Hundreds of bikers honor detective killed in crash

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Leah Phillips

Click here for updates on this story

    ANDERSON COUNTY, South Carolina (WYFF) — Family, friends, and fellow public safety officers honored the life and legacy of Det. Mark Garrett, while attending his funeral on Sunday.

The service was held at NewSpring Church in Anderson, but before even arriving at the building, streets were lined with supporters waiting on the procession.

The procession honored many aspects of Garrett’s life. Firetrucks and police vehicles, paying tribute to his early career working in fire service, before transitioning to law enforcement back in 2009.

One unique aspect of Garrett’s life also made an appearance, at the very tail-end of the procession: hundreds of bikers, riding in his honor.

“He was a cop, but he was a biker. I mean, there’s no other way to look at it. Honest to God, I mean, he would walk up to you and give you a hug,” said Jason Welliver, one of the bikers in Sunday’s procession, who also called Garrett a friend.

“The good die young, I mean, that’s the truth. You just never know,” Welliver said.

Jim Dennis, who didn’t know Garrett personally, still wanted to join in on the ride after hearing about the impact the detective had made on the people he knew.

Dennis said the procession was the largest he had ever ridden in, stating, “It was a good one. It was very big, I’d say at least a mile or more of two rows of motorcycles, and the whole procession must’ve been a couple miles long.”

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Georgia man accused of shooting into restaurant following argument between employees

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Graham Cawthon

Click here for updates on this story

    KENNESAW, Georgia (WJCL) — A Georgia man is facing charges after police say he fired several shots inside a restaurant following an argument between employees.

Officers with the Kennesaw Police Department responded to Martin’s Restaurant at 8:41 a.m. Sunday after receiving reports of a shooting.

Investigators determined that two employees had been involved in a dispute inside the restaurant. One of the employees contacted her husband, identified as 46-year-old Jeffrey Alan Thomas, to tell him about the argument.

Police say Thomas arrived at the restaurant shortly after and confronted the other employee. During a physical altercation, police say Thomas fired multiple rounds inside the business before leaving the scene with his wife.

With help from the Cobb County Police Department, officers detained Thomas and his wife at their home and brought them to the Kennesaw Police Criminal Investigations Division for questioning.

During the interview, police say, investigators discovered that Thomas’ wife sustained a minor gunshot wound. She declined medical treatment and was released. Thomas and the other employee involved in the altercation also suffered minor injuries unrelated to gunfire.

Thomas was arrested and charged with:

Aggravated assault (5 counts) Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (5 counts) Criminal damage to property, second degree (1 count) Cruelty to children, third degree (1 count)

He was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center without bond.

“This was a dangerous situation that could have had a much worse outcome,” said Kennesaw Police Chief Bill Westenberger. “Our officers and partners with Cobb County Police Department acted quickly to ensure the suspect was taken into custody and the community remained safe.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kennesaw Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 770-429-4533 or email KPD_TIPS@kennesaw-ga.gov.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

‘Horrible and tragic’: 2-year-old boy mauled to death by dogs at unlicensed Georgia daycare

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Graham Cawthon

Click here for updates on this story

    VALDOSTA, Georgia (WJCL) — Police in Georgia say a 2-year-old boy was mauled to death by Rottweilers after being left unattended at an unlicensed daycare.

The incident occurred on October 4 at a home on Pecan Drive in Valdosta. First responders arrived at the home around 3:45 p.m. to find the child dead, according to police.

Investigators determined that Stacy Wheeler Cobb, 48, was operating an unlicensed daycare at the home. Earlier that day, the child’s mother dropped him off for care. Cobb admitted to leaving the boy unsupervised for more than two hours while she took a nap, assuming the child was also asleep.

During that time, police say, the toddler wandered outside into the backyard, where he opened a kennel containing two large Rottweilers. The dogs escaped and attacked the child, police said.

Cobb was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children, both felonies. She was booked into the Lowndes County Jail. Police said the victim was the only child at the home at the time, but Cobb typically cared for about 10 children on most days.

Lowndes County Animal Control took custody of the two Rottweilers involved in the attack, as well as a third dog found at the home.

“This is a horrible and tragic event that should have never occurred, but because of negligence on this offender’s behalf, a mother has tragically lost a child,” said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “I want to express our department’s deepest sympathy to the family. No words will ever ease their pain, but our hearts go out to them during this unimaginably difficult time. I also keep our first responders in my prayers, as they continue processing their response to this tragic scene.”

The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are continuing to process evidence. Police said additional charges are expected.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Foggy road, large broken tree limb played role in Rolesville High bus wreck

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Lora Lavigne

Click here for updates on this story

    North Carolina (WRAL) — Four people were injured in a wreck involving a school bus in Wendell Monday morning.

Sky 5 footage showed the Rolesville High School bus sitting in a field on Doc Proctor Road near Edgemont Road around 7 a.m.

The State Highway Patrol said there was heavy fog in the area when the bus struck a large broken tree limb that had fallen into the roadway. The bus then went off of the road to the right, striking a ditch before stopping in a field.

Of the 11 students on the bus, three had minor injuries but were not transported by EMS. Authorities said their parents picked them up at the scene. The bus driver was transported to Wake Medical Center in Wendell for treatment of minor injuries.

Students on the bus told WRAL they were physically lifted out of their seats during the crash.

“I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ And then it was just shaking and shaking and then we landed into the trees and all that. It was just like..wow,” Rolesville High student Mason Roberson, who was on the bus, told WRAL.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

‘Sky’s the limit’: Playthrough convention highlights gaming as a pathway to a career

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Carly Haynes

Click here for updates on this story

    North Carolina (WRAL) — All the time your kid spends playing video games may just get them a college scholarship or a high-paying job, and North Carolina is poised to create a workforce in a booming community.

The Playthrough Gaming Convention wrapped up its two-day stint in Raleigh on Sunday. The convention, according to Visit Raleigh, is a weekend-long extravaganza showcasing the latest games and providing an opportunity for gamers to meet others with similar passions.

From video games, eSports, tabletop games and playtesting new creations, the convention had something for everyone.

One person in attendance was Robert Heck, whose passion for the racing game Gran Turismo 7 landed him in the international spotlight.

“I’ve traveled all across Europe doing this for the past year now,” Heck said. “I’ve been one of the best drivers in North America.”

Simulation and game design is one of the fastest-growing careers, with job markets expecting the demand for skilled game designers to grow 18% by 2030.

“Especially indie games, that’s really growing,” said one attendee. “There’s a lot of really great indie games coming out.”

Raleigh schools are also trying to tap into the multibillion-dollar industry. William Peace University, North Carolina State University and Wake Technical Community College all offer specialized programs in game design. Michael Statum, an eSports scout with Louisburg College. Statum said the school is offering $5,000 scholarships for eSports tournament champions to join the school’s program.

NC State is also becoming a major regional hub for video games. The university, with help from the North Carolina General Assembly, plans to build a multimillion-dollar eSports arena on its campus by late 2026.

“The sky’s the limit right now,” Statum said.” What we’re trying to emphasize is that there’s different avenues within the esports realm that have a career path within it. Whether it’s software design, hardware design, video game simulation design, graphic design, content creation or videography.”

With three of the top major game developers in Wake County, people can take their skills straight from the screen to a job in the Triangle.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Pilot survives single-engine plane crash in southern Indiana

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Michaela Springer

Click here for updates on this story

    ORANGE COUNTY, Indiana (WISH) — A pilot sustained “nonlife-threatening” injuries after his plane crashed into a heavily-wooded area in southern Indiana, according to Indiana State Police.

Authorities say state police received a call around 10 p.m. Saturday from the Louisville Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration about a possible single-engine plane crash near the Orange-Lawrence county lines.

Troopers from the Jasper and Bloomington districts, along with several local agencies, searched the dense woods throughout the night, until around 4 a.m. Sunday when the plane and pilot were located.

The pilot was still inside the aircraft when first responders arrived. Police say due to the hilly terrain and woods, the pilot was carried away on a stretcher.

ISP did not indicate what led up to the crash, but say the FAA will continue the investigation.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Witness recounts aftermath of Mark Sanchez fight

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Hernan Gutierrez

Click here for updates on this story

    INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis man is recalling the aftermath of an early Saturday morning fight that led to FOX Sports analyst Mark Sanchez being stabbed and later arrested.

Darren Laughlin captured video of the scene once police arrived at the alley where the fight happened, less than a block away from the Indiana State Capitol. Laughlin was getting food downtown when he heard sirens and decided to check it out.

Laughlin was shocked to learn about Sanchez’s involvement and arrest after what he had seen that morning.

“At first, I just didn’t want to believe that it was him,” Laughlin said. I didn’t expect anybody like [Mark Sanchez] to be involved in just a two-person altercation or like an argument, especially him.”

According to court documents, the victim in this case is an unnamed 69-year-old delivery truck driver. He told police that he believed Sanchez was “trying to kill me.”

Investigators were able to piece together what happened using an interview with the driver and security camera footage from the Westin Hotel.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says Sanchez started an argument about where and how the truck was parked.

At some point, Sanchez tried to get into the truck, and even shoved the driver as he was trying to flag security.

It escalated into a fight in which the victim pepper-sprayed and later stabbed Sanchez multiple times.

A short time after getting to the alley, Laughlin saw both men being carried off on gurneys.

“The [driver], they brought him out of the alley,” Laughlin said. “He was sitting up on the gurney and had a towel wrapped all the way around his head.”

Laughlin saw the delivery truck backed into the dock, and said there was enough room for a car to pass by.

The probable cause affidavit says security footage shows Sanchez throwing the driver into the dumpster and nearby pallets.

Sanchez reportedly told police he didn’t know what happened, and he could only remember grabbing for a window. It later turned out to be at nearby Loughmiller’s Pub and Eatery.

Laughlin recalls seeing someone come out of the business, not knowing it was Sanchez at the time.

“You don’t think you’re going to see somebody recognizable in something like this,” Laughlin said. “So, I didn’t even think I would know him.”

In a statement, Marion County’s Democratic Prosecutor Ryan Mears condemned the incident.

“This incident should never have happened,” Mears said. “What began as a disagreement between a 38-year-old former professional athlete and a 69-year-old man should not have escalated into violence or left anyone seriously injured. As with any case, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead.”

Sanchez is facing three misdemeanor charges, including battery, unlawful entry of a vehicle, and public intoxication.

Sanchez has a $300 bond, and he is scheduled to make an initial appearance in court on Tuesday morning.

Fox Sports did not respond to News 8’s request for comment Sunday afternoon.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Child seriously injured in Harrison County dirt bike crash

News-Press NOW on October 6, 2025

News-Press NOW

HARRISON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A child was taken to the hospital after a dirt bike crash in Harrison County Sunday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred around 4:25 p.m. in a pasture near the intersection of Route T and 182nd Street, a mile south of Blythedale, Missouri.

An 11-year-old boy riding a dirt bike hit a ditch and was ejected.

First responders took him to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa for serious injuries.

He had safety gear equipped, according to the crash report.

Click here to follow the original article.

Wake held for Isabella Salas, 1 of 2 teens killed in Cranford, N.J., hit-and-run

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Kristie Keleshian

Click here for updates on this story

    New Jersey (WCBS, WLNY) — A wake was held Saturday for one of the two teenage girls killed in a hit-and-run in Cranford, New Jersey, earlier this week.

Family and friends of 17-year-old Isabella Salas shared tearful, tight embraces outside Dooley Funeral Home as they continue to cope with the unexpected loss.

A funeral for the other victim, 17-year-old Maria Niotis, was held on Friday morning.

Isabella Salas remembered as “a ray of sunshine” Those who were close to Salas called her Bella. She was involved in her high school and local theater groups and choirs.

“Oh god, she was a ray of sunshine,” friend Tracey Schmied said.

“You knew when she was in the room,” a friend named Ryan said. “Just ray of noise and delight and just character.”

Family friend Dora Barrientos said Salas was the flower girl at her son’s wedding.

“You’re out of words, you don’t know what to say. Anything you say, is like, is it enough?” she said.

“Terrible tragedy for the parents. I can’t believe what they’re going through now,” neighbor Carl Nelson said.

“I’m so sorry for their loss. It’s crazy what happened, how it happened, and I just hope the best for them and I’ll be praying for them,” family friend Jonathan Gomez said.

Salas is survived by her parents, grandparents, and younger brother. A funeral in nearby Westfield is set for this coming Monday morning.

17-year-old charged with murder in deadly hit-and-run Salas was on an e-bike with Niotis, her best friend, when police say they were mowed down Monday by a driver who fled the scene.

CBS News has identified the suspect as 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro, now charged with two counts of murder. Court records show the driver was going at least 70 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Loved ones believe it was an intentional attack. They claim the suspect had been stalking Niotis in the weeks leading up to the hit-and-run and that she had filed a restraining order against him.

“The adults in this town failed her, in this world failed her,” Ryan said. “This is just another example that we don’t pay attention until it’s too late.”

Investigators have not released a motive.

For now, community members are sharing messages of love and strength for the grieving families, along with prayers for justice.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Santa Barbara Open is a hit with volleyball players

KEYT on October 6, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Santa Barbara Open tournament directors Jordy Dyer and Ari Garner of 805 Beach just wrapped up a successful 3-day competition.

“We’re doing the Santa Barbara Open here at East Beach. It’s the first time we’ve got a big beach volleyball tournament in Santa Barbara in over a decade,” said Dyer.

“805 Beach is so happy and humble to help bring back high level beach volleyball to the beaches of Santa Barbara,” said Garner.

The athletes are happy, too.

Geena Urango and Mariah Whalen are the Women’s Tournament champs.

“A lot of athletes don’t have the opportunities to live out here in California or be able to train with other athletes, and this is a lot of where good becomes great,” said Urango.

I had someone showed me a photo back from when the tour was big, and this whole beach was flooded with people,” said Whalen.

Thomas Hurst and Gage Bussey are the Men’s Tournament champs.

“A lot of athletes don’t have the opportunities to live out here in California or be able to train with other athletes, and this is a lot of where good becomes great,” said Hurst.

“So blessed to be here in front of in this beautiful beach with all these beautiful fans,” sad Bussey.

Jordy Dyer said the best pros from all over the country took part during perfect weather.

” The vibe is great and couldn’t ask for more,” said Dyer. 

Thomas Hurst says event like this are needed.

“These events are the backbone of our country being good at the sport. without these events, nobody has the opportunities to become that next level player. And that’s super important for USA volleyball as a whole,” said Hurst.

They intend to bring more high level beach volleyball to the beach for years to come.

Click here to follow the original article.