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Residents Fight Ban on Concerts at Oakdale Theatre Dome

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Wallingford area residents gathered Saturday in a rally to save the Oakdale Theatre dome after the town's Zoning Board of Appeals voted a few days ago to uphold a cease and desist order filed against the theater in December 2014 due to noise complaints from residents

An event called Save the Dome posted on Facebook invited people from Wallingford and neighboring towns to meet at the Wallingford town green to throw support behind the music and entertainment venue, known as "The Dome," at a two-hour "peaceful gathering." People at the rally said it's not just about a theater, it's about protecting an important part of the town.

"Bring your signs and voices to let The (sic) town know that the voice of only a few do not speak for the entire community," the description of the event says on Facebook. "Show our government that We The People want to be heard. When the town needed a temporary High School after a storm damaged Sheehans (sic) roof, Oakdale had no issues and no second thoughts about becoming Oakdale High. Lets (sic) also show Live Nation how much we as a community need Oakdale. This is a peaceful event only."

In a battle dealing with noise levels, things got loud in Wallingford Saturday. The Save the Dome gathering went from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Wallingford gazebo in front of the old railroad station at the corner of Center Street, Route 5, Hall Avenue and Quinnipiac Street. Dozens of people attended.

One person in the crowd said he worked there as a teenager.

"It means a lot to me because I am an actor and singer so as a young child growing up you had people coming in town and you know, inspiring people who wanted to go into that field," Robert Burghardt, of Wallingford, said.

The cease and desist order in place requires the Oakdale to stop hosting concerts in the dome and imposes a "no noise" condition. The vote to uphold it at the planning and zoning board meeting on Wednesday sparked the rally.

“I don’t know why all of a sudden it became an issue," Jennifer Morrison, of Wallingford, said.

The Oakdale Theatre has hosted concerts and other performances since 1957, but some neighbors have complained about increasing noise levels of many of the shows that have been held both inside and outside on the property.

“Oakdale has the right to appeal this to the Superior Court if they choose to," Joan Molloy, the attorney representing the owners of Oakdale Theatre, said. "The town has to make the decision whether it’s going to bring any enforcement action for the Oakdale’s failure to comply with the cease and desist." 

Lawyers for the Oakdale said that the theater is trying to tone acts down by improving sound buffers and cutting music off earlier in the night.

Supporters of the Oakdale said it's an important part of their town from culture to business it brings in. They hope town officials will change their mind.

"They’ve listened to the few voices that have complained about the noise and complained about the deep basses of the music and everything else that I’m hoping now with all the people here that they’ll hear us," Jeannine Kremzar, the rally organizer, said.

Wallingford's Planning & Zoning Board will meet on June 8 to address any potential violations of the cease and desist order that was upheld on Wednesday night.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Groton Naval Lieutenant to Compete on "American Ninja Warrior"

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Being in the Navy requires being physically fit and now Groton Naval Lt. Natalie Schibell is putting her fitness to the test on the "American Ninja Warrior" obstacle course.

She's heading to the San Pedro section of Los Angeles on June 5 for the regional qualifiers, featuring military competitors who are either active duty or veterans. The show will be filmed on the USS Iowa and is expected to air June 29.  If she advances, she'll compete in the city finals the next day and then the next stage would be Las Vegas.

Schibell, an environmental health officer for the United States Navy based in Groton, said her friend challenged her to apply while they were watching the show last summer.

"I just couldn't turn the challenge down," she said. "I hope to set an example for my sailors that they can achieve anything they desire if they believe in themselves and work hard for it. I also want to promote the Navy's culture of fitness and empower people to employ a healthy lifestyle."

In her Season 7 audition video on YouTube that she wanted to go on the show to "inspire people," young and old, to be "active and healthy, test you limits and be your best" and "have fun doing it."

"I get the greatest satisfaction from helping others, guiding my sailors and encouraging other people to be their very best," Schibell said in her audition video.

She said that training for "American Ninja Warrior has been a "humbling yet fulfilling experience." Last month, she was contacted to be on the show and she increased her training to "build specific strengths needed for success on the course such as grip strength and coordination." She has gone to rock climbing gyms and "ninja" and "parkour" training facilities in the tri-state area to prepare, she said.

"The pre-competition jitters are definitely there, especially since this is my first experience on the show," Schibell said. "The tremendous support of my family, friends, and fans continues to give me the confidence I need to tackle the course. No matter what, I will be giving it my all."

Exercise and sports have been a big part of Schibell's life. At age 5, she began swimming competitively and she's also done field hockey, soccer, track and field and crew, according to her audition video. All of her athletic training and her competitive nature inspired her to joint the Navy, she said.

In the Navy, she oversees a team of preventative medicine technicians and industrial hygienists to maintain public health on Naval submarines and vessels, she said on her audition video. She is also a fitness commander, making sure active duty personnel at four different bases in the country are meeting height and weight standards and are keeping up their fitness so that they're ready to be deployed at any time, she said.

She's also a certified health coach and attended the Culinary Institute of America. She said that most of her training exercises involve "her body weight and the floor."

You can follow her updates on her "American Ninja Warrior" journey on Twitter @NatalieSchibell and Facebook.

"American Ninja Warrior" airs on NBC at 8/7 p.m. central time.



Photo Credit: Jett McGurk

Second Driver Arrested in Crash That Killed Boy, 8

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Police have charged a 23-year-old driver with negligent homicide in the crash in East Hartford that killed an 8-year-old boy in April.

Joel Oviedo-Garcia, 23, of Hartford, turned himself into police Friday on a warrant that the department's accident reconstruction team obtained and was arrested in connection to the crash that killed Carlos Hernandez near 285 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford at 5:55 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.

Another driver involved in the two-car crash, Hawa Pabai, was charged with evading responsibility in toward the beginning of the month in connection to the crash, police said.

Hernandez was struck in the crash and taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries.

Police charged Oviedo-Garcia with negligent homicide and traveling too fast for conditions. Oviedo-Garcia was released from custody after posting a $20,000 court-set bond and is scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court on June 17.



Photo Credit: East Hartford Police Department

Vote for Next Enfield Dog Park Mayor

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A dog park in Enfield is looking for a new mayor.

It all started as a joke when the Enfield Dog Park was established four years ago. Dog owners declared a 5-year-old Shar-Pei beagle-basset mix named Chopper mayor.

But he's not running again and on Saturday, 19 other canine candidates threw their hats in the ring.

You don't have to have a dog in this race to vote. Anyone can vote by making a donation to the non-profit.

"We're into dirty politics! We highly encourage ballot box stuffing, campaign finance fraud; nothing is off the table with this campaign," Enfield Dog Park President Karen Ward quipped.

You can vote on the dog park's website, www.enfielddogpark.org.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Jim Calhoun Ride and Walk Raises Money for Cancer Cause

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Three years ago, Kathy Overbye joined her husband for the annual Jim Calhoun Ride and Walk for Lifesaving Research and Care. She says the exercise has made a difference in her life, but she rides to make a difference for others.

“Unfortunately, I lost my father about 20 years ago to lung cancer. I just saw the care that was provided to him and what everybody did to improve his health and help him during the difficult time, and I really want to give back,” said the Simsbury woman.

She and others have given a total of two million dollars to research at the University of Connecticut, since the event started in 2007. On Saturday, they hoped to raise another quarter-of-a-million dollars. The money is needed because of a shortfall in federal research dollars.

“Federal funding they tend to want to see a piece of work that’s halfway done already, because they want to invest so they can get a return. Money like this enables us to take a more adventurous route into research,” explained Dr. Bruce Liang, the interim Director of the University of Connecticut Health Center.

That means expanding where the money goes beyond the cancer research from the past eight years to heart disease, infection, and autism.

“Every time you push that pedal, you’re pushing it to help others,” former UConn Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun told the riders before each of the 62-mile, 30-mile, and 15-mile bike rides.

A three-time cancer survivor it’s a cause close to the coach’s heart, but Calhoun says the support he received after losing his father at 15, fuels his philanthropy.

“I had a responsibility to help others, because I had been helped myself. My personal experience showed me that so many people get into our lives that can tremendously help you,” he explained.

Calhoun has participated in the ride in the past, and promised he’ll get back on his bike for the 62-mile ride next year.

In the meantime, a thousand people helped ride and walk their way to a better community, on Saturday.

“It’s a win-win. I’m getting healthier and I’m helping other people,” added Overbye.
 



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Man Stabbed to Death in Bar

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A popular Pilsen neighborhood bar in Chicago was a gruesome murder scene early Saturday, according to police, as a man was stabbed to death in the throat during a random attack.

The stabbing occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. at Simone’s in the 900 block of West 18th street in Chicago's Lower West Side while it was crowded with customers, police said.

“It was pretty traumatizing what happened,” Simone’s owner Christopher Muscat said. “Our condolences go out to the deceased, who was a great man.”

The manager who was on staff at the time said the stabbing was a random and unprovoked attack on 43-year-old Rudy Aviña.

Aviña, who was one of Simone’s regular customers, was sitting at the bar when a man workers didn’t recognize walked up and slashed his throat in full view of other customers, according to the manager.

Police told bar management that jealousy was what prompted the random attack. No other details have been released as to what caused the jealous rage.

Aviña died of his stab wounds on the scene.

“I just want everyone to know it wasn’t his fault,” said the victim’s pained daughter Mia Aviña. “He is my best friend and the best person I’ve ever met in my entire life. He’s my favorite person.”

A 29-year-old suspect was taken into custody after the stabbing, according to police. The suspect’s identity has not been released as charges are still pending.

Woman Finds Rare Apple Computer

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An older woman did not realize her unwanted computer remains were valued at $200,00 after she dropped off the boxes at an electronic recycling shop.

"She dropped off a couple boxes like that,” said Clean Bay Area Vice President Victor Gichun.

Gichun says the woman cleaned out her late husband’s garage and dropped off two boxes. She didn't want a tax receipt, and didn't want to leave her contact information. 

"We really couldn't believe our eyes. We thought it was fake,” Gichun said upon digging through the boxes a few weeks after they were dropped off..

Inside was an Apple One computer, Gichun said. About 200 were made, and they’re extremely valuable.

"It was the first computer that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created in their garage and it was sort of this breakthrough in personal computing,” said Computer Science Professor David Crandall.

The company policy is to give 50 percent of all items sold back to the original owner. For the computer, they fetched $200,000 in a private auction.

In case you’re thinking of running down there to collect a check, Gichun knows what she looks like. He just doesn’t know her name. Now he wants to find this mystery woman to thank her, and make her rich.

"I ask this lady, please come over to our warehouse in Milpitas again, and we'll give you check $100,000,” Gichun said.



Photo Credit: Ian Cull

Beau Biden's Life in Photos

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Beau Biden, the son of Vice President Joe Biden, has died after battling brain cancer at age 46. He was a lawyer, member of the Delaware National Guard and former Delaware attorney general. Take a look at images of his family life and career.

Photo Credit: Facebook/BeauBiden

VP Biden's Full Statement on Son Beau's Death

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 It is with broken hearts that Hallie, Hunter, Ashley, Jill and I announce the passing of our husband, brother and son, Beau, after he battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage and strength he demonstrated every day of his life.

The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words. We know that Beau's spirit will live on in all of us-especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter.

Beau's life was defined by service to others. As a young lawyer, he worked to establish the rule of law in war-torn Kosovo. A major in the Delaware National Guard, he was an Iraq War veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star. As Delaware's Attorney General, he fought for the powerless and made it his mission to protect children from abuse.

More than his professional accomplishments, Beau measured himself as a husband, father, son and brother. His absolute honor made him a role model for our family. Beau embodied my father's saying that a parent knows success when his child turns out better than he did.

In the words of the Biden family: Beau Biden was, quite simply, the finest man any of us have ever known.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Community Searches for Solutions to Violence in Hartford

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Less than 24 hours after Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra pleaded for peace in his city, he was at the scene of yet another shooting.

The mayor stopped on Barbour Street where a shooting Saturday had left one man in critical condition. Police say they have a suspect in custody.

On Friday, the mayor came out with a renewed effort to combat crime after meeting privately with police and community members.

“It just signifies that there’s much more than meeting behind closed doors that has to be done,” says Rev. Henry Brown, Mothers United Against Violence.

On Saturday, there was also a vigil for the victim of the city’s 12th homicide of the year.

Police say 23-year-old Alford Grayson died on Wednesday after being stabbed outside a store on Barbour Street, not far from today’s shooting.

“He was a good kid. He loved drums. He loved drums and we would help anybody that he would help. You know, I don’t want his dying to go in vain,” says Janice Hill, mother of Grayson.

Frustration is growing that something more needs to be done.

At times the atmosphere was festive inside Bulkeley High School for Faith Outreach’s United with Purpose. But people came with a serious purpose: praying for the city of Hartford after the recent weeks of violence.

“We have parents that are afraid to take out their kids. We have our church that somewhat feels intimidated by what’s going on. So, we’re trying to come together and work as a team,” says Moises Brigantti, chair of Faith Outreach.

Grayson's Wednesday death was the second Hartford homicide and the third act of violence in the capital city in 24 hours. Police charged Paul Hunter, 36, with Grayson's murder, and are searching for suspects in the other incidents and several others in recent weeks.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Political World Pays Tribute to Beau Biden

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President Barack Obama, members of Congress and others across the political spectrum paid tribute to Beau Biden following his death from brain cancer.

Obama said that he and first lady Michelle “humbly pray for the good Lord to watch over Beau Biden, and to protect and comfort his family here on Earth.” 

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell said his “entire family is shattered” by Biden’s death, and called Vice President Joe Biden's son a friend and “outstanding Attorney General, lawyer, soldier, and father.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) said that Biden was above all “a good and decent man.”

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) said he first met Biden when he was 6 years old and he “represented all that is good about Delaware and our country." 

Presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush also paid tribute. 

Rep. John Carney (D-Del.) said the death felt like “one of those times when you imagine if you try hard enough, the news somehow won't be true.” He called Biden “one of the best of the good guys."

Here's what other political leaders and media personalities said in remembering Biden: 


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Former Marine Officer Breaks Plank Record

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A former U.S. Marine officer from Carlsbad, just north of San Diego, crushed the world record for the longest plank Saturday, raising money and awareness for wounded warriors in the process.

Former Marine officer and retired Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent George Hood, 57, spent a total of five hours, 15 minutes and 15 seconds in the abdominal plank position at the Junior Seau Amphitheatre in Oceanside as he broke the Guinness World Record previously set at four hours and 26 minutes by Mao Weidong of Beijing, China, last September.

Before Weidong took the title, Hood held the planking record at four hours and one minute, which he set in June 2014.

The athlete and fitness professional’s planking feat – dubbed “The People’s Plank” – doubled as a fundraiser to benefit the Semper Fi Fund for injured U.S. service members, a charity that’s near and dear to Hood’s heart.

“There are injured Marines that come back from the fight, who have suffered life-altering injuries and the discomfort that I feel right now pales in comparison to that which they feel,” Hood told NBC San Diego while in mid-plank.

“So, we raise money to help them. We tend to forget about them sometimes. This helps raise awareness and draw attention to them – and I’m about that,” he added.

Hood said two of his sons are also Marine officers, so this event held extra special weight for him.

Hood – who is a personal trainer and group exercise instructor – said his longest plank while training for this challenge had clocked in at four hours and 33 minutes. In the end, he beat his own training time by more than 42 minutes on Saturday.

Hood spent nine months training for his record attempt all over the North County, including four to six hours of training per day and 30 hours of plank time each week. In all, he logged nearly 1,000 of plank time leading up to the record-breaking event, consistently training with 20 and 40-pound weghts on his back to build up his endurance and strength.

Hood had an entire crew there to help him achieve his goal, including friends who chatted with him while he planked and brought him visual distractions.

“They chat amongst themselves. They plant ideas and themes in my head that causes me to get distracted,” he explained. “They bring little gifts up here to the table that I can stare at and draw conclusions, and just study them. All that helps pass time.”

After his record-breaking endeavor, Hood planned to grab some lunch with his support team. Hood said he would likely burn about 2,000 calories planking for that many hours.

“I will lose some weight today and I will be very, very sore. But we will achieve our mission,” Hood said.

The former Marine hoped his event would inspire others to put fitness first and, most importantly, remind people of our U.S. service members who have given so much in the fight for freedom.

“Don’t forget our countless Marines and service members who’ve fought the good fight, those who haven’t come home, and those who are injured and living with that horror every single day,” he said. “Don’t forget about them.”

In addition to the plank record, Hood first attained Guinness World Record status in 1986 when he skipped rope for more than 13 hours. From 2007 to 2010, the athlete set three additional records for the spin cycling marathon.



Photo Credit: Monica Garske

Driver Killed After Crashing into Dump Truck

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A male driver extricated from his car was killed after crashing into a dump truck on Route 6 in Brooklyn, Connecticut early Saturday morning.

Brian Laroche, 55, of Danielson, was driving his 1995 Ford Probe in eastbound direction on Route 6 when he swerved into the oncoming lane just west of Laurel Hill Road and hit the driver's side of the Willimantic Waste Paper Co. Inc. dump truck Johnnie Lefevre, 39, of Sterling, was driving nearly head-on, state police said. The collision happened around 8:08 a.m.

Laroche's car was pushed back into the eastbound lane and came to an "uncontrolled rest" on the side of the road south of the lane, state police said. Firefighters extricated him from the car and he was trasnported to Day Kimball hospital in Putnam. 

A Life Flight helicopter airlifted him to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he died of his injuries. It would have been Laroche's 56th birthday on Sunday.

There is no word on the condition of the dump truck driver or the cause of the crash.

State police continue to investigate the crash.

There was another crash in Brooklyn on Route 6 soon after involving a motorcycle and the two crashes are unrelated.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Vigil Held for Hartford Stabbing Death Victim

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Community members gathered for a vigil on Barbour Street Saturday afternoon in memory of 23-year-old Alford Grayson, who was stabbed to death inside Blue's Package Store Wednesday night.

Grayson was stabbed in the chest with a knife outside the store at 139 Barbour Street at 7 p.m. that night and transported him to the emergency room at Saint Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10 p.m.

About 50 people came to the vigil to remember Grayson.

Meanwhile there was another case of violence on Barbour Street Saturday involving a dispute between two men over a woman. A man is in critical condition after he was shot in the face near 8 Barbour Street and police have a suspect in custody.

As for the stabbing death of Grayson, police charged Paul Hunter, 36, of the Broad Brook section of East Windsor, with his murder. He is suspected of stabbing Grayson in a dispute over a woman in the package store at 139 Barbour Street around 7 p.m. that night. He is claiming self defense.

When officers chased Hunter down as he ran from the scene and took him into custody, he was still holding the knife, police said.

During an interview with police, Hunter said he was talking to a girl two weeks ago on Judson Street and Grayson wanted to fight him after that, according to police documents. 

On Wednesday night, the two men were in the liquor store and Grayson started "trash talking," Hunter told police. Then they two men got into a fight, with Grayson throwing a punch and Hunter blocking it, Hunter told police. 

He admitted to choking and punching Grayson until someone else got into the middle of the fight, according to police. 

Then he said he "must have" pulled out a knife and "guess(es) he stabbed Alford Grayson," according to police. 

Hunter has been charged with murder and Grayson's death was the city's 12th homicide of the year.

Hunter was arrested Wednesday and charged with murder, interfering with police, carrying a dangerous weapon and assault on police. His bond was set at $1.5 million.

Grayson's death was the second Hartford homicide that day and the third act of violence in the capital city in 24 hours.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Woman Rescued From LA Chimney

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Firefighters rescued a woman stuck in the chimney of a Los Angeles school Saturday, fire officials said.

The rescue took place just after 6 p.m. at the three-story Virgil Middle School at 152 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart.

Aerial footage taken by NewsChopper4 showed members of an urban search and rescue team placing a "capture strap" around the soot-covered woman and lifting her to safety.

She was then placed on a stretcher and taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

It was unclear how the woman, in her 30s, got stuck 25 feet down the chimney shaft. The incident may be connected to a report of a woman threatening to jump from a roof earlier in the day, fire officials said.



Photo Credit: KNBC

Girl's Body Found in Flood Waters

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A rollover crash on Saturday evening led to a 7-year-old girl being ejected into flood waters in southern Dallas county. Rescue crews recovered her body hours after the accident.

The girl has been identified as Jordin Barrett.

The search began just after 6:00 p.m. Saturday off westbound U.S. 175 (CF Hawn Freeway) at 2nd Street. Recent rains rose the levels of White Rock Creek, which runs along U.S. 175 in that area.

Raul Reyna, public information officer for the Dallas County Sheriff, said a Ford Explorer driven by Johnathan Brandon Hawkins was traveling westbound along U.S. 175 when it attempted to change from the left lane to the center lane. However another vehicle was in the center lane.

Reyna said the Explorer swerved back into the left lane and hit a concrete barrier on the left side of the highway. The vehicle then crossed two lanes of traffic, a grassy median and flipped over. 

Reyna said a woman, Jona Flake, and her children ages 5, 6, 7 and 9 were passengers in the Explorer.  Barrett and a 9-year-old girl were thrown from the vehicle. Rescuers pulled the 9-year-old from the water. 

However, the water carried Barrett away. Rescuers searched by boat and by raft until they recovered her body around 8:00 p.m.

Flake and her three surviving children were treated at Parkland Hospital and Children's Medical Center Dallas. Police said they are in stable condition. Hawkins was not physically injured.



Photo Credit: Ames Meyer, Chopper 5

Crane Accident in Midtown Manhattan Injures 10

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An industrial air conditioner being hoisted by a crane to the top of a Midtown Manhattan building Sunday morning plummeted about 28 stories after a cable snapped and 10 people were injured by falling debris, authorities said.

The AC unit sheared the side of the 30-story building on Madison Avenue between East 38th and East 39th Street before landing on the street below at around 10:45 a.m., according to police.

Two construction workers and eight pedestrians suffered minor injuries from falling debris, officials said. They were treated at local hospitals.

"It was like a train car fell off the side of the building," said Meredith Kelly, a tourist from Atlanta who was walking nearby at the time of the accident.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city would undertake a full investigation to determine exactly what caused the accident.

"Thank God this incident occurred at an hour of the day on a weekend when there weren't too many people around," the mayor said.

Buildings Department Commissioner Rick Chandler said it was typical for work to be done on weekends when equipment, such as a crane, is being used. He said all the needed permits for the work involving the crane were "in place," and there had been no official complaints about the crane. 

"We think this device, in this preliminary stage, is in good state and we'll follow up with that," Chandler said.

Streets in the vicinity were closed to traffic and city buses were being detoured from routes in the area.


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Police Obtain Warrant for Man Who Shot Pastor: PD

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Hartford police have obtained an arrest warrant for a man suspected in two shootings that happened 14 minutes apart, including the shooting of a pastor putting flags out for Memorial Day and a 27-year-old man at another location, police said.

Aaron J. Taylor, 25, of Windsor, is wanted on attempted murder and assault charges in connection to both shootings and police are searching for him. They said to "use caution when dealing with Taylor as the firearm in this incident has not been recovered."

Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra said it will take a community effort to end the streak of violence in the capital city. 

"We’ve seen in the past that if we work together, work together strongly, that we can reduce violence in our communities," Segarra said. “.... If you see this person you’re to contact the police and not try to be a police officer or try to apprehend this person on your own, but we will benefit from the information of locating this individual.”

Taylor is suspected of shooting Rev. Dr. Augustus Sealy, 54, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, outside the First Church of the Nazarene at 932 Capital Ave. just before 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, police said. The pastor was putting out flags for Memorial Day services on his fifth anniversary at the church, according to police. Sealy is still recovering from being shot twice in the right leg and once in the left shoulder. 

Robert Jones, 27, of Hartford, was shot at least six times at about 6:41 a.m. that Sunday at 402 Garden St. and police believe Taylor was the person who shot him. An ambulance brought Jones to the emergency room at Saint Francis Hospital, where he was later listed in serious, but stable condition.

Taylor was last seen driving a black Nissan Maxima and the marker plate is unknown, police said. He is also suspected in other crimes, but police did not release information on those other incidents. 

Surveillance video of Taylor buying a Red Bull at a Hartford convenience store helped police identify him as a suspect.

“We had faith that something would happen and that God would have that justice and that God is the judge out there,” Sister Jocelyn Eaves, of the First Church of the Nazarene, said.  

Police said the motive for both crimes is unclear. Investigators said earlier this week that they are looking into whether the shooting of the pastor might have been a hate crime.

"I can tell you we do hear from residents that the church is very accepting and open to the LGBT community," Hartford police spokesman Deputy Chief Brian Foley previously said. "So there were some statements made at the scene that certainly keep the idea of it being a hate crime open to our investigators."

Eaves said that the survival of the pastor "is truly a miracle." Members of the church said they were not only praying for their pastor, but also for his shooter. 

“If we don’t do that, then the world will continually be corrupt and violence will continue," Eaves said. 

The warrant for Taylor carries charges of criminal attempt to commit murder and first-degree assault, as well as a $1.2 million court-set bond. He has a long criminal record, including carrying a pistol without a permit, escape and resisting arrest. 

The department asks anyone with information on the suspect to contact police.



Photo Credit: Hartford Police Department
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Driver Charged in Crash That Killed Passenger

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 A 28-year-old passenger died in a one-car crash on Interstate 395 northbound in Montville early Sunday morning and the driver is facing charges after fleeing the scene.

Jamar Davis, 28, of Norwich, was killed in the crash, which happened at about 2:15 a.m. on Sunday.  

Driver Andre Roy Nichols, 25, of Norwich, lost control of the 2004 Hyundai Sonata they were in with four other people while he was trying to merge onto Route 2A east of exit 79A, state police said. The car traveled from the off ramp and across two lanes on Route 2A and struck a metal guardrail in the center median. The car continued over the guardrail, causing it to roll over, coming to rest on its roof, facing in the eastern direction of the exit 79A ramp travel lane, state police said.

Nichols was charged with evasion of responsibility after fleeing the scene, state police said. He was held in custody on a $150,000 cash bond and is due in Norwich Superior Court on June 1.

Davis was pronounced dead on scene and his family has been notified. Four other passengers were transported to Backus Hospital in Norwich to be treated for injuries.

Sheganha Nicasia, 25, was seriously injured, Nakeema Williams, 28, of Norwich, sustained minor injuries. Keasia Y. Elliott, 21, of Norwich, was seriously injured and Stephen Allen, 28, of Norwich, had minor injuries due to the crash.

The car was registered to Williams.

The crash remains under investigation.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Sinkhole Closes Route 69 Northbound Lane in Bristol

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Crews are working to repair a sinkhole on Route 69 (Wolcott Street) in Bristol Sunday, closing the road in the northbound direction.

The sinkhole is near Lawndale Avenue and state Department of Transportation crews responded. 

The road was not entirely shut down, but the northbound side of the road was closed for about one and a half blocks from South Street to Lawndale Avenue as of 2 p.m. DOT crews are still on scene. 

No injuries were reported and there is no word on the cause. 



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com
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