Tag: News

Jul 12

Large police presence reported at Dayton intersection

At least one person is in custody after a police investigation at a Dayton intersection Wednesday afternoon.

Multiple Dayton police cruisers were at the intersection of James H. McGee Blvd. and Philadelphia Dr.

This started after crews from Five Rivers Metroparks witnessed someone fire shots out of a black Cadillac SUV just before 2 p.m., according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch records.

>> Charges approved for 1 of 2 suspects in deadly Moraine shooting; $1 million bond set

Our photographer on scene reported that officers had surrounded the SUV and shut down a portion of the bridge on Philadelphia Dr. The road has since reopened.

The incident resulted in a county-wide call for assistance, but that has since been canceled, according to dispatchers.

Dispatch records showed one person was in custody and no one appeared to have been hit by the gunfire.

We’ll update this story as we learn more.

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Jul 12

Sen. Joshua Miller Faces New Obstruction Charge in Vandalism Case

Additional Charge Adds Complexity to Legal Proceedings

State Senator Joshua Miller is set to face a new charge of obstructing a police officer, adding to the existing vandalism accusation related to an incident last month. Cranston’s City Solicitor, Christopher Millea, confirmed that this charge follows a comprehensive review of evidence, including police reports and video footage. Miller, already facing a vandalism charge for allegedly scratching a parked truck, will appear in court on Tuesday to address both charges, which are categorized as misdemeanors.

Political and Community Reactions

The Republican Party of Rhode Island has called for Miller’s resignation, criticizing his actions as a failure to represent his constituents properly. Chairman Joe Powers condemned Miller’s alleged behavior as a continuation of his history of political retaliation. Meanwhile, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has chosen to let the legal process unfold before making any decisions regarding Miller’s position within the Senate.

The incident has gained wider media attention, particularly after surveillance footage and Miller’s own vehicle—displaying a “Re-elect Miller” sticker—linked him to the vandalized SUV, which bore a provocative “Biden Sucks” bumper sticker. Despite his denial and various explanations for the act, the additional obstruction charge complicates his legal situation further, and the outcome of the case remains closely watched.

Jul 12

SUV Initially Reported Stolen with Infant Inside Found Safe in Alabama

Unraveled Mystery: SUV’s True Fate Revealed

An SUV reported stolen with a 9-month-old infant inside in Alabama was discovered later hidden in dense brush, according to AL.com. The vehicle, found roughly 100 yards from the original theft location, had apparently rolled into the undergrowth rather than being stolen. The infant, Harlow Darby Freeman, was found safe in her car seat, despite the distressing situation.

Initial fears of abduction have been allayed as investigators suggest the SUV might have rolled down a slope due to the driver’s failure to engage the parking brake. Chief Danny Woodard mentioned that police are continuing their investigation and conducting further interviews to clarify the situation. This unusual event has certainly left the small town of Parrish, located about 40 miles northwest of Birmingham, in shock.

Key Findings and Ongoing Investigation

The discovery of the SUV and the baby inside brought relief after an intense search that started when the girl’s family reported the vehicle stolen. Although the SUV’s window was broken, it provided some ventilation for the baby overnight. Despite being dehydrated, Harlow was in good health, highlighting the importance of quick response in such critical situations.

Jul 12

Fort Ripley Man Faces Charges for Wife’s Death After Alleged Roadside Incident

Tragic Events Unfolding in Fort Ripley

Tony James McClelland, 47, is facing serious charges including second-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide following the death of his wife, 49-year-old Angela Marie McClelland. The incident occurred after the couple left a party in Crow Wing County, leading to Angela’s body being discovered on the roadside on June 25, about 15 miles southwest of Brainerd. Initial investigations reveal significant trauma consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

Investigation Reveals Disturbing Details

According to court documents, McClelland’s daughter reported Angela missing, prompting an investigation that traced the couple’s activities back to a party where they left together in the early hours. Witnesses indicated that Angela was noticeably intoxicated while Tony appeared sober, leading him to drive. Further evidence uncovered in McClelland’s Ford Explorer, including blood and tissue matching Angela’s DNA, alongside GPS data showing erratic vehicle movements, contributed to his arrest.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

McClelland has been charged with multiple offenses, including manslaughter, and is currently held with bail set at $2 million without conditions or $1 million with conditions. During his court appearance, he claimed a dispute over his attention to another woman and admitted to being “pretty drunk,” but his recollection was fragmented. His next court date is set for July 25, where further proceedings will continue to unfold.

This case highlights a tragic sequence of events and serves as a sobering reminder of the profound consequences that can arise from impaired judgment and reckless behavior.

Jul 12

Classic Charm: 1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 Wagon vs. Modern Electric SUVs

Embracing Simplicity in a Modern World

While electric SUVs are increasingly popular for their efficiency and advanced features, there’s something refreshing about the simplicity of classic vehicles like the 1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 Wagon. Unlike modern electric models, this Tercel represents a time when cars were straightforward, yet fully capable. With a manual transmission and four-wheel drive, it’s a reminder of how driving used to be before technology dominated every aspect of our vehicles.

A Glimpse into the Past

The 1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 Wagon stands out with its manual six-speed transmission and a rugged 4WD system, making it ideal for those who appreciate driving fundamentals. Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, this classic boasts a nostalgic driving experience, complete with a carburetor and minimalistic features. Despite some minor cosmetic issues and an oil leak, its well-preserved condition and low mileage make it a unique find that contrasts sharply with the complexities of modern electric SUVs.

Secure a Piece of Automotive History

With the Tercel up for auction on Bring A Trailer, this charming piece of Toyota history is currently priced at just $3,600, a fraction of its original cost. While it may not offer the high-tech amenities of newer electric models, its manual transmission and classic design offer a pure, engaging driving experience. Don’t miss the chance to own a vehicle that embodies the essence of driving simplicity and nostalgia.

Jul 12

Paris Implements New Parking Fees for Larger Vehicles to Combat Urban ‘Auto-Besity’

A New Approach to Urban Mobility

Paris is taking a bold step to address the issue of oversized vehicles and their impact on the city’s infrastructure and safety. Starting soon, the city plans to introduce higher parking fees for vehicles based on their size, weight, and engine capacity. While the full details are yet to be revealed, the initiative aims to discourage the use of large SUVs and promote smaller, more efficient vehicles.

Balancing Environmental and Practical Considerations

One of the key aspects of this new policy is the exemption for electric vehicles and large families who require bigger cars. Despite their environmental benefits, electric vehicles are often heavier than their gasoline counterparts, which raises questions about their inclusion in the new fee structure. Nonetheless, Parisian officials argue that reducing pollution and enhancing road safety outweigh these concerns. The initiative, championed by Frédéric Badina-Serpette of the EELV ecology party, is seen as a response to the growing trend of “auto-besity”—the increasing size and weight of vehicles on the roads.

Diverse Opinions on the Policy

The policy has sparked a debate among Parisians and vehicle enthusiasts. While some, like David Belliard, deputy mayor for public space, argue that SUVs are impractical and hazardous in an urban setting, others, such as Pierre Chasseray from 40 millions d’Automobilistes, defend them as essential family vehicles for travel and recreation. This tension highlights the broader challenge of balancing urban planning with diverse transportation needs.

Jul 12

Baby Found Safe After Scare: SUV Mishap, Not Kidnapping, in Alabama

A Distressing Situation with a Happy Outcome

A dramatic situation unfolded in Alabama when a nine-month-old girl, initially feared kidnapped, was discovered safe in her father’s SUV. The vehicle, reported stolen with the child inside, was later found across the street, hidden in dense kudzu, still with the baby securely strapped in her car seat. It appears that the SUV may have simply rolled away because it was not properly parked, rather than being stolen.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

Parrish police Chief Danny Woodard revealed that the SUV had minor damage from an earlier incident, which helped ventilate the car, ensuring the baby’s safety. Despite initial fears, the case ended positively thanks to the quick response and community support. The baby’s mother, Bethany Smith, expressed heartfelt gratitude on social media, highlighting the overwhelming support from the community during a terrifying ordeal. The investigation continues, with officials still unsure if foul play was involved or if the vehicle was simply left in gear.

Jul 12

Major Turnpike Accident: SUV and Tractor-Trailer Collision Causes Widespread Disruption

Unexpected Traffic Snarl on Pennsylvania Turnpike

A severe collision early Wednesday morning involving a tractor-trailer and an SUV caused major disruptions on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension near the Lehigh Valley exit. The crash left the SUV perched perilously on the median barrier, drawing immediate emergency responses and significantly affecting the flow of traffic during the peak rush hour.

Comprehensive Traffic Impact and Investigation Underway

The collision, which occurred while the vehicles were heading southbound, affected traffic on both sides of the highway due to its location near the central barrier. The aftermath led to prolonged delays on the Turnpike itself and spilled over onto Route 22, causing headaches for morning commuters. State police are currently investigating the incident but have yet to determine the cause or report any injuries, continuing to assess the broader impacts of this disruptive event.

Jul 12

Tragic Hit-and-Run Accident in Shirley: 48-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

Late on the night of July 11, 2023, a devastating hit-and-run incident occurred in Shirley, New York. Around 11:40 p.m., 48-year-old David Arnold was crossing Montauk Highway near Walgreens when an SUV struck him and sped away. Following the SUV, Arnold was subsequently hit by a sedan that also fled the scene, leaving him critically injured.

Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information

Suffolk County Police responded swiftly, airlifting Arnold to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have identified Arnold as a homeless individual and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported to the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. This case remains under investigation, and further updates will be provided as new details emerge.

Jul 12

Texas Again Delays Vote On Tying EV Charging Funds To Tesla’s NACS

Texas has reportedly delayed a vote on grants of federal funds to build EV chargers to August 16 after several charging companies protested the plan to include Tesla’s NACS connector in charging stations.

A Reuters report cited three unnamed sources who claimed the vote was postponed because of the pushback from EV charging companies.

Texas’ department of transportation confirmed that the issue was removed from the agency’s July agenda “at the discretion of the commissioners,” adding that the agenda for the August meeting had not been finalized. The vote in Texas could be key as it could influence other states to do the same.

On June 21, Texas announced plans to mandate EV charging companies to include Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) alongside the US standard Combined Charging System (CCS) if they wanted access to federal funds as part of a program to electrify highways.

However, days later, EV charger makers and operators including ChargePoint, FLO, ABB, FreeWire, and EVBox, criticized the plan, calling it “premature.”

In a letter to Texas Transportation Commission’s chairman, the companies said more time was needed to test the interoperability of Tesla’s connectors with the CCS standard.

Before the latest postponement, the vote had already been delayed once to July 11 from June 29 after members of Texas’ transport commission, including the chairman, said they wanted to understand NACS and its implications before voting on the issue.

“We do think the reason why this decision is being punted is there is reaction within the industry that this is a big announcement and let’s just do this responsibly,” an unnamed executive from an EV charging company told Reuters.

The same source said that “Texas is a bit of a bulwark” and what Texas does “sets a precedent for other state transport departments.” So far, Washington state has talked about similar plans and Kentucky has mandated that EV charging companies include Tesla’s plug.

The federal funds for EV charging stations require charging companies to offer CCS, but plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS connector by Ford and General Motors have prompted other carmakers and charging companies to embrace the technology.