Epstein Found Dead of Apparent Suicide

Billionaire financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was found dead of an ‘apparent suicide’ in a New York jail over the past weekend. Epstein had been on suicide watch previously, after a suspected suicide attempt. He later told prison officials he had been attacked.

U.S. Attorney General William Barr said he was appalled and angry to learn of the Metropolitan Correctional Center’s failure to properly secure Epstein. He said in remarks to a national policing conference in New Orleans, “we are now learning of serious irregularities at this facility that are deeply concerning and demand a thorough investigation.”

Bear Breaks Out of Home Like Kool-Aid Man

A bear broke into a home in Estes Park, Colo., last week, presumably attracted to the smell of food. When officers from the Estes Park Police Department arrived, the bear escaped capture by breaking a hole in the wall like the “Kool-Aid Man,” according to a release from the Estes Park PD.

NYPD Officers Help Deliver Baby in Vehicle

Officers from the New York Police Department’s Strategic Response Group were flagged down in Manhattan last Friday night and ended up helping to deliver a baby. The officers were informed by a woman that another woman was in labor in her vehicle and, within minutes of responding, had helped deliver a healthy baby girl.

NYPD authorities said the mom and newborn were transported to a local hospital and both were doing well.

Former OKC Cop Denied Appeal on Rape Convictions

Daniel Holtzclaw, a former Oklahoma City police officer was denied an appeal of his 2016 conviction on multiple rape counts last week. Holtzclaw’s attorneys requested the appeal, arguing there were seven errors in the conviction. The judge denied all seven claims.

Holtzclaw was convicted of an ongoing series of rapes beginning in 2014 and targeting victims in one of Oklahoma City’s poorest neighborhoods. Prosecutors argued he selected his victims based upon their criminal histories, assuming past convictions for drugs or prostitution would undermine their credibility should they report him.

He was sentenced to 263 years in prison, and must serve a minimum of 85 percent of that sentence before being eligible for parole consideration.

Senate Committee Confirms Hyten As Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

Despite allegations of sexual assault against him, Gen. John Hyten was confirmed as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The committee reportedly examined Hyten and the charges for weeks, hearing testimony from both Hyten and his accuser.

Committee chairman Jim Inhofe, of Oklahoma, defended Hyten and said if accusations such as this can be made without evidence, it could happen to anyone.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut argued that he had unresolved questions about Hyten and the incident and was “deeply dissatisfied” with the answers Hyten gave the committee.

The final committee vote was 20-7 in favor of confirmation. Full Senate vote isn’t expected until after the August recess.

Cable Cut, Sending Cable Cars Plummeting To The Ground

Several cable cars crashed to the ground last week when a cable was cut at the Sea To Sky Gondola in Vancouver, B.C. Royal Canadian Mounted Police officials said they believe the incident was an act of vandalism.

The incident occurred at roughly 4:30 a.m. No guests or staff were reported injured.

Protestors Shut Down Hong Kong Airport

Thousands of protestors swarmed the Hong Kong airport over the weekend, forcing the cancellation of almost 200 flights in and out of the city. Pro-democracy protestors clashed with police in what the Chinese government said “showed signs of terrorism.”

Biles Lands Triple-Double, Makes History

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles, a five-time Olympic medalist and 14-time world champion, became the first woman ever to land a triple-double in competition during her floor routine at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City, Mo. over the weekend.

Her triple-double, two backflips and three twists while in the air, powered her floor routine and helped her earn her sixth national all-around title.

Biles said she intends to retire after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Police Deliver Pizza To Five-Year-Old 911 Caller

A five-year-old boy in Sanford, Fla., called 911 and reported that he was very hungry. The dispatcher decided to send officers to check on the boy, Manuel Beshara.

Upon arrival, they found the boy and his 15-yearold sister in the house. The girl apologized to the officers and explained her brother had taken her phone without her knowledge.

The officers then decided to teach the boy about the proper time for making 911 calls, and then ordered a large pizza and delivered it to him.

Hog-Tied Whale Rescued Off Washington Coast

A humpback whale tied up in rope was rescued by a team from the Pacific Northwest Large Whale Entanglement Network.

The whale was spotted by a fishing group near the tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. After reporting the incident, the fishing group stayed on-site to monitor the situation until the United States Coast Guard and the Makah Tribe could arrive to take over.

Home Invasion Suspect Stabbed By Would-Be Victim

A man reportedly attempting to break into a home in St. Paul, Minn., was stabbed by his wouldbe victim.

St. Paul police said the victim called 911 at around 11:30 p.m. last Wednesday to report a thief attempting to break into his neighbor’s car. He called again a few minutes later when the thief attempted to break into his car. Before officers could arrive, he called a third time, when dispatchers heard him begging someone not to hurt him.

The unidentified wouldbe victim said the thief heard him on one of the previous 911 calls and attempted to break into his apartment by pulling a window-mounted air conditioner out. He then found an unlocked door and entered the apartment. A struggle ensued with the victim blocked the suspect’s entry to allow his wife time to get away. The thief was stabbed multiple times.