Category: CNN Regional

By Jim Keithley

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    PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) — A security guard who came across a wrong-way driver while traveling on Interstate 295 in Maine took action to help prevent a potential crash.

Max Smith has a car that is equipped with a professional dashboard camera, which captured footage of a white Honda CR-V that was traveling north on the southbound side of I-295 near mile marker 5 in Portland on Wednesday.

Smith described the encounter as one of the scariest moments he ever experienced, but he still decided to position his car in the way of the CR-V to stop the wrong-way driver from going any further on the highway.

“I realized something had to be done and that’s when I veered back in and then she stopped and I completely got in front of her and got out and made contact with her,” Smith said. “She didn’t say too much other than she was very sorry and that she was late for an appointment. I believe she might have got confused.”

A number of incidents involving wrong-way drivers have ended tragically. A Massachusetts State Police trooper was killed last month when his cruiser was struck by a wrong-way driver, who also died in the crash. In December 2025, a woman was charged with operating under the influence after she drove the wrong way on I-295 in Topsham.

Maine State Police Cpl. Robert Burke said troopers are responding to at least two wrong-way driving incidents every week in southern Maine. On average, there is one fatality in Maine each year involving a wrong-way driver.

“We are outgrowing I-295 as a population, so there’s more motorists, which leads to more intoxicated drivers, which leads to more incidents on the highway because there are more people traveling on our limited-access highway,” Burke said.

Burke said drivers going the wrong way are either impaired, distracted or confused, and that the problem is getting worse. If you find yourself in a situation where a wrong-way driver is approaching, Burke said the safest thing to do would be to immediately pull over to the right side of the road.

“Always pull over to the right and stop in the breakdown lane until the emergency has passed,” Burke said.

State police said the wrong-way driver on I-295 in Portland, a 76-year-old woman, was cited for operating the wrong way on a divided highway.

No injuries were reported. Smith said he is glad he was in the right place, at the right time.

“I’m glad I was there to prevent something really bad from happening,” Smith said.

Burke said the Maine Department of Transportation is committed to adding more of the flashing “Do not enter” signs near on- and off-ramps to serve as a deterrent to wrong-way drivers.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.

By Madilyn Destefano

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    COCOA, Florida (WESH) — A man is accused of grabbing a female DoorDash driver during food drop-off on Tuesday while naked, according to the Cocoa Police Department.

The incident occurred at 1:07 p.m. at a residence on W. King Street in Cocoa, police said.

Jamar Carter, 20, ordered Denny’s through DoorDash, according to the arrest report.

When the victim arrived at the residence to deliver the order, the man opened the front door completely naked and “erect,” officers said.

The victim told police that when she saw Carter naked in the doorway, she dropped the food on the ground and attempted to retreat to her vehicle.

However, police said Carter grabbed the right side of her hip, restrained her, and pressed the front of himself against the back of her person.

While trying to get away, Carter allegedly grabbed the victim’s rear, the arrest report said.

The victim stated that at this point, she continued toward her vehicle, and Carter said, “Where the [expletive] do you think you’re going?”

After making it to her vehicle, she dialed 911.

When officers spoke with Carter, he advised he did not place a DoorDash order and claimed not to be home, the report said.

After further investigation, police found an email receipt for the DoorDash order.

Carter is charged with attempted kidnapping and attempted sexual battery and was transported to the Brevard County jail, where he has since bonded out.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.

By Kendra Broddus

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    LITTLETON, N.H. (WMUR) — A staff member at Littleton High School has been placed on paid administrative leave after a group of students trashed the school after hours in what was intended to be a senior prank.

At a school board meeting Monday, teachers recounted arriving at the school the next morning to find classrooms and hallways trashed.

They said toilet paper had been scattered throughout the building, a chair had been placed on the roof, and soap and baby oil had been poured on floors.

Teachers said the incident got out of control and went beyond a harmless prank.

“You use a teacher’s salt shaker and spread it all over the desk and computer, trashed rooms, hallways, and broke screens to get access to the room, and then went on to the roof of the school. This is not a prank. This is vandalism and super dangerous. If this was done at a house, the person accountable would be facing jail time,” said one math teacher.

Teachers also raised concerns about safety and security.

“Students gained access to school keys and security code and then let in other students. Students were on the roof in the dark and horsing around near the edge,” an English teacher said.

The Littleton police chief said no reports were filed regarding the incident.

The question remains about how students gained access to the building after hours.

The Littleton School Board said it instructed administrators to take immediate action to address security concerns and that those measures have been implemented.

In a statement to News 9, the school board said, “The Superintendent has informed the entire High School community that the students involved have taken responsibility for their actions, apologized to those impacted, and agreed to perform community service.”

School administrators are continuing to investigate and will determine whether additional disciplinary action is necessary.

News 9 has reached out to the Littleton School District for comment and is awaiting a response.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.

By Jamy Pombo Sesselman, Ted Wayman, Arielle Mitropoulos

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    HOPKINTON, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A Hopkinton, Massachusetts, man was charged with attempted murder after he allegedly held a man who walks with crutches under water during an altercation over the use of a residents-only lake Wednesday, police said.

Steven Dana, 70, was charged with an attempt to murder, two counts of strangulation/suffocation, and assault and battery on a disabled person.

He was held without bail at his arraignment at Framingham District Court on Thursday.

Prosecutors allege Dana started a fight with a 21-year-old man at Sandy Beach on Lakeshore Drive just before 7 p.m. after he confronted the victim about his use of Lake Maspenock.

The only boat ramp to the lake, which straddles Hopkinton and Milford, is on Lakeshore Drive, and use of the ramp is limited to Hopkinton residents from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, police said.

Speaking with NewsCenter 5, the victim, Matthew Duffy, said he feared for his life.

“I was so scared for my life because I can’t fight back, I broke practically everything and this guy’s on top of me under the water, I can’t see what’s going on, I can’t fight back,” Duffy said.

According to a Hopkinton police report, Dana shouted at a group of young men that it was “time to go,” referring to the group riding a jet ski on the lake.

The group and Dana shout back and forth, with Dana eventually walking up to the group to confront them, according to officials.

“Are you going to beat up a cripple?” one of Duffy’s friends reportedly asked Dana.

“I don’t care, I’ll take a cripple.” Dana responded, according to the report.

New video provided by one of Duffy’s friends shows the full confrontation.

Police reviewed video footage that appeared to show Dana slapping Duffy across the face before they ended up in a struggle in the water, at which point Dana forcefully held Duffy under the water, officials said.

Bystanders then pulled Dana off of Duffy.

“This is an incident of senseless violence that could have had tragic results, and we treat matters like this with the utmost seriousness,” Deputy Police Chief Scott van Raalten said. “The Hopkinton Police Department asks that residents contact the proper authorities to investigate incidents that involve the enforcement of the town’s bylaws rather than taking matters into their own hands.”

Dana and Duffy declined medical treatment, although Duffy told NewsCenter 5 he was going to get himself checked out at the hospital.

Officials learned that the 21-year-old had been involved in an accident a few months prior that caused severe injuries and that he was walking on crutches.

Prosecutors said Dana has an extensive criminal history going back to the 1990s where he used aliases. He will be held on bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Friday.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.

By Todd Kazakiewich

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    WINTHROP, Massachusetts (WCVB) — Twelve boats were destroyed early Friday in a massive fire at a yacht club in Winthrop, Massachusetts.

The fire started just after 2:30 a.m. at the Cottage Park Yacht Club on Orlando Avenue near Boston’s Logan International Airport.

Winthrop Fire Department Chief Stephen Calandra said the fire spread from one boat to another from gasoline that was on top of the water.

“Twelve boats were lost — very expensive boats,” Calandra said. “The challenge (was) the amount of hose line we had to get from the street to the furthest point of the marina. A lot of manpower dragging that line out there.”

Two of the boats that were on fire broke free from the marina.

“One is still burning on Snake Island. With low tide, we can’t get at it with the fire boats, and the other one broke free and is on Point Shirley, where it ran aground. That’s dangerous too, because it could have floated into another marina,” Calandra said.

The composite decking at the marina also posed a problem, Calandra said.

“The whole decking is composite Trex, so when that starts burning, it is not like wood — wood you can put out easy,” Calandra said.

Fire crews from Winthrop and Boston continued to douse the boats with water and foam.

“The only way to put that fire out (with) gasoline on top of the water is foam. That is the most effective way,” Calandra said.

“We are heartbroken by the loss, but deeply grateful that no one was injured and that the boats were unoccupied,” Cottage Park Yacht Club Commodore Al Powell said in a statement. “This is a difficult day for our club and for the boating community we are proud to be a part of. Our focus is now on supporting those affected.”

The fire did not impact operations at Logan, officials said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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By Jennifer McRae

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    Colorado (KCNC) — A juvenile in Colorado tried to get away from Arapahoe County deputies while riding an e-bike. Now, deputies are urging parents to warn their children about reckless e-bike riding.

According to investigators, the rider tried to get away from deputies in a residential neighborhood, reaching high speeds and taking risks they said endangered everyone nearby. Deputies also said the rider narrowly avoided crashing into a fence that they believe could have resulted in serious injury.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office said that because e-bikes can travel at high speeds, when operated recklessly, they become a danger to pedestrians, motorists and the riders.

They also want to remind everyone that if a deputy tries to stop you, running from law enforcement is serious and can result in consequences like felony eluding charges or other offenses.

Deputies urge all e-bike riders to ride responsibly.

Many communities across the Denver metro area have taken action to curb illegal e-bike activity. The Parker Police Department has launched a new online reporting link as part of its crackdown on illegal e-bike and dirtbike use.

The Erie and Boulder police departments said they are cracking down on high-powered electric bikes after recent dangerous incidents involving teenagers.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.

By Aspen Andrews

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    ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colorado (KKTV) — The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) announced its mounted unit will be heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to help out the Kansas City Police Department.

On June 9, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Unit deputies will travel to Kansas City to assist with security and crowd control during the tournament.

According to the sheriff’s office, the entire task force dedicated to the tournament will consist of officers from Arkansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Ohio and Colorado.

They said three ACSO deputies and four horses will make the trip and assist in maintaining order and enhancing public safety outside Arrowhead Stadium during the following matches:

Argentina vs. Algeria – June 16 Ecuador vs. Curacao – June 20 Tunisia vs. Netherlands – June 25 Algeria vs. Austria – June 27 Playoff game – July 3 Quarterfinal game – July 11 The unit will also assist with the FIFA Fan Festival.

“Our mounted unit will serve as a highly visible law enforcement presence during the World Cup,” Lt. Rich Anselmi said. “Mounted deputies have an elevated vantage point that allows them to monitor large crowds and quickly identify potential security concerns. Our horses are highly trained and can move effectively through congested areas, help guide large groups of enthusiastic fans, and serve as friendly community ambassadors.”

ACSO said the horses have undergone training to simulate situations they may be in during the tournament, including exposure to smoke bombs, fireworks, flares and other loud noises. This training helps the horses remain steady, effective and safe during crowd control situations.

“We were honored to be invited to participate in the FIFA World Cup event. Our horses truly enjoy this type of work. By nature, horses like having a job, and we can see how much they enjoy the teamwork and interacting with people,” Lt. Anselmi said.

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By Kristie Keleshian

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    BROOKLYN, New York (WCBS) — Not many people can say they were rescued out of a cave, but Brooklyn resident Aidan Kaminer sure can.

Now in good health, he spoke out Thursday about last month’s lengthy rescue mission in upstate New York.

Aidan Kaminer’s ordeal

For six hours on May 17, during a trip to Merlin’s Cave in Columbia County, Kaminer, of Bushwick, was stuck in an awkward position. He was with at least six other explorers when he slipped into a slim crevice just before the cave’s exit.

“I was sideways, 90 degrees, one arm under the rock shelf, one arm above with my legs out,” Kaminer said.

It took six hours, but Bushwick, Brooklyn resident Aidan Kaminer was eventually freed from a crevice he got stuck in inside Merlin’s Cave in Columbia County back in mid May.

Those who were with him called 911 immediately. Firefighters showed up within minutes, but more was needed to get him out.

“Basically, I was pinned at the chest and the hip and I had energy, but I couldn’t pull myself out,” Kaminer said. “I was shivering at some points, but, again, I was okay because I had a lot of great people with me.”

Forest Rangers to the rescue

John Gullen, a lieutenant Forest Ranger with the Department of Environmental Conservation, who is familiar with caves and rescues, helped get Kaminer out of the cave. He said the 50-degree, 100% humidity conditions exposed Kaminer to risks of hypothermia.

“He was really jammed in there more than I had expected. Like, his full body was stuck in a crevice that was basically in the shape of him,” Gullen said.

What took all those hours was getting the right equipment to cut out the rock around Kaminer without injuring him. Gullen said it ended up being 20 minutes of drilling, but could’ve taken much longer.

“I had even told my wife, ‘Hey, not sure when I’m gonna be back. This could be a multiple-day event,'” Gullen said. “[Kaminer] did a phenomenal job of staying calm. I don’t know if there are many people who could stay calm.”

Kaminer said he was able to do so because he never really felt like his life was in danger.

“At no point was I thinking, ‘Shoot, this is the end of my days,'” Kaminer said. “You just sort of get into that mode and do what you need to do to make sure that it turns out the best way that it can.”

“I would go again this weekend” An experience like the one he went through might deter many people from going caving again, but not Kaminer.

“I would go again this weekend if there was a trip full of experienced cavers I could go with as friends. I would do it in a few days, maybe just not that specific cave,” Kaminer said.

After some warm Gatorade and Reese’s chocolate, and, eventually, a bagel, Kaminer, a vegetarian and intermediate caver, stayed at the local fire captain’s house overnight. Kaminer said the best takeaways from his experience was making new friends with his rescuers and remembering to always go with a group of experienced cavers.

“In a sense, I had the easiest job there, essentially had to be patient. I had to freeze. I had to trust that the rescue was going to get done and, thankfully, they did,” Kaminer said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.