(NEW YORK) — Three migrants were arrested in the Bronx overnight Monday for a citywide crime spree that included stealing women’s phones off the street, police said.
The New York Police Department executed a search warrant at the suspected safe house and made the arrests.
They are expected to be charged with multiple robberies and grand larcenies and more individuals are being sought.
The suspects are all believed to be from Venezuela, authorities said.
The men were linked to a pattern of at least 62 incidents of women having their pocketbooks and phones snatched, police said.
Detectives believe the suspects were snatching the phones to access the Apple Pay feature, and using credit cards linked to the phones to buy items.
“Most migrants come to NYC in search of a better life. Sadly, some come to commit crime,” NYPD Assistant Commissioner Kaz Daughtry wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Today we made tremendous progress in the largest robbery pattern plaguing our city. Our message is simple — commit a crime in our city and we will find you and bring you to justice!”
The arrests are the second prominent case involving migrants in the city in as many weeks. Last week, at least six asylum-seekers were arrested for assaulting police officers in Times Square in a case caught on video. More suspects involved in the attack are still being sought, officials said.
Police and prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney’s office are also investigating whether the first four defendants, who were released without bail, subsequently boarded a bus to California using fake names.
(NEW YORK) — A second storm within one week is pummeling nearly the entire state of California with heavy rain and life-threatening flooding.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, where floodwaters have inundated roads and high winds are knocking down power lines and trees.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Feb 05, 9:25 AM
Latest forecast
Los Angeles recorded more than 4 inches of rain on Sunday, beating the city’s daily record of 2.55 inches set in 1927.
The relentless rainfall and life-threatening flooding are ongoing across the Los Angeles area on Monday morning and will continue throughout the day.
A flash flood warning is in effect from Malibu to Beverly Hills to Brentwood to Hollywood to Burbank.
By Tuesday morning, the heaviest rain will be targeting areas east of San Diego.
On Tuesday afternoon, scattered downpours continue throughout California, and by Wednesday, just a few light showers and sprinkles will remain.
Feb 05, 7:37 AM
4 million under flash flood warning in Southern California
The National Weather Service has a flood watch in effect Monday morning for some 40 million residents in California, where more than a month’s worth of rain has fallen in the past 24 hours.
There was also a flash flood warning in effect until at least 9 a.m. PT for more than 4 million residents in Southern California, from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park, including the areas of Hollywood, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Santa Monica, Encino and Brentwood. There were reports of numerous damaging landslides, inundated roadways, submerged vehicles as well as flooded creeks and streams within the region.
Automated rain gauges indicate between 5 and 8 inches of rain have already accumulated in the warning area, with rainfall continuing. An additional 1 to 4 inches of rain was possible there.
-ABC News’ Kenton Gewecke and Morgan Winsor
Feb 05, 5:49 AM
Over 634,000 customers without power in California
Power is out for hundreds of thousands of electric customers in California amid severe weather.
As of 2:40 a.m. PT on Monday, more than 634,000 customers were without power across the Golden State, according to data collected by PowerOutage.us.
-ABC News’ Morgan Winsor
Feb 05, 5:34 AM
Man killed by falling redwood tree in Yuba City, police say
A man was killed by a falling redwood tree in his backyard in Yuba City in Northern California on Sunday, authorities said.
The Yuba City Police Department identified the victim as 82-year-old David Gomes.
A neighbor, who reported the incident, told the responding officers that they last saw Gomes at around 3 p.m. PT and believed they heard the tree fall about two hours later, according to police.
“Through the investigation, it appeared Gomes was possibly using a ladder to try and clear the tree away from his residence when it fell on him,” police said in a statement.
(NEW YORK) — A second round of back-to-back atmospheric rivers is bringing dangerous weather conditions to nearly the entire state of California this week.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, where floodwaters inundated roads and high winds knocked down power lines and trees.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Feb 05, 5:49 AM
Over 634,000 customers without power in California
Power is out for hundreds of thousands of electric customers in California amid severe weather.
As of 2:40 a.m. PT on Monday, more than 634,000 customers were without power across the Golden State, according to data collected by PowerOutage.us.
-ABC News’ Morgan Winsor
Feb 05, 5:34 AM
Man killed by falling redwood tree in Yuba City, police say
A man was killed by a falling redwood tree in his backyard in Yuba City in Northern California on Sunday, authorities said.
The Yuba City Police Department identified the victim as 82-year-old David Gomes.
A neighbor, who reported the incident, told the responding officers that they last saw Gomes at around 3 p.m. PT and believed they heard the tree fall about two hours later, according to police.
“Through the investigation, it appeared Gomes was possibly using a ladder to try and clear the tree away from his residence when it fell on him,” police said in a statement.
(ATLANTA) — An 8-year-old girl has died after being struck by a car while boarding her school bus, Georgia State Patrol confirmed Saturday.
The incident took place in Henry County on Thursday when the young girl was struck by a Ford Fusion, driven by 25-year-old Kaylee Andre, on Jackson Lake Road, according to GSP.
The identity of the victim has not been released. She was a student at Rock Springs Elementary School, according to Atlanta affiliate WSB-TV.
Troopers say the school bus had its red flashing lights activated and the stop sign displayed to the front and rear when Andre’s vehicle hit the victim while she was attempting to cross the roadway.
The victim received life-saving measures at the scene by Henry County EMS personnel but was airlifted to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta in critical condition, according to GSP.
The victim was pronounced dead from her injuries on Feb. 2, according to GSP.
On Saturday, GSP troopers arrested Andre and charged her with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, failure to stop for a school bus loading and unloading, and failure to exercise due care.
Andre is currently being held at Henry County Jail, according to court records.
WSB-TV’s Tom Jones interviewed a Rock Springs Elementary School parent, Lindsay Bridges, on Friday, who became emotional over the tragedy.
“It’s crazy to think about something like that happening to a child when you have kids. Well, even if you don’t have kids. It’s very, very sad to hear about. But I can just imagine what those parents are going through,” Bridges told Jones.
Winner Killer Mike, winner of the “Best Rap Album” award for “Michael”, “Best Rap Performance” award for “Scientists & Engineers”, and ” Best Rap Song” award for “Scientists & Engineers,” with trophy, at the 66th Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. — Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
(LOS ANGELES) — Michael Render, also known as rapper Killer Mike, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge Sunday night shortly after winning three Grammys.
Render was detained and handcuffed by police just after 4 p.m. PT. Police took him into custody over an alleged physical altercation at the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court, one of the streets just outside the Crypto.com arena, which is where the Grammys were held.
Render was placed under arrest and taken to Central Division.
He was booked on misdemeanor battery.
Authorities said Sunday night that Render was in the process of being released.
A rep for the artist didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News.
Killer Mike won Grammys for rap album for “Michael,” and rap performance and best song for “Scientists & Engineers.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
On Saturday, the LAPD announced that the suspect, Sadie Slater, was arrested in Inglewood. The 21-year-old was booked for robbery with bail set at $70,000. — Ali Zacharias and KABC
(LOS ANGELES) — A French bulldog’s whereabouts remain unknown despite the Los Angeles Police Department making an arrest in connection with the dog’s theft, a department spokesperson told ABC News Sunday.
The dog theft on Jan. 18 left the dog’s owner, Ali Zacharias, clinging to the hood of the suspect’s car as it sped away in a failed attempt to stop the dognapping, according to police and seen in bystander video.
On Saturday, the LAPD announced that the suspect, Sadie Slater, was arrested in Inglewood. The 21-year-old was booked for robbery with bail set at $70,000.
However, the French bulldog, Onyx, has not been located, the spokesperson said.
In a post shared on X, LAPD’s gang and narcotics division said US Marshals worked “through the night to locate and arrest the suspect wanted for this crime” and shared photos of the suspect’s arrest and the dog owner’s attempt to stop the dognapping.
The dognapping took place on Jan. 18 around 3:45 p.m. local time when Zacharias was eating outside of the Whole Foods on South Grand Avenue while Onyx was with her on leash, according to a police press release on Jan. 29.
A female suspect picked up Onyx and fled into a white, KIA Forte sedan, which was driven by an additional suspect, police previously said in the release. The vehicle began driving southbound on Grand Avenue, however, Zacharias “attempted to stop the suspects by jumping on the hood of the vehicle.”
Zacharias eventually fell from the car while the suspects fled with Onyx. She was treated for minor abrasions by paramedics, according to the release.
“I thought I was going to die. I just was like, ‘This is it,'” Zacharias told ABC Los Angeles station KABC. “I didn’t want the car to drive away, so I ran and stood in front of it. They drove into me, and I fell on top of the hood and just started to grab on… Before I knew it, they were like backing up and taking off,” she said.
The French bulldog is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers, according to the American Kennel Club, which notes that French bulldogs, nicknamed “Frenchies,” are the No. 1 target for thieves, ahead of both Labrador retrievers and Yorkshire terriers.
The average cost of a French Bulldog in the US is between $1,500 and $3,000, according to the Canine Journal.
(PITTSBURGH) — A baby shower in Pittsburgh’s Fairywood neighborhood turned deadly on Saturday evening, after a dispute left a 19-year-old man dead and two other people injured, the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department said.
Officers responded to the Salvation Army’s Pittsburgh Westside and Worship Center on Broadhead Fording Road at 6:15 p.m. after receiving reports of six to seven gunshots ringing out where a private baby shower was taking place, the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Police said they discovered two male victims with gunshot wounds upon arrival. Medics pronounced Antoine Dorsey dead at the scene while the other victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, according to the public safety department and the Allegheny County medical examiner.
A third victim left the shower location and went to a residence on Glen Mawr Street, police said. He was located later Saturday evening and taken to a hospital in stable condition, according to police.
Pittsburgh Public Information Officer Cara Cruz told ABC News the dispute is still under active investigation by Violent Crime Unit detectives and no arrests have been made.
The Salvation Army gave a statement to ABC News on Sunday regarding the shooting, saying it’s “saddened to confirm that there was a tragic shooting at its Pittsburgh Westside Worship and Service Center yesterday evening.”
“The incident occurred during a private function being hosted at the Center and did not involve any members of The Salvation Army,” the organization said. “We are grieved by this senseless act of violence in our church and pray for the victims of the shooting and their families. The Salvation Army is cooperating with the local authorities investigating the incident.”
“The Pittsburgh Westside Worship and Service Center will be closed until further notice,” it added.
(LOS ANGELES) — Dangerous weather conditions are affecting nearly the entire state of California over the coming days.
A second round of atmospheric rivers is bringing even more rain and flooding to Southern California in less than a week, exacerbating life-threatening flooding in the region for tens of millions of residents.
The system is forecast to be one of the most significant storms in state history, bringing the threat of flash flooding possible from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, as well as heavy snow and wind in the mountains. Widespread power outages, roadway flooding, mudslides and the likelihood of numerous swift-water rescues are anticipated, according to the National Weather Service.
A flood watch has been issued for a large swath of the Golden State — from Redding to Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego — affecting 40 million people.
There is a high risk of excessive rainfall for much of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. This indicates a 70% risk of meeting life-threatening flash flood rainfall conditions, according to the NWS. Severe and widespread flash floods are expected in the area, even in places that don’t normally experience flash flooding.
Some of the regions expected to receive the brunt of the moisture are already inundated from the last system.
Santa Barbara, where evacuation orders have been issued, has received 300% of its normal rainfall for this time of year in the last seven days alone. The ground in the region is extremely saturated and unable to soak in additional moisture, causing fast-falling rainwater to wash away immediately, creating conditions for significant flash flooding.
Rain totals will be impressive in Santa Barbara, with 3 to 6 inches across the coastal and valley areas and 6 inches to a foot of rain for the foothills and mountains — especially from Santa Barbara County and south. Any thunderstorms that develop will bring the heaviest rain, up to 1.5 inches per hour, forecasts show.
The storm system is so strong that an extremely rare hurricane-force wind warning has been issued off the coast of Big Sur and Gorda, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 90 mph.
There is also a chance for brief tornadoes and waterspouts from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles throughout Sunday. In the Los Angeles metro area, winds are expected to gust 25 to 40 mph on Sunday. Farther north, from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, wind gusts from 50 to 70 mph are expected.
A high surf advisory has also been issued. Large breaking waves of 20 to 25 feet are expected in the Bay Area. Big Sur could see waves up to 35 feet, while Santa Barbara could experience waves up to 20 feet, forecasts show.
A winter storm warning has been issued in the mountains outside Los Angeles. Heavy snow is expected to mix with winds up to 85 mph, which will cause impossible driving conditions, extensive tree damage and widespread power outages. Between 2 and 4 feet of snow is forecast in the highest elevations.
Along the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lake Tahoe could see between 1 and 3 feet of snow, with other parts of the mountain range seeing 2 to 4 feet above 5,000 feet. At times, snowfall rates may exceed 3 inches per hour.
Here’s to expect on the timing of the storm (all times Pacific):
Sunday, Feb. 4
Heavy rain began falling in the Bay Area around 2 a.m. Sunday, extending southward and reaching Santa Barbara by 7 a.m.
By 3 p.m., heavy rain will be situated over Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, with heavy snow in the mountains, as well as damaging winds.
The heavy precipitation will slowly push south overnight but will continue in the Los Angeles area through the evening hours, making travel difficult and dangerous in places that flood.
Monday, Feb. 5
By 4 a.m. Monday, the heaviest rain will be occurring in the San Diego area, triggering flood threats in the region.
Through the day, rain will still fall steadily from Santa Barbara to San Diego, which is why a flood watch is in effect there until Tuesday. The rain is not expected to let up, and water levels in streams and rivers will continue to rise, making some roadways impassable.
Light and moderate rain will continue from the Bay Area to San Diego — and heavy snow in the mountains — by 3 p.m., causing the flood threat to continue.
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Rain will still be coming down on Tuesday morning from Santa Barbara to San Diego, forecasts show.
In the afternoon on Tuesday, the rain will break up and become more scattered, but there will still be periodic heavy downpours from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.
Rain and snow are expected to be coming down across much of the West at this time.
(INDIANAPOLIS) — Indianapolis police are investigating the homicides of two women who were found slain in a similar manner near each other just days apart.
Indianapolis Interim Police Chief Christopher Bailey said they have not determined if the two deaths are connected but that there are “similarities in these two cases.”
“We’re here out of an abundance of caution to share information with the community that we can share and ask for information that will help move these investigations forward,” Bailey said at a press briefing on Friday.
The body of the first victim — Shannon Lassere — was found on Saturday, Jan. 27, on the city’s far east side, police said. The body of the second — Marianne Weis — was found five days later about 150 yards away, police said.
“Both victims either lived in or had strong connections to this area on the far east side,” Capt. Roger Spurgeon told reporters during the briefing. “Both victims were killed in a similar manner. Both victims were white females in their 50s.”
Police did not provide any details on how the women were killed or on any possible suspect or suspects in the cases.
“There’s certain pieces of the investigation that just can’t talk about right now to make sure we protect the integrity investigation,” Bailey said.
Police are working with the Indianapolis Marion County Forensic Service Agency to identify any forensic evidence from the scenes, Spurgeon said. They are also asking people in the area to review their cameras for anything suspicious or unusual.
“We don’t know if these crimes are connected at this point and that’s why we’re asking for the public’s help,” Spurgeon said. “If you have any info on these victims or know where they have been in the days before their death, we want to know. If you have cameras in the area that caught something suspicious, we want to know.”
The police department said it is increasing patrols in the area and detectives will be canvassing the neighborhood in the coming days. Bailey advised residents to be alert in the area.
“Report suspicious behavior, be with somebody and call 911 if something just doesn’t feel right or you fear for your safety,” he said.
The interim chief said they are in the early stages of the investigation and police are working to bring closure to the victims’ families.
“I can’t imagine the loss that these families feel right now when their loved ones were taken away from them in this manner and that’s why we’re here,” he said.
Lassere’s children were left reeling by their mother’s killing.
(CALIFORNIA) — A powerful atmospheric river storm system is expected to bring life-threatening and damaging flooding, wind, snow and waves to California this weekend.
Flood watches will be in effect starting Saturday night through Tuesday in central and southern California. Dangerous and life-threatening flooding is possible with this event, including in urban areas.
Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches will be common, with 6 to 12 inches possible across south and southwest-facing foothills and mountains. The heaviest rain is expected Sunday and Monday, with up to 1 inch per hour possible during the peak. Long durations of heavy rainfall — from three to six hours — are also forecast.
Abundant freeway flooding in high-populated areas is expected. Even the lowest projections for rainfall will be enough to produce damaging flooding, according to the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to stay off the roads on Sunday.
“We’re fortunate that much of the storm will hit Sunday when many people are home anyway,” Bass said during a press briefing late Saturday. “But when in doubt, stay home. Stay informed.”
The city will be fully staffed to prepare to respond to any water-related emergencies and has “bolstered” its air resources in anticipation of the storm, the city’s fire chief, Kristin Crowley, said at the briefing.
There will be the threat of extensive rock and mudslide activity on mountain and canyon roadways, which could cause significant travel delays and road closures.
Evacuation warnings were issued on Friday for parts of Santa Barbara County due to the incoming storm’s “potential to produce flash flooding, debris flows and landslides.” Emergency officials said residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, while people with disabilities and those with large animals were advised to leave.
Damaging winds will also be a big issue. Gusts between 60-80 mph are forecast on Sunday, especially in the mountains off the California coast.
Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Extensive wind damage is expected in mountain areas.
A high surf advisory is already in effect, lasting through Monday. Waves could reach 20 feet, peaking Sunday.
There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.
Significant damage to roads or structures is not expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Winter storm warnings will also be in effect from Saturday evening to Tuesday in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, where very heavy snow is expected.
Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 feet are expected, with up to 5 to 6 feet at the higher mountain peaks.
Timing the storm
Rain is forecast to move in Saturday evening and continue to intensify and spread through the night.
By Sunday morning, heavy rain is expected along much of the California coast, with heavy snow in the mountains.
Late Sunday afternoon, as the Grammy Awards are underway in Los Angeles, the heaviest rain from this storm will be centered over Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Flash flooding is likely, including in urban areas, as well as damaging winds. Delays are expected at Los Angeles International Airport.
By Monday morning, the heavy rain is expected to be in the San Diego area, with flash flooding likely. The rain is forecast to continue and get lighter throughout the day.
