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Drug Take Back Day Helps People Safely Dispose of Medication

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If you have old medications in your cabinet, Saturday is your chance to get rid of them safely.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., there will be nearly 100 drop boxes across the state where you can drop off your unused or expired medications.

It's happening all across the country as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It's an effort, in part, to combat the opioid epidemic.

According to a national survey on drug use and health, over 11 million people misused prescription pain relievers in 2017.

Experts said the best thing to do is dispose of your medication safely when you no longer need it.

The FDA recommends mixing medication with something unsavory like dirt or kitty litter and putting it in a sealed plastic bag if you're going to throw it out with your trash. 

"There's people who will come in with bags of medication. They're not going to bring in one at a time," said Walgreens pharmacist Kiley Garafolo.

If you bring prescription bottles to one of the sites on Saturday, make sure you remove all of your personal information first.

Connecticut is also one of 12 states launching a pilot program to locate drug disposal sites using Google Maps.

A full list of drop off sites can be found here.



Photo Credit: Shutterstock/VonaUA

In Case You Missed It Weekend Digest: April 27

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To help make sure you stay informed on the most shared and talked about stories, each Saturday and Sunday we'll revisit 5 stories from the previous week, including the most recent updates.

Easter Massacre

Suicide bombers struck at churches filled with worshipers and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, killing hundreds. Several people have been arrested in the wake of the bombings. ISIS claimed responsibility for the blasts and officials warned there may still be other militants preparing new bombings. See more on the attacks here.

Body Cam Captures Police Shooting

State police Tuesday released body cam video from a Hamden police officer who fired his weapon after stopping a car in New Haven last week. The shooting also involved a Yale University police officer, but that officer never turned on his body camera, state police said. A 22-year-old woman in the car was shot, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries. The shooting sparked several days of protests. See more on what investigators said about the shooting here.

Strike Over

Stop & Shop employees returned to work on Monday, a day after the union and the company agreed on a new contract. The deal ended an 11-day work stoppage by Stop & Shop workers. Union members approved the agreement in a vote on Thursday. Stop & Shop's parent company said the strike cost it about $100 million. For more on the agreement, click here.

Accused Puppy Dumper Arrested

A California woman accused of dumping a bag full of puppies in a dumpster was arrested on Monday. Police said 54-year-old Deborah Sue Culwell was the woman seen on video throwing the puppies into a dumpster last Thursday. Good Samaritans heard the cries of the newborn puppies and rescued them after about an hour. See more on the arrest here.

Screen Time Guidelines

The World Health Organization has issued its first-ever guidance for how much screen time children under 5 should get: not very much, and none at all for those under 1. The U.N. health agency said Wednesday that kids under 5 should not spend more than one hour watching screens every day — and that less is better. For more on the guidelines, click here.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut/Getty Images

Police Investigate Shooting, Stabbing and Bank Robbery Within Hours in New Haven

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New Haven Police have multiple investigations going after there was a bank robbery, a stabbing and a shooting within hours of each other on Saturday.

Police said there was a bank robbery around 9:45 a.m. at the Wells Fargo Bank on Foxon Boulevard. Officials have not released a description of the suspect.

A few hours later, officers said one person was stabbed on Harding Place between Dixwell Avenue and Sherman Parkway. It happened around 1:00 p.m. The person's condition is unknown.

Fifteen minutes after the stabbing, police said one person was shot on Quinnipiac Avenue. Police did not release specifics about where the person was shot or the condition he or she is in.

The investigations into the bank robbery, the stabbing and the shooting are ongoing.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

LifeStar Called to Serious Crash Near Colchester Town Green

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Two people have serious injuries after a car crash near the Colchester Town Green on Saturday morning and LifeStar was called to the scene.

LifeStar responded to the crash that happened on Route 16 at Main Street, inside the area of the town green, town officials said.

The crash involved a car and a tree and there was entrapment reported. Two people also had serious injuries, town officials added.

There is no word on what caused the crash.

Woman Trapped in Windham House Fire Dies: Officials

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The woman who was trapped in a house fire that closed Route 14 in Windham on Saturday morning has died.

Fire officials said 11 fire departments responded to the house fire on Scotland Road around 6:30 a.m.

“It immediately escalated to a second alarm. We currently have 11 fire departments involved plus the medics from Windham Hospital and the Willimantic Ambulance plus state police and fire marshal,” said Windham Public Information Officer Susan Herrick.

The woman who was trapped inside of the house has died, Herrick said. Her husband was also home at the time of the fire and was treated on scene. 

Officials have not released the woman's identity.

State Police are at the scene investigating the fire.

Route 14 remains closed between Oakwood Drive and the Scotland town line. There is no estimate for when it may reopen.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Man Accused of Being Under the Influence Crashes into Home in New London

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New London Police have arrested a man who is accused of being under the influence when he crashed into a home on Bank Street early Saturday morning.

First responders were called to Bank Street around 3:15 a.m. after getting a report of a vehicle crashing into a building.

When crews arrived, they said they found a pick-up truck that had crashed into the corner of the home and ended up in a bedroom on the first floor, where people were sleeping. The driver of the pick-up truck, later identified by police as 23-year-old Jayden Bruce, of Groton, was the only person in the vehicle.

Firefighters searched the first floor and removed anyone who was inside. They said they also searched the second and third floor and found another person who was removed.

Crews quickly secured the natural gas to the home and Eversource was called to the scene. The building inspector was also called to the scene.

Due to the heavy damage to the corner of the home, firefighters said they used various shoring and cribbing materials to make it safe so three animals inside could be removed.

The residents of the home reported no injuries and were relocated after the home received possible structure damage, police said. While an examination of the home's structure is pending, officers said access is restricted.

The Red Cross is helping the residents who were displaced.

At the scene of the crash, Bruce reported no injuries and refused medical treatment, according to police. He was later transported to the hospital from New London Police Department.

After an investigation, Bruce was arrested. Officers said he is facing charges including driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, failure to drive right, traveling too fast for conditions and operating without insurance.



Photo Credit: Mark Waters / New London Police
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Police Look For Man Who Robbed a Bank in New Haven

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New Haven Police are looking for a man who robbed a bank on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred at Wells Fargo on Foxon Boulevard at around 9:45 a.m.

Police said the man jumped the counter, pushed past a bank teller and took an undisclosed amount of money from a teller drawer.

The man then jumped back over the counter, left through the front door and ran towards the back of the bank, according to police.

Before entering the bank, police said the male suspect was described as a stocky build 6-foot black male in his late 30's to middle 40's. The man is bald or has a clean shaven head with a gray and black beard.

The man was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a lighter gray hooded sweatshirt and white sneakers, according to police.

During the robbery, the man’s head and face were covered by the sweatshirt hood and a scarf or mask, police said.

New Haven Police have multiple investigations going after there was a bank robbery, a stabbing and a shooting within hours of each other on Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to call New Haven Police at 203-946-6304.



Photo Credit: New Haven Police

Politicians Condemn Deadly Synagogue Shooting on Passover

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Politicians were among those who condemned the deadly attack at a synagogue near San Diego Saturday, on the last day of Passover. 

A 19-year-old gunman is suspected of killing one woman and injuring three others at Chabad of Poway in what the city's mayor has said was a hate crime. 

"Coming just six months after the horrific mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, we are confronted with what appears to be another anti-Semitic attack," Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., wrote. "We all stand with the Jewish community against this act of hate."

The San Diego-based shooter, identified by NBC News as John T. Earnest, entered the synagogue in Poway, California, at 11:23 a.m. on Saturday, killing one woman and injuring a girl and two men. The suspect has since been detained by law enforcement. 

"The Jewish community again is devastated," tweeted Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. "We stand w/@Chabad. It’s heartbreaking to see yet another tragedy on Shabbat, on Passover, exactly 6 months after the Tree of Life #synagogueshooting."

The attack comes as anti-Semitic hate crimes are on the rise, increasing roughly 37% in 2017, according to FBI data. A man in his mid-40s is charged with killing 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last October, in what is believed to be the deadliest attack targeting the Jewish community in the United States. 

"My deepest sympathies go to the people that were affected, the families, their loved ones," President Donald Trump said Saturday on the White House South Lawn. He called the Poway attack "hard to believe" and said "we'll get to the bottom of it."

First lady Melania Trump tweeted that she was "heartbroken to hear of another senseless shooting in a place of worship," and Vice President Mike Pence wrote that "antisemitism isn’t just wrong - it’s evil." 

Rep. Juan Vargas, D-Calif., said in a statement that “our houses of worship are sacred, and no person should fear for their life while inside them." Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., said he was thinking of and praying for the victims. 

"Enough,"  Peters tweeted. "Enough hate. Enough gun violence. I stand with all Jewish Americans today." 



Photo Credit: Denis Poroy/AP

Man Detained in San Diego-Area Synagogue Shooting, 1 Dead

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A woman has died after shots were fired inside a Poway, California synagogue filled with people celebrating the last day of Passover. A suspect was taken into custody approximately two miles away from the synagogue while three patients were rushed to a nearby hospital. 

A 19-year-old San Diego man with a rifle entered Chabad of Poway on Rancho Bernardo Road, west of Interstate 15 at 11:23 a.m. and opened fire on the people inside, law enforcement officials said. 

“We didn’t hear him screaming or saying anything. He was just focused to kill. You saw the hate and the murder in his eyes," one witness told NBC 7. "He had a vest and he had clips in the vest. He was ready. He was ready. He came in to kill.” 

The suspect has been identified by NBC News as John T. Earnest. Read more about him here.

One woman died from injuries suffered in the shooting. A girl and two adult men were injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, officials confirmed at a 2:30 p.m. briefing. 

As the suspect fled the scene, an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent who was in the synagogue at the time of the shooting opened fire on the suspect, missing the man but striking his vehicle, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said.

Near the freeway, a San Diego police officer was en route to the scene while monitoring the sheriff's dispatch when he saw the suspect vehicle.

The suspect pulled over, jumped out of his car with his hands up and was taken into custody, SDPD Chief David Nisleit said.

"As the officer was placing this 19-year-old male into custody, he clearly saw a rifle sitting on the front passenger seat of the suspect vehicle," Nisleit added. 

More than half a dozen police cars were seen along Rancho Bernardo Road outside Phil’s BBQ -- roughly two miles away from the temple --- where the suspect was apprehended.

He was not immediately identified and a motive for the shooting was not released.  Gore said investigators were looking into social media posts made by the suspect and may have more at a briefing later this evening.

Chabad of Poway is located at 16934 Chabad Way. The temple was filled as members marked the last day of Passover.

"It’s a very important celebration for us. There’s lots of people inside, they’re praying," Minoo Anvari, a member of the congregation, told NBC 7. "Everybody was crying and screaming."

Anvari said her husband was inside during the shooting and told her someone came in and started cursing and shooting.

Residents Drew Foncerrada and Avery Foncerrada were walking their dog in the area when they saw “cop cars racing.”

“People choose this neighborhood for their kids because it’s totally safe,” Drew Foncerrada said.

“Nothing happens like this over here,” Avery Foncerrada added.

Two other places of worship, St. John of Damascus Orthodox and Incarnation Lutheran Church, are located immediately next to the synagogue.

John lives near the synagogue and said when he heard the noise of several patrol cars going up and down the street he knew something was not right.

"It’s a pretty tight neighborhood. I’ve been here for 20-some years,” he said. "I have a buddy whose daughter goes to preschool here, and, you know, the people here are the nicest people you ever met." 

"I want you to know, this is not Poway," said Mayor Steve Vaus who described the shooting as a hate crime during interviews with cable news channels. "We always walk with our arms around each other." 

"We are grateful to those in the congregation there that engaged the shooter and prevented this from being a much more horrific incident," Vaus told MSNBC.

Those injured were transported to Palomar Medical Center Poway, according to deputies.

Initially, two children were reported missing during the incident, but deputies confirmed they were reunited with their parents shortly after.

"As you can imagine, it was an extremely chaotic scene with people running everywhere when we got here," San Diego County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Aaron Meleen said.

The Family Assistance Center will be at Poway High School 15500 Espola Road to help relatives looking for loved ones from the synagogue.

U.S. Rep. Scott Peters, D-52, posted on social media, saying Saturday’s shooting marks six months to the day of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Other leaders sent condolences including President Donald Trump.

"My deepest sympathies go to the people that were affected, the families, their loved ones, by the obviously looks right now based on my last conversations, looks like a hate crime, hard to believe," President Trump said from the south lawn of the White House. "We're doing some very heavy research we'll see what happens, what comes up, at this moment it looks like a hate crime, but my deepest sympathies to all of those affected and we'll get to the bottom of it."

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department announced the following road closures until Sunday morning:

  • Eastbound Espola Road at Summerfield Lane
  • Westbound Espola Road at Avenida Florencia

Please refresh this page for updates on this story. Details may change as more information becomes available.



Photo Credit: NBC 7
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Exceptional April Showers

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When all is said and done, the Hartford area will likely end up as the second wettest April on record.

Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Houses of Worship Become Targets of Violence on Holy Days

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A shooting at a Chabad synagogue near San Diego on Saturday, the last day of Passover, marks the latest tragedy in an increasingly dangerous trend of attacks on houses of worship during services where congregations are at their most vulnerable, NBC News reports.

The attack on Chabad of Poway is the third of its kind in the last six weeks and the fourth mass attack on a house of worship in the last year.

In October, 11 people died at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh when a gunman opened fire during Sabbath services. Then, 50 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, were gunned down last month during a Friday afternoon service, which is typically practiced as a congregation.

On Easter Sunday, at least 359 people, including about 45 children, were killed during a series of suicide bombings in Sri Lanka that targeted churches and hotels.

One Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., called the attacks an epidemic in a tweet that demanded an end to such violent incidents. "Something is fundamentally broken in our society when any house of worship is made unsafe by gun violence and hate — again and again and again," Gillibrand said.  



Photo Credit: Denis Poroy/AP

In Case You Missed It Weekend Digest: April 28

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To help make sure you stay informed on the most shared and talked about stories, each Saturday and Sunday we'll revisit 5 stories from the previous week, including the most recent updates.

Police Shoot Teen

An 18-year-old died Monday, days after he was shot by a Wethersfield police officer. Police say an officer tried to pull Vega Cruz over and their vehicles collided. As the officer got out of his cruiser, police say Vega Cruz drove at the officer and that is when the officer opened fire. Family and friends of Vega Cruz have demanded answers from police. See more on the incident here.

Connecticut Man Charged in Death on Caribbean Island

A financial adviser from Darien is facing manslaughter charges in connection with the death of a hotel worker on the island of Anguilla. Gavin Hapgood, 44, was released on bond and is back in the U.S. He was on vacation in Anguilla with his family. An attorney for Hapgood said Thursday that the hotel worker showed up to Hapgood's hotel room unannounced and demanded money before attacking the family and that Hapgood acted in self defense. For more on the incident, click here.

Police Search For Young Father's Killer

A 16-year-old from Windsor was shot and killed in his car in Hartford early Wednesday morning. Police said Felipe Lopez was targeted, but they said they were still gathering evidence about the shooting. Lopez was the father of a 9-month-old child. See more on the shooting here.

Biden Announces Presidential Run

Former vice president Joe Biden made it official on Thursday, announcing he is running for president in 2020. Biden said he is running to take back the country from President Trump. He joins an already crowded Democratic field. For more on Biden's announcement, click here.

Bunny Brawl

A viral video this week showed the Easter Bunny hopping to the defense of a woman outside a Florida nightclub on Sunday night. The bunny jumped into the middle of a brawl and began pummeling a man with his paws. See more on the bunny brawl here.



Photo Credit: AP

Missing Hartford Man With Autism, Health Concerns Found

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A Silver Alert has been canceled after a man with autism and other health concerns who was reported missing from Hartford on Saturday was found.

Officers said 29-year-old Dashon Foster was reported missing around 10 p.m. by his mother Therosine Jackson. She told police that the last time she spoke to her son was on Saturday at approximately 2:30 p.m.

According to police, Jackson said Foster left without telling anyone where he was going and that it is unlike Foster to not return home.

Police said Foster is autistic and has other health concerns.

On Sunday morning, the Silver Alert for Foster was canceled. Police did not release details about where he was found.



Photo Credit: Hartford Police

Stop & Shop Issues Voluntary Recall of Honey Rotisserie Chicken

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Stop & Shop has issued a voluntary recall for any deli-prepared honey rotisserie chicken.

The company said the recall is isolated to three chickens that were purchased at 150 New Park Avenue in Hartford. The chickens were sold between 4 and 5 p.m. Saturday.

The chickens were cooked properly but they did not meet the company's product code and quality guidelines, Stop & Shop said in a statement.

Consumers are advised not to eat and to return any honey rotisserie chicken bought at the New Park Avenue Stop & Shop on Saturday.

Over $600,000 Raised for March of Dimes at March for Babies

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Thousands of people marched at Rentschler Field in East Hartford on Sunday to raise money for little fighters in Neonatal Intensive Care Units across the state as part of the March of Dimes' annual March for Babies.

NBC Connecticut's Heidi Voight emceed the event and Snow Monster was there, too.

"There they go, cheer them on, they're superheroes," Voight said.

Superheroes since birth, though they may be small, they've conquered big challenges as NICU graduates.

"This is the day that I prayed for in the 45 days that we were in the NICU at UConn Health and now we're all here as a family, with all of you" Voight said.

Voight's daughters Polly and Violet were preemies, just like little Levi.

"We're just happy to be able to give back now and try to help other families that were in similar situations that we were in," Hartford March for Babies Ambassador Stefanie Gaidos said.

Levi's mom, Stefanie, was 30 weeks pregnant when she got very sick. Doctors told her she had to deliver Levi early to save her own life. She ended up in the Intensive Care Unit and Levi spent nearly 60 days in the NICU.

"But, we made it! And he's so happy right now!" Gaidos added.

Mission Mom and March of Dimes Senior Development Manager Amy Eldridge said stories like Levi's are what March of Dimes is all about.

"Today is about a celebration, but it also is about remembering those who have lost a baby," Eldridge said.

Marc Spencer from Avon lost his son, Evan, in 2005.

"After 85 days in the NICU, he ultimately passed, but we realized that wasn't the end," Spencer said.

He and his wife found support in the March of Dimes community.

This is Spencer's 13th year participating in the 5k Run for Babies.

"He would've been a 14-year-old now, but we still celebrate this as part of his birthday," Spencer added.

UConn Health's Dr. Chris Morosky works with families like Spencer's every day. He said he gets to see firsthand how the funds collected at March of Dimes events positively impact their experience.

"We appropriate funds through that to different projects across the state that are focused on preventing premature births and healthy pregnancies. We hope that every woman and every family can have a healthy pregnancy that goes to full term, have a healthy baby that comes home with them and grows up to be a healthy child," Dr. Morosky, the Board Chair of March of Dimes, said.

He hopes they grow up to be healthy like Tracy Scraba's kids.

"I have two identical twin boys who are going to be turning 7 in October, very high risk pregnancy but a very good outcome. It’s important to me that everyone have the same opportunity for a healthy outcome," Scraba, of Tolland said.

In total, the March of Dimes raised over $600,000 on Saturday.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

7 People Shot, 1 Fatally in Baltimore: Police

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Eight people have been shot, including one fatally, in West Baltimore after city police said a gunman began to fire indiscriminately into a crowd at a cookout.

Baltimore City Police confirmed that the shooting happened in the 2500 block of Edmondson Avenue in Baltimore, across from the Perkins Square Baptist Church.

Police initially reported seven people had been shot, but confirmed that an eighth victim was reported when that person walked into a local hospital with a bullet wound to the leg.

Police said they received a call after 5 p.m. reporting multiple injuries in a shooting at a cookout and confirmed that one person has died.

That victim collapsed in front of the church after the shooting.

Commissioner Michael Harrison said a man "began firing indiscriminately into the crowd, striking a number of people," according to NBC affiliate WBAL.

"That person was targeting one, if not more people in that crowd," Harrison said. "There could be other individuals who were injured who may show up at the hospital."

Harrison said investigators believe there may have been a second shooter who may have fired shots back at the suspect, but could not confirm that information.

The initial gunman fled the scene.

According to Harrison, there were two cookouts happening on opposite sides of the street at the same time, but it is unclear if the two cookouts were related.

Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for updates on this developing story.



Photo Credit: Larry W. Smith/Getty Images

Police Investigating After Benches Vandalized at Beach in Groton

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Police are investigating after several benches were vandalized and thrown into the water at a beach in Groton.

Police said the vandalism occurred overnight.

The incident took place at Eastern Point Beach.

Police responded to the scene and the benches were retrieved shortly after.

"This beach and its benches have great sympathetic value to longtime city of Groton residents and visitors," the city of Groton said in a statement. "This is unacceptable in our community. We are investigating this aggressively."

Anyone with information is asked to call Groton Police at 860-445-2451.



Photo Credit: Groton Police
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'Terror Will Not Win': Rabbi on Poway Synagogue Shooting

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A rabbi, who was among those injured in a deadly shooting inside a Poway, California synagogue, addressed a crowd outside his place of worship Sunday afternoon, recalling the devastating events of the attack.

“We are here together standing on sacred property -- a synagogue -- a house of prayer where 24 hours ago, we saw terrorism in the worst of way,” Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, 57, said at Sunday's press conference.

Goldstein said he heard a “large bang” as he walked into the banquet hall before services at the synagogue.

“I turned around and I’m face to face with this murderer -- terrorist -- who was holding a rifle and looking straight at me, and then as soon as he saw me, he started to shoot toward me, and that’s when I put my hands up and then my fingers got blown away,” Goldstein told TODAY in an exclusive interview Sunday morning.

The rabbi suffered gunshot wounds to his index fingers, which trauma surgeon Michael Katz, M.D. said was “the largest injury” of the three surviving victims. Goldstein lost his right index finger.

“I turned around and I saw a group of children in the banquet hall, including my granddaughter, and I just ran -- not even knowing that my fingers were blown off -- and hurled all the kids together and got them outside,” Goldstein told TODAY.

As he was rushing children out, he wrapped his fingers in a prayer shawl.

“My granddaughter -- 4 and a half years old -- sees her grandpa with a bleeding hand and she sees me screaming and shouting, ‘Get out! Get out!’ She didn’t deserve to see her grandfather like this,” Goldstein said.

The suspected shooter was later identified as 19-year-old John T. Earnest from San Diego.

“A young man standing with a rifle, staring right at me, he had sunglasses on -- I couldn’t see his eyes, I couldn’t see his soul,” Goldstein said. ”How does a 19-year-old, a teenager, have the audacity, the sickness, the hatred?” he said. “How does he come to our house of worship and do what he did?”

“I cannot erase that face in my mind. I cannot erase that moment. It’s going to be embedded there forever. You know, with the loss of my index finger, it’s going to be a scar for the rest of my life -- to both -- to remind us of literally how vulnerable we are, but also how brave we need to be. Everyone needs to be a hero. Everyone needs to step up and do something in the face of terror,” Goldstein said in an interview with TODAY.

Goldstein said the attack could have been “much worse” but “miraculously the gun jammed.”

After the gun jammed, the rabbi said Oscar Stewart, who was inside the synagogue at the time, “jumped into action” and tried to tackle the gunman, but the suspect fled.

The rabbi said it was fortunate that there was an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent, later identified as Jonathan Morales, during Saturday’s services who went in pursuit of the shooting suspect.

The off-duty agent opened fire on the suspect outside, missing the man but striking his vehicle, deputies said.

Goldstein said Morales is from El Centro and recently discovered his Jewish roots.

“Terror will not win. As Americans, we can’t cower in the senseless hate that is in anti-Semitism. You know, beneath the surface of every terrible experience, there lies an opportunity to grow and increase in goodness,” Goldstein told TODAY. “Our government needs to continue to step up and help prioritize in securing our houses of worship.”

Outside of the sanctuary, which is the part of the synagogue where prayer services are performed, the congregation was sheltering in place and waiting for authorities to arrive. Here, the rabbi continued to deliver his sermon, he told TODAY’s Willie Geist.

“I got up there, and I just spoke from my heart and giving everyone the courage to know -- you know, it was just 70 years ago during the Holocaust, we were gunned down like this. And I just want to let our fellow Americans know, we’re not going to let this happen here -- not here in San Diego, not here in Poway, not here in the United States of America,” Goldstein said.

President Donald Trump personally called Goldstein, the rabbi said at the press conference Sunday. They spoke for 10 to 15 minutes.

“He shared with me condolences on behalf of the United States of America,” Goldstein said. “He was just so comforting that I’m really grateful for our president for really taking the time.”

Goldstein co-established Chabad of Poway in 1986 when he was in his early 20s.

Lori Gilbert-Kaye, a member of the congregation, was killed in the shooting. Goldstein said she was a “steadfast supporter” and helped secure a construction loan to build the synagogue.

“She is such a dear friend. I’ve known her for 33 years. And I’m just so heartbroken and saddened by this senseless killing,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein said Gilbert-Kaye came to the synagogue Saturday because her mother recently passed away.

“After this terrorist left, I turn around to assess the situation, and I turn to see Lori laying on the ground unconscious, and her dear husband, Dr. Howard Kaye -- who is like a brother to me -- is trying to resuscitate her,” Goldstein said.

“In my own interpretation, Lori took the bullet for all of us. She died to protect all of us. She didn’t deserve to die. She’s such a kind, sweet-hearted -- just a good human being. She didn’t deserve to die right in front of my eyes. I was the last one to see her and to be with her, but I do know that this is Lori, this is her legacy. And her legacy will continue,” said Goldstein.

The other two victims in the attack were 34-year-old Almog Peretz and an eight-year-old girl. The girl was released from the hospital Saturday night and Peretz was released Sunday. Both are recovering.

Chabad of Poway is located at 16934 Chabad Way, next door to two other places of worship, St. John of Damascus Orthodox and Incarnation Lutheran Church.

“I ask that we all do something -- something -- to add more light to combat this evil darkness that’s out there. And that can happen through acts of compassion, love, and kindness,” Goldstein said.



Photo Credit: NBC 7
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Crews Battle 2 Separate Fires in New Haven Within an Hour

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Crews responded to two separate fires in New Haven within an hour on Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters received the call for the first fire around 2 p.m. Crews said there was heavy smoke showing from 222 Lexington Avenue.

The fire quickly became a second alarm fire and more crews were called to the scene, according to firefighters.

Fire officials said the back stairs are burnt out, but did not release details about the damage in the rest of the home.

It is unclear if anyone was injured in the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Shortly after the first fire, a separate fire was reported at 309 Howard Avenue around 2:45 p.m.

Firefighters said it was a working fire and extra crews were called in to help fight it.

There is no word on how much damage the house sustained or if anyone was injured.

Fire officials said firefighters from Hamden, North Haven and West Haven were called in to help New Haven with coverage.



Photo Credit: New Haven Fire

Woman Significantly Burned in New London Fire

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A woman was significantly burned after a stove caught fire in a New London home.

Firefighters responded to the home on Oneco Avenue Sunday night.

There were three occupants in the house at the time of the fire.

One female sustained significant burns and was transported to the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital for treatment. A male occupant sustained minor injuries and refused treatment.

A young child was uninjured in the fire.

New London Fire said the kitchen had suffered damage. The house was ventilated to remove smoke while ensuring the fire was extinguished and had not spread.

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