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Family Calls for Expansion of Bexar County's SMART Team After Fatal Mental Health Crisis Incident

Family Calls for Expansion of Bexar County's SMART Team After Fatal Mental Health Crisis Incident

A San Antonio mother, Rebecca Harris, is advocating for the expansion of Bexar County's mental health response services, specifically the SMART (Crisis Intervention Team) program. This call for change follows a tragic incident in May where her son, Joseph Finnegan, allegedly killed his 79-year-old grandmother, Rose Lozano-Garcia, during a mental health crisis. According to investigators, Finnegan was experiencing a mental health emergency when his grandmother sought help, specifically requesting the sheriff's SMART team. However, by the time the mental health unit arrived from across town, the fatal incident had already occurred. Harris states that her son had struggled with mental illness for years, had fallen through the cracks of a county program, stopped taking his medication, and resumed drinking. She is now urging Bexar County commissioners to increase mental health response coverage, particularly during peak hours, to prevent similar tragedies.

Naval Station Norfolk Returns to Normal Operations Following Heightened Security Measures

Naval Station Norfolk Returns to Normal Operations Following Heightened Security Measures

Naval Station Norfolk has resumed normal operations as of Tuesday morning, following the implementation of heightened security measures on Monday. These measures had led to changes in access, including the closure of some gates and reduced lanes at others. Officials stated that these precautions were taken to ensure the safety and security of personnel, families, and the installation. During the period of heightened security, personnel entering the base were advised to anticipate delays and allocate additional travel time. Naval Station Norfolk did not disclose the specific reasons that prompted the increased security, stating that further details would be released as they become available and appropriate for public dissemination.

RIPEC Report Ranks Rhode Island No. 1 in Fire Spending, Top 10 in Police Spending

RIPEC Report Ranks Rhode Island No. 1 in Fire Spending, Top 10 in Police Spending

A new report by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), a business-backed research group, indicates that Rhode Island spends significantly more on police and fire services compared to most other U.S. states. This elevated spending is identified as a primary contributor to the property tax burden experienced by residents and businesses within the state. Based on 2024 data, Rhode Island holds the top national position for per capita and personal income-based spending on fire protection services. For police spending, the state ranks ninth per capita and sixth based on personal income. RIPEC President/CEO Michael DiBiase noted that despite high spending, there is little evidence of a greater need for these services, citing Rhode Island's low crime rates and no indication of unusually high fire activity.

Harvard University Issues Shelter-in-Place Order Following Search for Armed Suspect in Cambridge

Harvard University Issues Shelter-in-Place Order Following Search for Armed Suspect in Cambridge

Harvard University issued a shelter-in-place order on Tuesday morning after police searched for a suspect reportedly armed with a 'knife' or 'machete' near its Cambridge campus. The emergency alert, sent to the Harvard community around 9:45 a.m., indicated that university, city, and Massachusetts State Police were actively scouring the area around 124 Mount Auburn Street for an individual involved in an aggravated assault and battery. The search subsequently moved to the areas of Mount Auburn, Ash, and Hawthorne Streets. The order was lifted approximately 45 minutes later, with officials confirming that a suspect had been taken into custody. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident, which occurred just a day before students were scheduled to begin the fall term.

Rhode Island Man Discovers Mortar Shell While Magnet Fishing, Prompting Evacuations

Rhode Island Man Discovers Mortar Shell While Magnet Fishing, Prompting Evacuations

A Rhode Island man, Gerard Perreault, made an unexpected and dangerous discovery while magnet fishing under a bridge in West Warwick. Perreault hooked an object approximately one foot long, covered in muck and seaweed, which he initially found unsettling. After lowering it back into the water and contacting authorities, the fire department identified the object as a mortar shell, an explosive projectile. This discovery led to immediate action from local police, who shut down the Main Street bridge and surrounding areas, causing significant traffic disruptions around West Warwick Avenue. As bomb technicians assessed the device, the safety perimeter was expanded, resulting in the evacuation of two nearby apartment buildings. Perreault, who previously found hand grenades near Rocky Point in July, expressed shock at his repeated encounters with explosives.

Rhode Island Magnet Fisher Discovers Mortar Shell, Prompting Evacuations

Rhode Island Magnet Fisher Discovers Mortar Shell, Prompting Evacuations

A magnet fisher in West Warwick, Rhode Island, Gerard Perreault, discovered a mortar shell while fishing, leading to evacuations and road closures. The object, described as approximately one foot long, covered in muck and seaweed, and with a pointed end, was found under a bridge. Police were immediately called, and the bomb squad assessed the device. As a precautionary measure, the safety perimeter was expanded, and two nearby apartment buildings were evacuated. This incident follows a previous discovery by Perreault in July, when he reportedly pulled two hand grenades from the water near Rocky Point. Authorities successfully moved the mortar shell to a secure location and safely detonated it. The event caused significant disruption, with traffic snarled around West Warwick Avenue and local businesses experiencing frantic activity.

Rhode Island State Police Make Arrests in Pawtucket for Fraud and Driving Offenses

Rhode Island State Police Make Arrests in Pawtucket for Fraud and Driving Offenses

Rhode Island State Troopers recently made two arrests in Pawtucket. At 11:33 AM, Troopers arrested Steven Blais, 38, of Providence, Rhode Island, on an Affidavit Arrest Warrant for Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. This warrant originated from the Pawtucket Police Department. The arrest occurred during a motor vehicle stop on Smithfield Avenue in Pawtucket. Blais was transported to the Lincoln Woods Barracks for processing before being turned over to the Pawtucket Police Department. Later, at 2:48 AM, Troopers arrested Isaiah Ramirez, 26, also of Providence, Rhode Island. Ramirez was apprehended on a Sixth Division District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear on an original charge of Driving with a Suspended License. This warrant originated from the State Police Lincoln Woods Barracks. His arrest also resulted from a motor vehicle stop, which took place on Division Street in Pawtucket. Ramirez was processed at the Lincoln Woods Barracks, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace, and subsequently released w...

Ventura County Star, Camarillo

2 men stabbed in early morning incident near downtown Ventura

2 men stabbed in early morning incident near downtown Ventura

Ventura police are investigating an early morning stabbing Aug. 30 just outside downtown.

Newport, RI Leads State in Per Capita Spending on Police and Fire Protection

Newport, RI Leads State in Per Capita Spending on Police and Fire Protection

Newport, Rhode Island, spent more per resident on police and fire protection in fiscal year 2024 than any other city or town in the state, according to a report by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC). The city's per capita spending was $746 for police and $840 for fire protection, totaling $1,586 per resident, significantly higher than the statewide average of $846. Newport was one of eight communities where combined police and fire spending exceeded $1,000 per capita. The report also noted that Newport's staffing levels are the highest in Rhode Island for both departments, with 3.4 police officers and 3.8 professional firefighters per 1,000 residents, exceeding national benchmarks. Pension costs represent a substantial portion of Newport's fire budget, with over a third allocated to pension obligations.

La Mesa Police Seek Public Assistance in Locating Missing 62-Year-Old Man with Dementia

La Mesa Police Seek Public Assistance in Locating Missing 62-Year-Old Man with Dementia

The La Mesa Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating Harold Rose, a 62-year-old man suffering from dementia, who went missing from his home. Mr. Rose was last seen on Saturday at approximately 9 a.m. in the 5600 block of Amaya Drive. Subsequent sightings indicate he rode an MTS trolley to downtown La Mesa and was later seen leaving a Walmart in College Grove on Sunday. He was also possibly seen at a Wendy's on Campo Road on Saturday afternoon. The California Highway Patrol has issued a Silver Alert to aid in his search. Mr. Rose is described as a Black man, 6-feet tall, weighing about 235 pounds, with short black hair, and was last seen wearing a light blue sweatshirt, gray shorts, and black shoes.

US carrier visit to Thailand's Pattaya lifts hope and sex-tourism risk

US carrier visit to Thailand's Pattaya lifts hope and sex-tourism risk

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng BANGKOK, Aug 31 (Reuters) - After a long deployment in the Middle East, a U.S.

Poland Issues and Recalls Warning for Residents Amidst Russian Drone Attack on Western Ukraine

Poland Issues and Recalls Warning for Residents Amidst Russian Drone Attack on Western Ukraine

Residents in Poland's Lublin Voivodeship received an alert on the afternoon of August 30, warning them of a massive Russian aerial attack targeting western Ukraine. The initial message, sent at 15:07, stated: 'ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION! A massive aerial attack is ongoing on the territory of western Ukraine. Follow updates.' However, just six minutes later, at 15:13, a follow-up message was issued, canceling the previous alert. The second notification clarified: 'ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION! The massive attack on the territory of western Ukraine has concluded. There is no threat on the territory of the Republic of Poland. Follow updates.' This incident follows a previous event on July 30, when a Russian missile entered Polish airspace and landed on Polish territory during a large-scale attack on Ukraine, prompting a debate about the effectiveness and timing of public alerts. Deputy Defence Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka had previously stated in mid-August that SMS warnings for dangerous si...