Illinois officials have warned federal immigration agents that tampering with or swapping license plates is illegal, launching the 'Plate Watch' hotline for residents to report suspicious activity, amid concerns over unmarked vehicles and identity concealment during immigration raids.
An American influencer, Mike Holston, is under investigation in Queensland, Australia, for filming himself wrestling wild crocodiles, an activity deemed extremely dangerous and illegal, prompting outrage and potential fines from authorities.
US prosecutors are investigating whether Meta's social-media platforms are facilitating and profiting from illegal drug sales, having sent subpoenas seeking records on drug content and sales. Meta claims to proactively remove illicit drug content and cooperate with law enforcement, while also joining the Alliance to Prevent Drug Harms. The company's president of global affairs announced this after the US and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime initiated a collaborative effort with Meta and others to disrupt synthetic drug activity online.
Sideshows, illegal car stunts and gatherings in California, have become a growing concern for law enforcement due to property damage, violence, and occasional deaths. Recent crackdowns by California law enforcement, including increased fines and towing, have sparked debate between those who support the measures and those who view them as extreme. Sideshows, which originated as pop-up parties in the 1980s, involve car stunts like donuts and wheelies and have drawn hundreds of participants and spectators.
Five suspects in their 20s and 30s have been arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of six individuals in a desert community in San Bernardino County, California. The victims were found shot to death, with four of the bodies burned, and authorities believe the deaths stemmed from a dispute over marijuana. The suspects are being held without bail, and eight guns were recovered during the arrests. The district attorney is reviewing the case for charges, and investigators are addressing the area's issue with illegal marijuana cultivation.
A Blue Springs man has been arrested after illegal credit card skimmers were found at three different gas stations in town. The police found the skimmers following a tip and were able to track down the suspect through surveillance video and a license plate reader system. The suspect was found to be running a sophisticated credit card skimming operation and has been charged with multiple offenses. The police department is working with the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation and urges anyone with information to come forward.
British Columbia has filed the first-ever application for an unexplained wealth order in Canada, aiming to target those engaging in illegal activity. Meanwhile, a rookie surveillance officer with Canada's spy agency has alleged rape and harassment by a senior officer, shedding light on a toxic workplace culture. Toronto police have released clear photos of two suspects wanted in connection with a home invasion and car theft. Additionally, a recently unsealed U.S. indictment reveals an alleged plot connected to the Indian government to carry out multiple assassinations in North America, including three on Canadian soil.
San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu plans to demand that four major online retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, remove illegal license plate covering devices from their websites. These gadgets, which include remote-controlled screens and vinyl wraps, are used to obscure license plate numbers and can be used to evade tolls, red-light cameras, and speed enforcement cameras. Chiu argues that these products are used for illegal activities and should not be sold or used anywhere in America.
Two arrests were made in West Haven, Connecticut, after a large group of dirt bikes and ATVs rode through the city, causing fear and intimidation. The incident resulted in a collision and an injured police officer. One of the arrested individuals was found in possession of a loaded firearm. Both suspects face multiple motor vehicle and criminal charges.
Baltimore Police seized 33 dirt bikes and ATVs from Aneto Auto Service in Park Heights on Saturday. The bikes were seized due to illegal activity and surveillance video led police to the auto shop. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made yet. The department is using technology to track down the bikes and identify the drivers to keep the city safe. Anyone who wants to report an illegal dirt bike can call the Dirt Bike Tip Line at 443-902-4474.
An 18-year-old was shot and killed by a Pennsylvania State Trooper during a street racing incident in Philadelphia. Troopers were dispatched to I-95 to find a large group of cars blocking lanes of the highway while doing "burnouts" and "drifting," with a number of pedestrians spectating. As officials attempted to make contact with the driver of a black Audi S4 parked on the shoulder of I-95, two troopers say they were struck by the vehicle when it failed to yield. One of the troopers discharged his service pistol and struck the driver, who was later identified as 18-year-old Anthony Allegrini Jr. of Glen Mills, Delaware County.
Rochester Police have announced increased patrols and resources for Memorial Day weekend, with a focus on preventing drinking and driving. They encourage the public to use ride share services or designated drivers. Police will also be targeting illegal activity, including dirt bikes and ATV riders. The public is urged to report any disputes or violent parties to the police. Many people plan to spend the weekend hiking or enjoying outdoor activities.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao expressed outrage over a video showing a man being assaulted by a crowd at an illegal sideshow. The man had reportedly thrown a bucket at one of the participating cars before being beaten. The Oakland Police Department is investigating the assault, which occurred in a neighborhood with an estimated 60 cars and over 100 spectators. The victim had already gone to a local hospital by the time officers arrived on the scene.
St. Petersburg police arrested 69 people on Saturday night after cracking down on a "major" street racing event. The suspects were arrested on various charges, including fleeing and eluding, child endangerment, street racing, driving with a suspended license, and obstruction. Most of the people at the event were not from Pinellas County.