Category: CNN Regional

By Ray Campos

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    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The Minneapolis Fire Department invited a few special guests to step into their boots in a partnership with The Arc Minnesota.

Some days at the fire department are about putting out flames, but it was all about lighting something else on Friday: confidence.

“When they first got here they were shy and quiet, and now they are wide open, talking and laughing and having fun,” said Deputy Fire Chief Colm Black.

At Minneapolis’ Emergency Operations Training Facility, community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities suited up, learned fire safety, handled rescue tools and worked side by side with firefighters.

“On a day like today they get to see what we do for a living, and we get to give back to them,” Black said. “All I’ve seen is smiles and happiness today.”

Through a partnership between Minneapolis Fire and Arc Minnesota, belonging isn’t just a word, it’s an opportunity.

“It’s important that we provide opportunities for people to really become the best versions of themselves, which means we don’t have to make all the decisions for people. They can learn skills, they can make decisions about the kind of life that they want to live,” said Rachel Olson, The Arc Minnesota’s director of development. “They can create the lives they really want to create. Maybe they aren’t fighting the fires, but they may be doing something in an operational capacity because they were able to experience this.”

And sometimes, the real lesson is about carrying a smile all the way home, while having the tools carve out a life they want.

The Arc Minnesota says you can support its mission by visiting their Value Village Thrift Stores which helps fund their programs.

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 Abby Dodge

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — A Good Samaritan helped detain a man accused of attempting to steal expensive jewelry from a woman in Brickell on Thursday, holding him down until police arrived despite being pepper-sprayed during the pursuit, witnesses said.

The incident occurred near Southwest 14th Street, where a woman’s cries for help prompted nearby residents and bystanders to chase the suspect.

Witness Xio Fermin said he was walking his dog when he heard a woman shouting that she had been robbed.

“I’m not sure what he was thinking, but that’s definitely the wrong time,” Fermin said. “It’s also crazy because this is one of the safest neighborhoods.”

Video recorded after the confrontation shows bystanders surrounding the suspect as a man held him on the ground.

Police arrested 21-year-old Yagiz Dogan and charged him with grand theft and battery.

During a bond court hearing, Judge Mindy Glazer noted that Dogan is already facing allegations in a similar case.

“I agree with the state. He’s targeting people,” Glazer said. “The other case as well is similar.”

According to court records, Dogan is a suspect in a July case. He allegedly arranged to purchase a woman’s $15,000 diamond ring through Facebook Marketplace before fleeing with the jewelry.

Police said Thursday’s alleged theft attempt was not arranged beforehand. Investigators reported that Dogan approached a woman and offered to buy two bracelets worth thousands of dollars before allegedly taking them.

Fermin said he hopes the incident serves as a reminder for residents to stay alert.

“Be careful because it’s the second time he’s done it here in Brickell, so I’m sure it’s something to keep an eye out for,” he said.

Fermin praised the unidentified Good Samaritan who intervened.

“It takes courage to go after someone,” he said. “He got pepper-sprayed in the process, and he stayed. He was on top and wouldn’t let go.”

Dogan remained in jail Friday night, with records showing that he posted his $1,100 bond. When released, he will be placed on house arrest and was ordered to stay away from the victims in both cases.

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 Tara Lynch, Renee Anderson

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    HARFORD COUNTY, Maryland (WJZ) — A baseball coach in Harford County, Maryland is facing charges after investigators say he arranged to meet with an undercover officer whom he believed to be a 15-year-old boy.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler announced the arrest of Robert “Joe” Swarthout, of Fallston, on Friday. Swarthout is charged with two felony counts related to solicitation of a minor.

The 41-year-old told detectives he serves as a baseball coach with Fallston Recreation and previously worked for a national tutoring company, the sheriff said.

According to authorities, Swarthout used an online app to communicate with the undercover deputy who was posing as a 15-year-old boy. Swarthout allegedly arranged to meet the teen in person and was taken into custody at the designated location.

“Let me make one thing absolutely clear, if you target our kids, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will bring you to justice,” Gahler said in a social media post Friday.

Swarthout appeared in court Thursday and was held without bail.

Disturbing details Swarthout connected with the deputy, who was disguised as a teenage boy named Aiden, on an app called “Sniffies.”

Charging documents accuse the coach of sending sexually charged messages and explicit photos, and asking for photos in return.

Court records also say he is a father of two and left his 8-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son with a 12-year-old neighbor to meet up with the deputy disguised as a teen boy.

The announcement of Swarthout’s arrest comes one day after the sheriff’s office said it arrested Kenneth Goedeke, a Catholic Church deacon and former Catholic school teacher from Bel Air, on similar charges.

“Both of these married, grown men have put themselves into positions where they interact with children every single day,” Gahler told CBS News Baltimore.

“We’re not going to tolerate it” Gahler said these arrests resulted from a partnership with the true-crime series, “Takedown,” marking the third time the department has teamed up with the show.

“Someone said the other day, ‘Why are all these [cases] in Harford County?’ Because we’re looking for them, and we’re not going to tolerate it,” said Gahler.

The sheriff urged parents and caretakers to speak with their children about the “dangers posed by individuals who misuse positions of trust and by online predators who target young people.”

“Look at the devices, see what apps are on their devices, what they’re using and, again, how they’re spending their online time,” he added.

Statement from Fallston United Methodist Church CBS News Baltimore reached out to officials from the Fallston baseball team Swarthout coached, in which they responded:

“We are aware of the arrest of a member of our congregation. The charges are deeply concerning, and our thoughts are with all those who may be affected. The safety and well-being of children and youth are among our highest priorities. We follow policies and procedures designed to provide a safe environment for children and youth. They were and remain in place.

Over the last three months, the church held a limited number of activities for youth at which Mr. Swarthout was present along with other adult volunteers, parents and our church leadership. Those activities were held in our gym or other open, highly visible spaces.

Though the events that led to the arrest did not involve our church, we have directed anyone with questions or concerns to contact Pastor Karin Walker.

Because this is an active legal matter, it would not be appropriate for us to comment broadly on the charges or the legal process. We are in prayer for everyone involved.”

Anyone with information about the investigation or who may have been a victim of Swarthout is asked to contact the sheriff’s dedicated tip line at cactips@harfordsheriff.org.

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By Gabrielle Lopez

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    SANTA FE, New Mexico (KVIA) — Thursday, a New Mexico court ordered Meta to fund a $567 million abatement program dedicated to addressing the youth mental health crisis, according to the state’s Justice Department. The order addresses the state’s public nuisance claim against Meta Platforms.

Additionally, a judge ruled Meta must “Delete the accounts and all personal information collected from accounts belonging to a user under 13 years of age.”

In addition to a $375 million civil penalty, the abatement program aims to prevent child exploitation, expanding treatment and recovery services and implementing meaningful safety reforms, NMDOJ said.

“This case has always been about protecting children, standing up for families, and making sure that one of the world’s largest technology companies cannot profit from practices that endanger young people without consequence,” said New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez. “Today’s decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child and every child who deserves to grow up safer online.”

Torrez sued Meta in 2023 and claimed it created a “breeding ground” for child predators on two of its platforms: Facebook and Instagram. Meta denied the claim. In March, a jury found Meta liable on all counts in a trial on child safety and engaging in unfair trade practices.

Thursday’s decision can be read below.

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By Abby Smith

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    COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (KRDO) — Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) is asking the community to help name its two eight-month-old grizzly bear cubs while raising money for grizzly bear conservation.

CMZoo says for a minimum $5 donation, fans can vote for their favorite name pair for the sibling cubs. According to CMZoo, 100% of the money raised through the naming campaign will benefit The Vital Ground Foundation, a nonprofit working to protect and restore grizzly bear habitat across North America.

Voting is open through Tuesday, Aug. 25. The name pair that raises the most money will be selected as the cubs’ names.

Zoo staff selected three name pairs for the community to choose from. The female cub’s name is listed first:

Meadow and Forrest — inspired by the wild landscapes and natural habitats where grizzly bears roam. Scout and Ranger — representing the people and organizations working to protect grizzlies and their native habitats. Aspen and Yarrow — highlighting plants and vegetation found throughout grizzly bear habitats. The cubs arrived at CMZoo in June after being orphaned in Montana. They are the first orphaned grizzlies to arrive at the zoo in more than 20 years.

The cubs’ mother, an adult female grizzly, was euthanized following a long history of conflicts with humans and attractants.

The zoo said the cubs recently received a clean bill of health and have moved from quarantine into an indoor/outdoor space behind the scenes in Rocky Mountain Wild.

Officials say it could be several weeks before the cubs begin exploring the main grizzly bear yards where guests can see them.

The winning names will be announced after Aug. 25 on the zoo’s website, through emails to members and subscribers, and on its social media channels.

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 Tiffany Liou, Luz Pena

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    OAKLAND, California (KGO) — A woman was severely injured after being struck by a car on 35th Avenue in Oakland on Thursday, according to police, who said the vehicle was being driven by two young children.

A white sedan was seen speeding down 35th Avenue before hitting the woman as she was walking her dog, according to witness accounts and surveillance video from the scene.

“It was loud,” witness Lavelle Shah-Marquis said. “I pray that she’s okay, but it was bad, it was bad,” he added. Oakland police said 7-year-old and 4-year-old brothers took their parents’ Toyota while they were sleeping and went for a drive. The crash happened several blocks from their home.

Upon impact, the children were found outside the vehicle, while a woman was left in critical condition.

“The two young boys laying on the ground here,” Shah-Marquis said.

The incident has raised questions about who could be held responsible. “Unfortunately, I think these parents need to be held responsible and that was my main concern was these parents need to be held responsible. This is ridiculous,” Shah-Marquis said.

Legal analyst and former prosecutor Steven Clark said the situation is highly unusual. “I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s just such a one off,” Clark said.

“The law doesn’t have an exact remedy for this,” he added. Clark said that while the act itself could be considered a crime, the age of the child involved makes criminal accountability unlikely. “It is a crime that the seven-year-old committed, but we’re not going to put a seven-year-old in juvenile hall,” Clark said.

Oakland police are questioning the parents and said they are cooperating with the investigation.

“What was the level of supervision of these kids? How did they get access to the vehicle?” Clark said. “I’ve seen that in other cases where you rely on social workers, not prosecutors.”

Clark said he believes a civil case is likely but criminal charges are not. “This isn’t like leaving a gun around for a kid. This is an automobile that we use every day, and this is the kind of thing that you’re used to just leaving your car keys out,” he said.

Experts also said responsibility should not be placed on the children because of their ages and developmental abilities.

“These kids are not capable, at this age, of understanding the consequences of what they did,” said Dr. Shivani Chmura, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist. “It’s like they can see that they push the first domino, but they cannot see any of the other ones after that that would fall.”

She said the children should be protected from blame. “I would recommend counseling for them. Otherwise, they could end up with very lifelong symptoms of shame,” Chmura said.

Calling the situation tragic, Chmura said, “My heart goes out to the whole situation. It’s tragic.”

ABC7 Eyewitness News reached out to Oakland police for an update on the woman’s condition.

The woman’s dog ran away after the crash, police say, and it was unclear Thursday whether the animal had been found.

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By Chris Roush

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    ST. JOSEPH, Missouri (KQTV) — The sports card hobby has become a multibillion-dollar business, and a few young collectors have now opened their own card shop.

Two brothers, Chase and Cade Frieden, and their friend, Kreightyn Johnson, started their own sports card business in St. Joseph called The Card Cave.

“You get into something as a kid, something you enjoy, and you have so much sitting at home that has value,” Johnson said. “You kind of have fun with it, and you start small.”

The Card Cave opened in late July. The three are just getting started, but they’ve already learned a lot about what it takes to run a business.

“I feel like we’ve put our minds to it pretty hard and straight in the past couple of weeks to get it done,” Johnson said. “It’s growing really well.”

Besides buying and selling sports and trading cards, the three have learned more about marketing a business, taking inventory and balancing their budget.

“It takes a lot,” Cade Frieden said. “Like comping the cards and seeing how their values go up and down.”

Just days into their new business, they’ve learned that some collectors are looking for unique cards.

“Sometimes people want things that you would never expect,” Chase Frieden said. “Like old cards — I feel like those would do way better than they do. But there are the older cards, and some are like a dollar now. They’re less than the newer ones.”

The Card Cave is located downstairs in the Polished Porch Antique and Boutique Mall at 3603 Frederick Ave. in St. Joseph.

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By Amanda Pitts

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    BLACKWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) — A South Jersey mother says her 9-year-old son was left alone on a school bus and was found wandering a bus yard after falling asleep on his way to summer school on Thursday.

Wanda Chandler spoke exclusively with Action News hours after the incident.

She said her son boarded the bus around 8 a.m., just as he had every weekday during the past five weeks of summer school at Union Valley Elementary School in Blackwood.

The school is within the Gloucester Township Public Schools district, which runs its own transportation department.

About two and a half hours later, Chandler said she received a phone call from the school district informing her that her son had not arrived for the start of his final day of summer school.

“He was just left asleep in the bus depot,” Chandler said.

According to Chandler, her son fell asleep during his morning bus ride and woke up alone on an empty bus parked in the district’s transportation yard.

The boy said he had to figure out how to open the bus door before getting off and searching for help.

“I lifted up this thing to open the door,” he said. “I got off the bus and looked for anyone. I found this man, so I asked him, ‘Do you know where I can go back?'”

The 9-year-old said he tried to remain calm despite the frightening experience.

“I was trying to be a big boy, so I just acted brave and normal,” he said.

Chandler said a district employee found her son walking through the parking lot, asked his name and age, and brought him inside.

“Someone found him in the parking lot, asked him his name and age, took him inside, and that’s how they discovered this whole thing happened,” she said.

Chandler said the district told her that Child Protective Services was notified and that her son was eventually transported to school for the remainder of his last day of summer classes.

However, she said she still has unanswered questions about exactly how long her son remained asleep on the bus and how long he was alone in the transportation yard.

“I still have a lot of questions that need answers. I was just given the bare minimum,” Chandler said.

She said her son has ADHD and believes the situation could have ended much differently.

“A lot of things could’ve happened. Thank God he’s safe – that’s number one – but what if he didn’t wake up? What if he walked out into that bus depot and a stranger took him? This could’ve ended altogether differently.”

Chandler, whose family recently moved into the district, said the summer program was intended to help her son become comfortable riding the school bus before the new school year begins.

“This was practice for him because we just moved into the school district. He will be riding the bus alone this upcoming school year, which was why I thought this would be a good idea,” she said.

She called the incident “unacceptable.”

“I asked if there was a bus driver and an aide because that’s very important, and they said yes. This is unacceptable. Shame on you. You should’ve known better. You should’ve practiced all safety protocols that were in place.”

Requests for comment were made to both the district’s transportation office and the superintendent’s office.

The transportation office referred inquiries to the superintendent’s administrative assistant. As of Thursday afternoon, the district had not responded to requests for comment.

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