Athens, Ala. (AP) – Searchers spent time looking for a missing hunter in north Alabama until officers realized he was actually in jail. Relatives of 50-year-old Randy Keith Holt of Hartselle reported the man missing Monday afternoon after he failed to return from a hunting trip. Holt didn’t have a cellphone with him, so no one could contact him or track him. The Limestone County Sheriff’s Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, firefighters, dog handlers, a helicopter and others joined in a search. But officers realized Holt was in the Limestone County Jail once they heard his last name. He had been arrested for public intoxication near the search site before the manhunt began. Authorities say relatives of the man didn’t realize he was in custody and reported him missing.
NJ brewery honors Villanova University’s 175th anniversary
Cape May, N.J. (AP) – The co-owners of New Jersey’s Cape May Brewing Company are honoring the 175th anniversary of their alma mater with a uniquely named commemorative brew. KYW-TV reports the Jersey shore-based microbrewery is releasing its “Demisemiseptcentennial Ale” on Jan. 25 to celebrate the founding of Villanova University. Co-owners Ryan Krill and Chris Henke first met as freshmen at the suburban Philadelphia school in 2001. Christine Quisenberry, Villanova’s Director of Presidential Initiatives and Events, says the university wanted to involve alumni in its yearlong celebration of the milestone anniversary. The beer is a classic Pale Ale brewed with sampling of German Pilsner malt, the brewery’s house ale yeast strain and a hefty dose of hops. It’s been described as an easy-drinking draft that’s perfect for cheering on the defending national champion and top-ranked Wildcats this basketball season. (Ed’s note: It’s unknown if imbibers are only served this beer if they can say the name three times in a row without stumbling on the words.)
Serial toll evader with $12K tab arrested at Lincoln Tunnel
Weehawken, N.J. (AP) – Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police have arrested a man who owes $12,000 in unpaid tolls and fees. Police arrested 42-year-old Julian Garcia, of Morris County, after authorities say he attempted to avoid paying the toll at the Lincoln Tunnel on Thursday. The Towaco man was charged with theft of service and theft by unlawful taking after police discovered how much he owed. Garcia’s Honda Civic was impounded. It’s unclear if he has an attorney who could comment.
Real-life Perry Mason pleads guilty to $110K jewelry theft
Newport, Vt. (AP) – This Perry Mason has pleaded guilty and been convicted. Perry Mason of Hardwick, Vermont – not to be confused with the fictional television criminal defense lawyer played by Raymond Burr – pleaded guilty Thursday to breaking into a Greensboro jewelry store in 2014 and stealing $110,000 worth of items. The Caledonian Record reports the 48-year-old Mason received a sentence of two to 30 years, most of it suspended. Before reaching a plea agreement, Mason had been facing up to life in prison as a habitual offender with three or more prior felony convictions, including burglaries. Mason was arrested after some of the jewelry was sold to a Burlington pawn shop. The shop owner recognized it and alerted police. Since then, two other men have been charged with possessing stolen property.
Lieutenant governor’s vehicle parks in spot for disabled
Barnstable, Mass. (AP) – The Massachusetts State Police driver who chauffeured the lieutenant governor to Cape Cod is apologizing for parking in a spot reserved for the disabled. A reporter for the Cape Cod Times photographed the black Ford Explorer in the space outside an office building in Hyannis on Thursday. There was no disabled parking placard or license plate visible on the vehicle. Republican Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito was on the Cape to attend several events. State police spokesman David Procopio tells the newspaper the trooper made an honest mistake and has apologized for unknowingly violating a “cardinal rule.” Procopio says the trooper was directed into the space, and neither he nor Polito knew it was a restricted spot. Parking in a disabled spot usually carries a $100 fine in Barnstable.
