insurance.

“Right now we are very confident that the insurance company will be covering this fully,” said Rizk. “There might be a slight deductible. It’s not something to be concerned about.”

There is also the issue of time. Rizk says the hole in the wall will take several months to fix.

In the meantime, they will have to share offices to accommodate the departments displaced by the crash.

“We do have the corridors blocked off,” said Rizk. “So, there’s no danger to either the occupants, our workers, and or the constituents that come in to receive any services they need.”

“There will be no interruption to services while the east side of the building is closed. All of those offices have been moved to the west wing of the township hall.

 

May 15

Severe Weather Causes Crash on Alma Lee Loy Bridge, Injuring One

Accident Details and Immediate Response

In Vero Beach, severe weather conditions led to a two-vehicle crash on the Alma Lee Loy Bridge, resulting in one person being hospitalized and the bridge being closed for several hours. The incident occurred just before 1:30 p.m. during heavy rainstorms, affecting the single westbound lane of the 17th Street bridge, which has been under construction since 2023. Assistant Fire Chief Richard Marini reported that the head-on collision happened during the rain, complicating rescue efforts.

Injuries and Rescue Operations

The driver of a Volvo SUV was taken by ambulance to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce. Marini noted that air transport was not possible due to the severe weather conditions. Despite the challenging circumstances, the driver was conscious when fire rescue crews arrived, and she was the only person injured in the crash.

Investigation and Traffic Disruption

The collision involved the SUV traveling east in the westbound lane, striking a lawn service pickup truck hauling a utility trailer. Vero Beach police spokesperson Officer Kelsea Callahan stated that detectives would interview the driver at the hospital to determine the cause, though no medical episode or impairment is currently suspected. The bridge was closed for several hours to allow for the investigation and removal of debris, but it reopened just after 4:15 p.m., restoring traffic flow in the area.

May 15

SUV Crashes into Fannie May Candy Store in Lincolnwood, No Injuries Reported

Incident Overview and Immediate Response

A 71-year-old woman from Lincolnwood accidentally drove her SUV into the front facade of a Fannie May candy store on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2 p.m., but fortunately, neither the driver nor the store’s only employee sustained any injuries. Lincolnwood Fire Chief Barry Liss confirmed that paramedic assistance was not required for either party.

Investigation and Building Assessment

Lincolnwood Deputy Police Chief Travis Raypole reported that there was no sign of driver impairment. A witness observed the driver as she entered the parking lot and mentioned that she was unsure whether she hit the gas or the brake. Following the crash, fire crews assessed the building for any hazardous utility disruptions and evaluated the structural integrity.

Repair and Recovery Efforts

By Wednesday, a blue covering had been placed over part of the damaged facade after the SUV was removed. A building department employee was scheduled to discuss the necessary repairs with the building owner to restore the structure. The quick response and thorough investigation ensured that safety was maintained and steps toward recovery were promptly initiated.

May 15

Pennsylvania is Banning Cell Phones While Driving— Is Your State Next?

Pennsylvania drivers are about to get a nasty wake up call when they use their phones behind the wheel.

Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic among motorists. For some drivers, catching up on the latest TikTok video, text, or mobile game is more important than paying attention to the road. To combat its safety concerns, the State of Pennsylvania is banning all handling of cell phones. And the Keystone State isn’t the only one.

Pennsylvania is the latest state banning cell phones while driving, and other states may follow

Anytime a driver prioritizes their smartphone screen over the road in front of them, they’re putting themselves and others at risk. After all, a 4,000-lb SUV is a weapon in the wrong hands. To lessen the tide of injuries, deaths, and property damage caused by cell phone use behind the wheel, many states have a zero-tolerance policy regarding texting and driving. And Pennsylvania is the latest state to join the safety initiative.

According to WJAC 6, the State of Pennsylvania is banning cell phone use while driving. The verbiage covers “handling a cell phone,” meaning motorists should still be able to use hands-free technology or integrated infotainment systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to place calls or use voice commands.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s staff confirmed that he would sign the bill soon. Moreover, the news comes 18 years after Governor Shapiro proposed similar legislation. The law will take effect one year from its signing.

A motorist seen here distracted driving by texting as he drives.
A distracted driver | perfectlab via iStock

Of course, Pennsylvania is far from the only state to impose such a measure. 28 states have some sort of ban on handling a cell phone while driving, from fielding a call with one hand to drafting text messages.

It’s a good idea, too. According to the Insurance Journal, distracted driving accounted for a greater number of crashes than alcohol use and tailgating. As such, distracting driving and dangerous cell phone use while driving are easy targets for lawmakers. It’s a tragedy that we need laws governing common sense.

May 15

Detroit Man Charged After Allegedly Running Over Cedar Point Employee

Incident Details

A man from Metro Detroit faces charges for allegedly driving over a Cedar Point employee with his SUV last week, according to Ohio police. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Friday in the main parking lot of the amusement park, as detailed in a report by the Sandusky Police Department. Witnesses reported hearing the employee shout at a Cadillac Escalade to stop, exclaiming that it was running him over.

Witness Accounts and Investigation

Witnesses observed the employee fall to the ground and the SUV subsequently run over both of his legs before continuing to drive away. One witness ran to the SUV’s window, shouting at the driver to stop and informing him that he had just run over someone. Despite the warnings, the driver did not stop or acknowledge the situation, according to the report.

Police Action and Charges

The injured employee was transported by the Sandusky Fire Department to Firelands Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witnesses provided police with a photograph of the SUV and its license plate, and Cedar Point reviewed surveillance footage to assist in the investigation. The vehicle was traced to Southgate, Michigan, where the driver, identified as 26-year-old Riley Brock, was arrested at his home. Brock has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident on private property, classified as a fourth-degree felony.

May 15

Authorities Seek Hit-and-Run SUV Driver After Motorcyclist’s Death on Katy Freeway in Houston

Fatal Incident on Katy Freeway

Houston police are actively searching for a hit-and-run driver following a fatal collision on the Katy Freeway late Tuesday evening, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist. The incident occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. near the 3400 block of Katy Freeway (West Interstate Highway 10), where a 41-year-old male motorcyclist crashed into the rear of a dark-colored SUV, as reported by Houston authorities.

Tragic Consequences

The motorcyclist, riding a red Harley Davidson Softail, was thrown onto the freeway lanes after the collision. Subsequently, he was struck by a red Honda Accord traveling westbound. The driver of the SUV fled the scene without stopping to render aid, whereas the driver of the Honda Accord remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Paramedics from the Houston Fire Department arrived shortly and pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene.

Police Appeal for Public Assistance

Houston police are urging the public to assist in identifying and locating the hit-and-run driver of the dark-colored SUV involved in this tragic incident. Investigators from the HPD Vehicular Crimes Division, led by Sergeant D. Rose and Officer J. Best, are spearheading the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4065 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

May 15

Birmingham Mother of Four Found Dead in SUV After Kidnapping; Boyfriend Charged with Capital Murder

Tragic Discovery and Arrest

Birmingham mother Nakita Davidson was kidnapped and later found dead inside the trunk of her own SUV, having been shot eight times, as disclosed by police. Her boyfriend, 37-year-old Cedric Dewayne Robertson, now faces capital murder charges in her death. During a preliminary hearing, Jefferson County District Judge William Bell determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed, sending the case to a grand jury for indictment consideration.

Nakita Davidson Homicide

Nakita Davidson, 40, disappeared after a car wreck Thursday, April 12, 2024, in Birmingham. Her body was discovered Friday afternoon, and her boyfriend is facing charges.(Carol Robinson)

Evidence and Witness Testimonies

Birmingham police homicide Det. Justin Lane testified during the hearing, revealing that there was video footage capturing parts of the crime, although not the actual shooting, and that there were two eyewitnesses. The city’s Shot Spotter system detected 13 gunshots at the scene, first five at 1:37 a.m. and then eight at 1:38 a.m. Evidence collected included multiple shell casings, a pink Nike sneaker belonging to Davidson, and a pool of blood on the ground near the scene.

Nakita Davidson Homicide

Cedric Robertson, boyfriend of Nakita Davidson, was arrested by U.S. Marshals and Birmingham police on Northland Avenue in southwest Birmingham.(Photo contributed by Erica Carpenter)

Investigation and Family Impact

Davidson’s vehicle was discovered the next afternoon in a wooded area, with her body inside, near the home of Robertson’s uncle. Testimony indicated that Robertson and Davidson had been arguing on the night of the shooting, with Robertson wanting Davidson to leave with him, but she refused. Davidson’s family, deeply affected by the loss, described her as a loyal and loving person, leaving behind four young children. The prosecution team includes Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts and Deputy District Attorney Jessica Hebson, with Robertson’s defense handled by attorneys Dave Simpson and Maston Evans.