Category: CNN Regional

By Alyssa Bethencourt

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    HENDERSON, Nevada (KTNV) — The City of Henderson Animal Protection Services removed more than 40 animals from a home where officials say they were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

The animals recovered included dogs, cats, birds, turtles, ferrets, and more. Officials noted some of the animals needed urgent medical care.

We first brought you this story on Thursday, when APS responded to the home after receiving a call for service. Investigators discovered a nonprofit animal organization was being run out of the residence, which violates city ordinances.

Sources indicate a rescue called Street to Sanctuary was operating out of the house. Cat towers and cages were left outside the property following the response.

It remains unclear how long the operation was running or how the conditions deteriorated to this point. I stopped by the house hoping to speak with the person running the rescue, but no one answered.

The person responsible is expected to be cited as the investigation continues.

APS has all of the animals in its care. They will eventually be placed up for adoption once they are healthy.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KTNV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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 Shellye Leggett

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    LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A woman says a simple honk of the horn escalated into a dangerous road rage incident involving a gun in North Las Vegas, prompting an ongoing police investigation.

Rosemary Martin said she was driving home from Area15 on Tuesday, April 7, when she was confronted by an aggressive driver in a red Tesla.

“I was exiting the freeway on Cheyenne, from the 15 and I was in the far left lane and the red Tesla was in the middle lane and then it came over into my lane,” Martin said.

Martin said the people in the red Tesla became aggressive and flashed a gun at her.

“I thought, OK, you know, we’re done, but now I’m also going to call the cops on you because you just brandished a firearm at me,” Martin said.

Martin called 911 and told the dispatcher she was armed, that a red Tesla was following her, and that someone had threatened her with a gun. Video of the incident shows Martin trying to get away as the driver of the Tesla makes several attempts to stop her.

“I’m fighting for my life right now,” Martin said.

The 911 dispatcher gave Martin turn-by-turn directions to get to safety. During the pursuit, Martin reached speeds of more than 80 miles per hour. At one point, she ran a red light at Carey Avenue to get away, almost hitting another vehicle.

“I wanted to get home to my family, especially my daughter, you know, I just was, you know, when you’re put in high stress situations like that, your body goes into fight or flight,” Martin said.

After nearly 12 minutes, Martin arrived at the North Las Vegas Police Department station, where an officer was waiting. The Tesla drove away.

“I really do feel that it was a lot of the dispatcher. He was, he was very calm. He was giving me directions. I was giving directions. My father always taught me to be aware of my surroundings, so I feel like that also saved me,” Martin said.

Martin noted the red Tesla had a paper license plate and yellow paint on the left back side, appearing as though it had scraped against something.

Martin posted the video of the encounter to TikTok, where it has been viewed more than 17 million times. She said she wants to raise awareness, so this does not happen to anyone else.

“There are people that do live here that do care about the people that live here,” Martin said.

North Las Vegas Police said there is an ongoing investigation regarding this incident. Police advise anyone faced with a similar situation to call 911 and not engage with the other driver.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KTNV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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 Caroleina Hassett

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    BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (KSTU) — Wyatt Romney has lived by the corner of 100 South and 500 West in Brigham City for many years, and his long-time friend Blake Smith moved in a little over a year ago.

“It’s always been a really quiet neighborhood. It’s a really nice neighborhood. We’ve got really friendly neighbors,” Romney said.

That was until Romney got a phone call from his mom on Saturday night asking if something was going on.

“Me and Blake walk outside, and the cop is like, ‘Get over here. Get over here,'” Romney said. “So we walk across the road… We could just both smell it immediately.”

It was the smell of natural gas, turned on by 44-year-old suspect Jeremy Ruben Perea in an attempt to cause an explosion, according to Brigham City Police.

Detective Crystal Beck said officers responded to the area just before 8 p.m. due to a domestic violence incident.

“The suspect attempted to break into an ex-girlfriend’s apartment and threatened to blow the place up. He told her to get the dogs out, and she fled without shoes on,” she said.

They both lived in a duplex, and officers said the suspect turned the gas on in the basement. While they were able to shut it off quickly, 14 homes needed to be evacuated.

“I originally thought that it was just a gas leak,” Romney said. “I didn’t think anything of it at the time. I was like, ‘Okay, they’ll shut the gas off, you know, connect lines or whatever, fix what they need to,’ and then I was like, ‘Oh, it’s worse.'”

Both Smith and Romney told FOX 13 News that they were able to come back to their home after about six hours, around 2 a.m.

“Negotiators, after several hours, were able to peacefully get [Perea] out of the home, and he came out with his hands up,” Beck said.

“I’m definitely glad that whatever was going to happen didn’t happen, but I’m also very glad that everyone made it out alive,” Romney said.

“I was telling him, it’s a crazy thought that we could have just been doing our thing and then something drastic happens,” Smith added.

Beck said the victim ended up okay. She also mentioned that there was an incident in the past, but police were not called.

It’s because of this that Smith and Romney encourage neighbors to keep an eye out.

“It’s hard to think something like this is going to happen, but, I mean, it’s always good to be wary. At least look outside and make sure that nothing strange is going on,” Romney said.

“Just don’t be oblivious to something that’s happening around you,” Smith added.

Perea is in custody for aggravated assault with a domestic violence enhancement.

Brigham City PD said they take domestic violence situations very seriously and encourage the public to call 911 if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation.

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 Amy Nay

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    WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (KSTU) — She’s the calm voice on the other end of a 911 call, helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Now, the community she serves is showing up for her.

Dispatch supervisor Melisa Garcia, who works at Valley Emergency Communications Center, is used to helping others in crisis. Coworkers say she’s the one they rely on when situations get complicated.

“Supervisors take really good care of us,” said Unified Police Sgt. Ed Twohill. “Any special situation, we call them and they handle it.”

But recently, it was Garcia who needed that same support. After going in for a routine mammogram, she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

“It was really shocking,” Garcia said. “I was healthy and didn’t have any symptoms that made me think anything was wrong.”

Now about two-thirds of the way through chemotherapy, Garcia is facing a difficult journey, and one her coworkers say she won’t face alone.

Over the weekend in West Valley City, law enforcement, dispatchers, friends and family came together for a fundraiser to help with medical costs. The event included a car show, silent auction and food — all organized to support Garcia during treatment.

In one of the most emotional moments of the day, loved ones and coworkers shaved their heads in solidarity.

“You’ve just gotta do it,” said Benjamin Vaughan, a fellow VECC employee. “She’s a great human being, and I wanted to be here and support her through this.”

For Garcia, the gesture was deeply personal, tearing up as she laughed and remarked at those who first faced the razor.

“It’s my brother and my dad shaving their heads to support me,” she said. “It was very, very cool to see.”

Garcia has spent 12 years working in emergency communications, helping both the public and law enforcement through high-stress situations.

“When something bad happens, VECC is the one who takes the call and gives it to us,” said Unified Police Detective Angie Holdam. “We’re going to be there for each other.”

That support now extends beyond the job.

“I love working here because we get to help somebody every single day,” Garcia said.

But she admits she’s not used to being the one receiving help.

“All these people did these things who don’t even know me, just to try to help me,” she said.

Still, she’s focused on what’s ahead and the strength she’s found in those around her.

“Everyone has just been there to help me with everything I needed,” Garcia said. “All of us together are going to be stronger, and I’m going to beat it.”

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 WTVR CBS 6 Web Staff

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    MADISON COUNTY, Virginia (WTVR) — A Chesterfield County-based flight crew rescued a hiker who suffered a head injury on Old Rag Mountain in Madison County on Sunday afternoon.

Med-Flight-1, a joint operation between Virginia State Police pilots and Chesterfield County Fire and EMS paramedics, received the call around 11:10 a.m. The crew flew about 80 nautical miles from the Chesterfield County Airport to reach the rescue site.

Wind conditions forced the crew to abort their first attempt to hoist the hiker. They adjusted their altitude and direction for a successful second attempt.

A Chesterfield paramedic lowered to the ground to secure the hiker at 12:15 p.m. The crew then lifted the hiker into the helicopter and flew them to UVA Medical Center for treatment.

The rescue comes just weeks after Med-Flight-1 celebrated its 42nd anniversary on April 1.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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 WTVR Web Staff

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    WASHINGTON (WTVR) — Virginia Senator Mark Warner and Lisa Collis are mourning the loss of their daughter Madison.

The 36-year-old died after a “decades-long battle with juvenile diabetes,” the couple said in a statement

“We are heartbroken beyond words by the passing of our beloved daughter,” the statement read. “She filled our lives with love and laughter, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void.”

Warner and Collis said they were are grateful for the loving support of friends and family and asked for privacy as they grieve.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTVR’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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 Bob Jones , Mercy Sackor

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    SUGARCREEK, Ohio (WEWS) — A Norton teenager made a discovery at the age of 12 while on a trip that would surprise scientists in the years to come.

Joshua Fetter, 17, was on a family getaway in Sugarcreek in 2021 when he started exploring an open field and a section of land that was under excavation.

He never imagined the science spotlight would be shining so brightly on him because of what he found.

“I’m like holding this big thing, and it’s exciting, and then it’s like, there are more, ya know? So, I started digging them up,” Fetter said.

Archaeologists said he uncovered nine prehistoric stone tools that look like arrowheads and could be about 2,000 years old.

“I mean, the first time I saw them, I honestly was a little creeped out by it. I thought it was like some weird plant,” Fetter said.

Scientists went back to the site and found two more.

“Some of the most significant archaeological finds are made by members of the public who may not exactly know what they found,” said Kent State Professor of Archaeology Metin Eren.

Eren said extensive testing was done on the artifacts over five years.

Conclusion? The artifacts Joshua stumbled upon are likely connected to prehistoric Adena Indian culture.

“And it’s one of the earliest complex societies in North America,” Eren said.

Fetter finds it “really cool” that he made the discovery.

“I definitely enjoy telling new friends and people I know. It’s definitely an interesting story to tell,” he said.

While these appear to be prehistoric stone tools, archaeologists don’t believe they were used as tools at all, but were more likely buried as some kind of ritual to the Earth or to the gods.

“This is a lot of work to make these artifacts just to bury them and never use them again,” Eren said.

Because of the unusual find, Joshua is listed as one of several authors on a paper about the artifacts that will be published in the Journal of Archaeological Science Reports.

“It’s not something that everybody gets to experience, so it’s a special thing, but being in a paper is pretty exciting,” Fetter said.

In addition, the stone tools will now live at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

“Scientists around the world, archaeologists, scientists can study and learn from Joshua’s discovery,” Eren 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.

By Maya Lockett

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    SANDUSKY, Ohio (WEWS) — A Sandusky Navy veteran said he is owed thousands of dollars from the military, and reached out to News 5 for help.

Erie County Reporter Maya Lockett spoke with the young veteran on Friday.

Nathan Lahr said he has always wanted to serve his country.

“We have a military legacy in my family, and I’ve always had that American Pride,” he said.

In 2014, a few days after his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the military. After boot camp and 18 months of Navy nuclear training, he was sent to Norfolk, Virginia, aboard the U.S.S. Harry Truman. Lahr spent time in the North Sea and the Mediterranean, far away from family and friends.

“I didn’t have much contact with my family, and it took a toll on my mental health. I got to a very dark place, but I decided to do the hardest thing in my life, and I got help,” said Lahr.

Lahr began getting treated for depression and anxiety.

“It seemed the more time I was on the ship, the worse I was getting. So, it was deemed that I wasn’t really going to be good for sea duty and that’s required for the navy. So, they decided it was probably best for me to be discharged,” said Lahr.

In 2019, the Navy gave him 10 days to leave Norfolk and the life he had built.

“I felt like I had failed because I had full intentions of making a full career at being in the Navy,” Lahr said.

Once he returned home, Lahr joined the Military Transition Roundtable, an organization that helps veterans transition back to society.

“When we started to listen to him about his transition issues, we said, ‘What is going on here?'” said Matt Scherer, CEO of the Military Transition Roundtable.

“He didn’t have a completely full DD214, he hadn’t talked to the VA about his benefits, he hadn’t gotten any assistance from the navy because of his discharge from the area and that was the most concerning,” said Scherer.

They also learned the Defense Finance Accounting Services was taking his reenlistment pay over why he was discharged.

“I told them I was discharged for medical purposes, that’s one of the exceptions,” said Lahr.

Lahr said DFAS took a few hundred dollars from his checks, bonuses and federal tax refunds.

“My debt has gotten higher, I’ve been doing my best to manage it, but it has definitely been a challenge,” said Lahr.

With the help of Scherer, Lahr was able to send proof of his medical discharge.

“After that, I got an email one day with a letter attached from an Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy saying that they agreed with me,” said Lahr. “Although on a technicality I could have owed the money because I didn’t go through a medical discharge, they thought it would be cruel to still make me pay.”

In the letter, it stated he did not need to pay and was told he would receive a reimbursement of $29,985. Lahr was supposed to receive the letter in October, but it was sent to the wrong address. After trying to resolve the issue, they told him to expect it on March 1.

“You used to be able to walk up to the DFAS office and speak to someone, but now they depend too much on technology instead of human contact. I think they really are just doing enough to get by and not raising their head to address these issues, it should not (take) six months for him to receive his payment,” said Scherer.

News 5’s Maya Lockett reached out to DFAS for comment, but has not yet heard back.

“Hopefully it comes, obviously DFAS also handles a lot of the active-duty military guys. So, I imagine a veteran is low on the priority list,” said Lahr.

Mentally, Lahr said he is in a better place.

Scherer said he hopes lawmakers will waive garnishment of re-enlistment bonuses based on why they were discharged.

“I’d like to see it consistently applied across the board,” said Scherer.

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.