Storm Winds Knock Out Power
The National Weather Service reports wind gusts of up to 59 mph Tuesday evening that brought down trees and power lines. More than 14,000 homes and businesses were left without electricity. The Montauk line of the Long Island Rail Road was forced to briefly suspend services due to the outages. Bus services were available to commuters between Babylon and Montauk, while a Huntington-bound train was delayed by nearly an hour after striking debris on the tracks at Syosset.
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Intoxicated Man Caught Driving in Wrong Direction on Parkway
West Hempstead resident, Raymond Hulsman, was arrested early Christmas morning when New York State troopers responded to calls about a vehicle driving in the wrong direction. Hulsman allegedly drove his white Chevy Malibu for eastbound for 10 miles in the westbound lanes of the Northern State Parkway before authorities caught up with him. Hulsman is being held responsible for multiple car accidents that occurred due to his inebriation, as two drivers crashed into the cement median in attempt to avoid being struck by the Chevy. Hulsman had a blood alcohol content of .15% at the time of his arrest and is charged with DWI, reckless endangerment in the second degree, and multiple traffic violations.
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New York’s “Move Over Law” Expanding to Include Amber Lights
At the start of the New Year New York’s Move Over Law, which currently instructs drivers to change lanes when an emergency vehicle is pulled over to the side of the road, will also include certain non-emergency vehicles. Drivers will now be required to change lanes when tow truck operators, highway maintenance workers, or authorized personnel are involved in roadside assistance. Chuck Grunswick, of John’s Towing, explains that he has had a number of near misses in his 32 years on the job.
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Elmont Man Arrested for Assaulting Officer After Chase
Nassau County Police have arrested a man after a pursuit to Floral Park. Police spotted Wallace C. Cain, of Elmont, driving a Honda Accord with dark-tinted windows in New Hyde Park and upon attempting to stop him Cain took off until he found himself in a dead end in Floral Park. Cain then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. While arresting him, Cain fought with the officers injuring the right hand and elbow of one officer. Numerous small wax bags of heroin were found in Cain’s possession. Cain was arraigned Tuesday in First District Court in Hempstead on charges of second-degree assault, seventh-degree criminal possession of controlled substance, resisting arrest, unlicensed operator and excessive tint on windows.
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Long Island Rail Road Adds 38 Trains in Prep for New Year’s Celebrations
The Long Island Rail Road is aiding in make New Year’s celebrations run a little more smoothly for those coming from and heading into Manhattan by adding 38 trains to the schedule for the holiday weekend. Fourteen additional eastbound trains have been added to Friday’s service for commuters leaving work early, with 10 additional westbound trains on Saturday for New Year’s Eve party-goers, and another 14 eastbound trains from Penn Station in the early Sunday morning hours for tired lot returning home after the long night. The LIRR will be operating on a weekend/holiday schedule Sunday and will return to its regular weekday schedule on Monday, January 1st.