Saturday, February 14, 2015
Fish in shoe provided clue in man's arrest
The discovery of a fish by police in Towamencin, Pennsylvania, was part of a bizarre series of events that led to the arrest of a Hatfield Township man on charges of fleeing law enforcement, public drunkenness and more after his car was found submerged in a creek.
Police said that just before 10pm on Feb. 7, officers responded after a resident reported that a seemingly intoxicated man had knocked on his door, told him that he had been in a car accident, and that someone had pulled a gun on him.
The resident immediately closed the door and called the police.
Officers who arrived at the scene soon found a man fitting the description of the suspicious individual in the area and detained him. He was identified as Rickie Michael Arroyo, 25, and reeked of alcohol and showed other signs of impairment, according to police. He was also soaking wet, police said. Arroyo denied knocking on anyone’s door or of having been in a car accident, officers said, but could not explain why he was in the neighbourhood. When asked what kind of car he owned and where it was, Arroyo said he had a white Honda that should be parked in front of his house.
Officers took Arroyo into custody for public drunkenness and subsequently discovered he had a minnow in his sneaker, which led officers to surmise that he may have walked through a creek prior to his arrest. After processing at Towamencin police headquarters, Arroyo was released later that night into the custody of a “responsible party.” However, officers who continued to investigate the strange incident determined that Arroyo owned a blue Hyundai, not a white Honda, and Hatfield police confirmed that the Hyundai was not in his driveway as he had stated.
Just before midnight, police said they spotted the car belonging to the person who picked up Arroyo from the police station and found Arroyo inside the vehicle. Officers also saw tyre tracks going past a dead end sign, which led them to Arroyo’s Hyundai, which was submerged in a nearby creek - police said they recognised it as a vehicle that had fled from police at around 9:30pm that night after officers saw it travelling at a high rate of speed and pursued it, but lost sight of it. Arroyo was arrested again at the scene. He’s been charged with second-degree misdemeanor fleeing from law enforcement and summary counts of careless driving, speeding, public drunkenness and trespass by a motor vehicle.
Officers who arrived at the scene soon found a man fitting the description of the suspicious individual in the area and detained him. He was identified as Rickie Michael Arroyo, 25, and reeked of alcohol and showed other signs of impairment, according to police. He was also soaking wet, police said. Arroyo denied knocking on anyone’s door or of having been in a car accident, officers said, but could not explain why he was in the neighbourhood. When asked what kind of car he owned and where it was, Arroyo said he had a white Honda that should be parked in front of his house.
Officers took Arroyo into custody for public drunkenness and subsequently discovered he had a minnow in his sneaker, which led officers to surmise that he may have walked through a creek prior to his arrest. After processing at Towamencin police headquarters, Arroyo was released later that night into the custody of a “responsible party.” However, officers who continued to investigate the strange incident determined that Arroyo owned a blue Hyundai, not a white Honda, and Hatfield police confirmed that the Hyundai was not in his driveway as he had stated.
Just before midnight, police said they spotted the car belonging to the person who picked up Arroyo from the police station and found Arroyo inside the vehicle. Officers also saw tyre tracks going past a dead end sign, which led them to Arroyo’s Hyundai, which was submerged in a nearby creek - police said they recognised it as a vehicle that had fled from police at around 9:30pm that night after officers saw it travelling at a high rate of speed and pursued it, but lost sight of it. Arroyo was arrested again at the scene. He’s been charged with second-degree misdemeanor fleeing from law enforcement and summary counts of careless driving, speeding, public drunkenness and trespass by a motor vehicle.
Residents helped rescue puppy from storm drain
A community came together to help rescue a puppy stuck in a storm drain in Woodland Heights, Houston, on Wednesday night.
Neighbours said they were walking around at 7pm when they heard the puppy crying in the sewer system.
They sent down food, a remote camera and a remote control car trying to get the puppy out, but after several hours the pup was still in the drain.
LiveLeak link.
Residents called Houston's 3-1-1 but said they were frustrated by the slow response. Finally, the SPCA arrived and were able to rescue the pup. They say they are impressed with the neighbour's efforts. The rescue team say that other than being a little cold, the puppy should be fine.
Neighbours said they were walking around at 7pm when they heard the puppy crying in the sewer system.
They sent down food, a remote camera and a remote control car trying to get the puppy out, but after several hours the pup was still in the drain.
LiveLeak link.
Residents called Houston's 3-1-1 but said they were frustrated by the slow response. Finally, the SPCA arrived and were able to rescue the pup. They say they are impressed with the neighbour's efforts. The rescue team say that other than being a little cold, the puppy should be fine.
Teenager who'd forgotten his keys rescued by firefighters after getting stuck in chimney
Firefighters rescued a teenager who was stuck in a chimney in central Tucson, Arizona, on Wednesday afternoon.
After a neighbour heard cries for help and called 911, TFD was dispatched to a house shortly after 3:00pm.
Capt. Barret Baker says they found a 16-year-old boy stuck in the chimney four to six feet below the top of the chimney, The crew was able to lower a rope with an auditorium knot down to the teen, said Baker.
Firefighters were then able to hoist the trapped teen out. The teen was unharmed and did not require further medical care. He said he did not have his keys and has his younger brother with him, so he tried getting into the house so they were not stuck outside.
TFD said trying to gain entry to a house by sliding down the chimney is extremely dangerous. "The chances of making it down safely are slim to none and getting stuck can lead to serious injury or even death," said Baker.
Capt. Barret Baker says they found a 16-year-old boy stuck in the chimney four to six feet below the top of the chimney, The crew was able to lower a rope with an auditorium knot down to the teen, said Baker.
Firefighters were then able to hoist the trapped teen out. The teen was unharmed and did not require further medical care. He said he did not have his keys and has his younger brother with him, so he tried getting into the house so they were not stuck outside.
TFD said trying to gain entry to a house by sliding down the chimney is extremely dangerous. "The chances of making it down safely are slim to none and getting stuck can lead to serious injury or even death," said Baker.
Mother's car repossessed with 9-month-old baby still inside
A vehicle with a child inside was repossessed in Florida on Tuesday.
The Orlando Police Department helped the mother track down the vehicle and find the 9-month-old baby girl.
"I thought somebody kidnapped her because my oldest daughter said, 'It was two white males [who] got in the car and they just left,'" Antoinette Jordan said.
Jordan went inside an Orlando day care to pick up her other two children, and when she went back outside, the car was gone. "I was just very, very scared," Jordan said. "I would never think nobody would take my baby. I didn't care about the car. They could have got their possession, I just want my baby back."
Orlando police tracked the baby and the car to Xpress Finance and General Auto on John Young Parkway, about four miles from the day care. Jordan said she owes the company $199, which was due on February 7. Typically vehicles are not repossessed three days after a missed payment. "Check the car before you take it, that's really it. Just don't take nobody's baby," Jordan said.
YouTube link.
"I didn't care about the car. I make my payment and get my car back but don't take my baby and have me worried. She's just 9 months old." Wanda Barkley, the day care director, said the situation was terrifying. Barkley kept the other children while the mother worked with police to find the car. "We went on lockdown," Barkley said. The day care quickly came off of lockdown when officials realised the car had not been stolen. It is unclear if any charges will be filed.
Jordan went inside an Orlando day care to pick up her other two children, and when she went back outside, the car was gone. "I was just very, very scared," Jordan said. "I would never think nobody would take my baby. I didn't care about the car. They could have got their possession, I just want my baby back."
Orlando police tracked the baby and the car to Xpress Finance and General Auto on John Young Parkway, about four miles from the day care. Jordan said she owes the company $199, which was due on February 7. Typically vehicles are not repossessed three days after a missed payment. "Check the car before you take it, that's really it. Just don't take nobody's baby," Jordan said.
YouTube link.
"I didn't care about the car. I make my payment and get my car back but don't take my baby and have me worried. She's just 9 months old." Wanda Barkley, the day care director, said the situation was terrifying. Barkley kept the other children while the mother worked with police to find the car. "We went on lockdown," Barkley said. The day care quickly came off of lockdown when officials realised the car had not been stolen. It is unclear if any charges will be filed.
Jaws of life used by police rescue unit to free dog stuck in railings
A visitor to playground in Queens Park, Sydney, Australia, bit off more than he could chew while taking a Friday morning stroll.
The Shih tzu cross named Butch had clearly eaten more for breakfast than usual and found himself stuck in the bars of the children’s playground after attempting an ambitious squeeze.
Team leader of ranger services at Centennial Parklands, Doug Cotton said they received a call from Butch’s terrified owner at about 10.25am. “It is in one of the off leash areas I think he was just trying to get in to play with the kids,” Mr Cotton said. “He wasn’t stressed at all, he was there for about 20 minutes.
“He just got his head through but then got stuck at the rib cage and couldn’t go backward or forward.” After rangers unsuccessfully attempted to wrangle him out of the bars the big guns were called in. A NSW Police Rescue Unit arrived and needed to use the jaws of life to cut their four-legged friend free.
“I have never seen anything like this before, I have had lots of situations including rescuing birds from drains and freeing trapped eels, but nothing like this,” Mr Cotton said. “It was different that’s for sure.” He said the police were just as amazed that the trapped dog had managed to get himself so stuck.
Team leader of ranger services at Centennial Parklands, Doug Cotton said they received a call from Butch’s terrified owner at about 10.25am. “It is in one of the off leash areas I think he was just trying to get in to play with the kids,” Mr Cotton said. “He wasn’t stressed at all, he was there for about 20 minutes.
“He just got his head through but then got stuck at the rib cage and couldn’t go backward or forward.” After rangers unsuccessfully attempted to wrangle him out of the bars the big guns were called in. A NSW Police Rescue Unit arrived and needed to use the jaws of life to cut their four-legged friend free.
“I have never seen anything like this before, I have had lots of situations including rescuing birds from drains and freeing trapped eels, but nothing like this,” Mr Cotton said. “It was different that’s for sure.” He said the police were just as amazed that the trapped dog had managed to get himself so stuck.
Library visitors confused by gender neutral toilet signs
Gender neutral toilet signs in a northern Swedish town library have left visitors confused.
Unisex toilets have been installed at the new library in Umeå. But the signs to the toilets have confused many.
A sign hanging between the doors shows a male and a female figure, and arrows pointing in both directions. And in their most pressing time of need, visitors to the library have found they don't know where to go.
“You usually look for a man or a woman, but here they've got both symbols,” library visitor Ida Lundström said. According to Maria Westerlund, section head of Umeå public library, the arrows are meant to show that you can use either toilet. “The arrows don't mean that women should go left and men right.
“But I understand it can be mistaken for a ladies' toilet and a gentlemen's toilet,” she said. “It's always very difficult to be clear when it comes to signs – they can always be understood in different ways. But if this ends up causing problems we may have to look at other options,” she added.
A sign hanging between the doors shows a male and a female figure, and arrows pointing in both directions. And in their most pressing time of need, visitors to the library have found they don't know where to go.
“You usually look for a man or a woman, but here they've got both symbols,” library visitor Ida Lundström said. According to Maria Westerlund, section head of Umeå public library, the arrows are meant to show that you can use either toilet. “The arrows don't mean that women should go left and men right.
“But I understand it can be mistaken for a ladies' toilet and a gentlemen's toilet,” she said. “It's always very difficult to be clear when it comes to signs – they can always be understood in different ways. But if this ends up causing problems we may have to look at other options,” she added.
Motorists complain that traffic calming plant pots placed on busy road are a dangerous addition
Motorists are unhappy about new planters installed along the main route into Brighton and Hove city centre.
The four black plant pots were installed along Viaduct Road, Brighton, as traffic calming measures after residents voiced concerns about speeding along the route.
The planters are also in place to provide “stronger visual clues about the street’s residential nature”.
Councillor Ken Norman labelled them as “crazy and very dangerous” and added they were a “ridiculous idea and waste of money”. Chris Morford, a daily commuter from Henfield, said: “These planters are a danger, causing cars to swerve. If there is a speed issue let us have details of the number of complaints. If there is a realistic number then enforce the 20mph speed limit.” A report said the road was used by 11,200 vehicles per day – more than half of which drive over 30mph.
Businesswoman Sue Addis, who uses the road every day, said: “It’s just ridiculous. There’s not enough room for two cars anyway. Will they be planted up with palm trees to make the entrance to our city more attractive with a tropical feel? Or is it a new game of swerve and bump to keep us all going at 20 miles an hour?” Brighton and Hove City Council said the measures were experimental and there were currently no plans for permanent ones.
YouTube link. Additional video.
Martin Heath, Brighton and Hove City Council’s road safety manager, said: “Further softening of the traffic environment through planting can also create stronger visual clues about the residential nature of the street. Following some local public utility work last weekend, which resulted in the closure of a traffic lane, we took the opportunity to introduce some planters. The aim was to determine the impact that such measures might have on speeds, again to inform decisions about measures later on. The feedback we receive will be used as a basis for developing options.”
Councillor Ken Norman labelled them as “crazy and very dangerous” and added they were a “ridiculous idea and waste of money”. Chris Morford, a daily commuter from Henfield, said: “These planters are a danger, causing cars to swerve. If there is a speed issue let us have details of the number of complaints. If there is a realistic number then enforce the 20mph speed limit.” A report said the road was used by 11,200 vehicles per day – more than half of which drive over 30mph.
Businesswoman Sue Addis, who uses the road every day, said: “It’s just ridiculous. There’s not enough room for two cars anyway. Will they be planted up with palm trees to make the entrance to our city more attractive with a tropical feel? Or is it a new game of swerve and bump to keep us all going at 20 miles an hour?” Brighton and Hove City Council said the measures were experimental and there were currently no plans for permanent ones.
YouTube link. Additional video.
Martin Heath, Brighton and Hove City Council’s road safety manager, said: “Further softening of the traffic environment through planting can also create stronger visual clues about the residential nature of the street. Following some local public utility work last weekend, which resulted in the closure of a traffic lane, we took the opportunity to introduce some planters. The aim was to determine the impact that such measures might have on speeds, again to inform decisions about measures later on. The feedback we receive will be used as a basis for developing options.”
Jobseeker's rude rejection email called him an old, aesthetically challenged guy with no teeth
A jobseeker says his confidence has been shattered after receiving a "personal attack" following a meeting with an employer - describing him as an "an old, aesthetically challenged guy with no teeth".
James Allen, aged 48, was left upset and angry after receiving an email from a director at Plympton-based Right Price PVCu who claimed he was "one of the most irritating, rude, obnoxious and arrogant people" she had ever had the "misfortune" to meet.
Sarah Haseler, of Right Price PVCu, claims she vented her feelings in an email and then wrote Mr Allen a second email but sent him the first one in error, which she never intended him to see.
The email Mr Allen received from Ms Haseler after he met her to discuss the possibility of working for the company contained three expletives.
The former serviceman, who lives in Princetown, Devon, said he thought their meeting had gone well and that Ms Haseler had agreed to get in touch later that day.
He said when he heard nothing back he sent her an email saying: "Just a quick email to say that you promised to phone me today. You did not, I rang your mobile but you did not answer, I sent a text you did not answer. When you promise something you carry it through." In her reply, Ms Haseler described Mr Allen as "an old, aesthetically challenged guy with no teeth". She also wrote: "If I had been anything other than professional, I would have said what I was actually thinking, which was this guy is an absolute c*nt. Get the f*ck out." Her email added: "I only wish I'd have seen your CV beforehand, to save us both the time, as I would have probably noticed your main job role as 'professional prick'." Mr Allen, who is still looking for work, said he was left "really upset" and unable to sleep after receiving the email. "There's no way as a professional, and especially as a director of a company, that you would treat somebody that way. I really didn't expect something as nasty as that," he said.
"I was in the army for four years and you would sort it out face to face; you wouldn't do it like this. Nobody's ever given me a personal attack on the way I look – I was wearing a shirt and tie and wasn't wearing jeans or anything." Mr Allen said that his confidence had been knocked by the experience. "I'm a confident person normally but she has brought into question my face and my age," he said. "It's knocked my confidence. Just because I'm a man and I'm 48 doesn't mean that I can't get upset." In a statement, Ms Haseler said: "This was not an official interview for employment; we were looking for a self-employed labourer to help out, as and when, doing basic labouring, such as carrying materials and digging holes. James was so unbelievably rude, inappropriate and insulting, towards me personally and also the company, I actually thought it was a joke, and I was waiting for the hidden camera crew to jump out and say 'ha, got ya'. I was genuinely shocked, hurt and angered by his behaviour and attitude, and the things he said.
"We have worked very hard to build this family business up and when someone is insulting the business it does feel like they are hurting a member of your family. He was derogatory, belittling and offensive and I felt extremely uncomfortable the entire time he was there. When he left I politely said Thanks, I'll give you a ring to let you know'. That evening, a few hours later on the same day he came in, he sent an email, which was also rude, insulting and harassing. James had therefore rejected the self-employed role in this email, so he was not looking for feedback. He said he was not interested. Ironically I had read something that day which said if you are angry or upset you should write it down and get it all out to move on. So that evening at home I did this, I then wrote another email reply to James. Unfortunately, I now realise that it was in fact the other email which was sent in error, which was never supposed to be seen by him, it was just what I was thinking (and yes, considering all that I have stated above that was what I was thinking). I must stress this was my personal opinion, and not the opinion of the company, and the email written, although sent in error, was in retaliation to a person insulting me."
He said when he heard nothing back he sent her an email saying: "Just a quick email to say that you promised to phone me today. You did not, I rang your mobile but you did not answer, I sent a text you did not answer. When you promise something you carry it through." In her reply, Ms Haseler described Mr Allen as "an old, aesthetically challenged guy with no teeth". She also wrote: "If I had been anything other than professional, I would have said what I was actually thinking, which was this guy is an absolute c*nt. Get the f*ck out." Her email added: "I only wish I'd have seen your CV beforehand, to save us both the time, as I would have probably noticed your main job role as 'professional prick'." Mr Allen, who is still looking for work, said he was left "really upset" and unable to sleep after receiving the email. "There's no way as a professional, and especially as a director of a company, that you would treat somebody that way. I really didn't expect something as nasty as that," he said.
"I was in the army for four years and you would sort it out face to face; you wouldn't do it like this. Nobody's ever given me a personal attack on the way I look – I was wearing a shirt and tie and wasn't wearing jeans or anything." Mr Allen said that his confidence had been knocked by the experience. "I'm a confident person normally but she has brought into question my face and my age," he said. "It's knocked my confidence. Just because I'm a man and I'm 48 doesn't mean that I can't get upset." In a statement, Ms Haseler said: "This was not an official interview for employment; we were looking for a self-employed labourer to help out, as and when, doing basic labouring, such as carrying materials and digging holes. James was so unbelievably rude, inappropriate and insulting, towards me personally and also the company, I actually thought it was a joke, and I was waiting for the hidden camera crew to jump out and say 'ha, got ya'. I was genuinely shocked, hurt and angered by his behaviour and attitude, and the things he said.
"We have worked very hard to build this family business up and when someone is insulting the business it does feel like they are hurting a member of your family. He was derogatory, belittling and offensive and I felt extremely uncomfortable the entire time he was there. When he left I politely said Thanks, I'll give you a ring to let you know'. That evening, a few hours later on the same day he came in, he sent an email, which was also rude, insulting and harassing. James had therefore rejected the self-employed role in this email, so he was not looking for feedback. He said he was not interested. Ironically I had read something that day which said if you are angry or upset you should write it down and get it all out to move on. So that evening at home I did this, I then wrote another email reply to James. Unfortunately, I now realise that it was in fact the other email which was sent in error, which was never supposed to be seen by him, it was just what I was thinking (and yes, considering all that I have stated above that was what I was thinking). I must stress this was my personal opinion, and not the opinion of the company, and the email written, although sent in error, was in retaliation to a person insulting me."
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