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Ben Kowtica, Mike Westhoff determined to fix Broncos’ special teams woes

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

When Mike Westhoff received a call from Sean Payton to become the New Orleans Saints’ special teams coach in November 2017, former quarterback Drew Brees was the only player he knew on the roster.But Payton needed help. Although the Saints were on a seven-game win streak, their special teams ranked 30th in punt return and 28th in kickoff return average, forcing Payton to ask Westhoff to come out of retirement and turn things around.“I didn’t know anybody,” Westhoff said. “Sean thought (the Saints) were really good, but he was disappointed in their special teams and wanted me to come in.”Six years later and enjoying retirement, Westhoff got a call from Payton again. This time, Payton wanted Westhoff to join him in Denver as an assistant head coach, teaming up with special teams coordinator Ben Kowtica and assistant special teams coach Chris Banjo to fix a unit that underperformed in 2022.“I just (have) so much respect for (Payton),” said Westhoff, who has 32 seasons of NF...

Thornton man kidnapped girl, then bound, gagged, sexually assaulted her, police say

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

Police in Thornton found a girl lying beside a truck, her hands and legs tied up and her mouth taped closed, and officers arrested a 44-year-old man suspected of kidnapping and sexually assaulting the girl.The girl was found about 4 a.m. June 21 in the 9400 block of Lillian Lane, according to an arrest affidavit. The girl led police to a nearby home, from which she “escaped” through a screen door while she was bound.Phillip Torres was arrested on investigation of multiple felonies, including second-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping of a minor, false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault on a child, according to the affidavit.The kidnapping unfolded June 20 when the girl, who is from out of state and was staying at a local hotel with her aunt, argued with her aunt and left the hotel. As she was walking around a man, later identified as Torres, in a white pickup truck pulled up. The girl got into the truck, expecting a ride back to the hotel, but was instead ...

Hesperia convenience store clerk gunned down during robbery

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

A 16-year-old from Victorville is facing robbery and murder charges after he fatally shot a store clerk in Hesperia Thursday evening, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.The shooting occurred at a Mobil gas station on Main Street at about 6:20 p.m., the Sheriff's Department said in a news release. The clerk at a Mobil gas station in Hesperia, Calif. was killed during an apparent robbery. June 29, 2023. (OnScene.TV)After the robber fled the scene, deputies found the store clerk, 27-year-old Parveen Singh of Hesperia, unresponsive on the floor with a gunshot wound. He was declared dead at a local hospital.The teen, meanwhile, was arrested about a block away from the scene, police said. He was booked into the High Desert Juvenile Hall in Apple Valley. Anyone with information is asked to call 909-890-4904.  To remain anonymous, call the WeTip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

Man accused of breaking into woman’s Reseda home, sexually assaulting her

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

A man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into a woman’s home in Reseda and sexually assaulting her, police said Friday.The incident occurred around 9:55 p.m. Wednesday in the 19500 block of Saticoy Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.The suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Blessing Wainiwheh, allegedly entered the home through a window and sexually assaulted the victim before running away.Wainiwheh was eventually found hiding inside a home near the victim’s residence that he had also allegedly broken into, police said.Authorities released a booking photo of Wainiwheh and they believe he is responsible for additional sexual assaults.Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Wainiwheh, or has additional information about him, is asked to call Detective Joseph Hampton at 818-374-7717 or 818-374-7611. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 213-972-2971 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Those wishing to remain an...

Dodgers' Mookie Betts to compete in Home Run Derby

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

The Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts will compete in the All-Star Home Run Derby in Seattle on July 10, joining Seattle's Julio Rodríguez and Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero in the eight-man competition.Elected to start in the All-Star Game for the National League, Betts leads the Dodgers with 20 home runs. Betts announced Friday he will make his first derby appearance.Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr., who topped all players in votes, said he will not participate for a third time. Thousands protest Dodgers’ Pride night event honoring LGBTQ+ ‘nun’ group “I think this year I’m going to take a break from it,” Acuña said through a translator. “I think there’s other players out there that deserve to be part of it and want to be showcased in it, but I think this year I’m going to take a break.”Juan Soto won last year's derby at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, edging Rodríguez 19-18 in the final round.The Dodgers have never had a derby winner. Joc Pederson reached the final round in 2015 at Cincin...

3 Dodgers, 3 Angels elected to All-Star Game

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

Mike Trout will see a bunch of new faces surrounding him at this year's All-Star Game.The Los Angeles Angels center fielder was selected for his 11th appearance on Thursday, and four Texas Rangers were chosen by fans for the American League’s lineup for the July 11 game at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park.Nine first-time starters were picked by fans, including three Rangers: catcher Jonah Heim, shortstop Corey Seager and rookie third baseman Josh Jung. Arizona rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll, who's from Seattle, also was voted in, giving the starting lineups a pair of rookie position players for the third time after Rich Rollins and Tom Tresh in 1962, and Geovany Soto and Kosuke Fukodome in 2008.“You always put it in your mind that I want to do that someday,” Jung said.Texas reached the season’s midpoint at 49-32, on track for its first winning season since 2016. The Rangers host next year’s All-Star Game.Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien was chosen for his second start.“We all strive to...

Two Men Killed in Pedestrian Accident on Interstate 5 [Lebec, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

Driver and Pedestrian Pronounced Dead after Fatal Collision near Lebec Service RoadLEBEC, CA (June 30, 2023) – Sunday night, two unidentified men were killed in a pedestrian accident on Interstate 5.Crews responded just after 9:00 p.m., on the southbound lanes of the freeway north of Lebec Service Road on June 25th.According to reports, the 82-year-old male driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette struck a man in the southbound lanes.Medics arrived and pronounced the driver and the male pedestrian dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released their identities.Following preliminary duties, officers are unsure as to whether or not drugs or alcohol played a factor. Once available, further details will be provided.The team at Sweet James offers their warm and sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of the deceased men. May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time.If your family member has been killed in a pedestrian accident, please contact Sweet James as ...

Michele Lange Killed in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash on Jamacha Boulevard [Spring Valley, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

50-Year-Old Woman Dies in Hit-and-Run Collision near Lamplighter Village DriveSPRING VALLEY, CA (June 30, 2023) – Thursday evening, Michele Lange was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash on Jamacha Boulevard.Dispatchers responded to the scene just before 10:00 p.m., east of Lamplighter Village Drive on June 22nd.According to reports, the driver of a red SUV struck Lange on the northbound lanes and immediately fled the scene.Shortly after, another westbound vehicle that was described as a silver sedan struck her and drove off. Medical personnel arrived and pronounced 50-year-old Lange, of La Mesa dead at the scene.At this time, there were no leads on the suspects involved and any witnesses are encouraged to call the CHP’s El Cajon Area office at 619-401-2000.No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this delicate moment. Deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of Michele Lange.Losing someone in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident is...

Rider Hospitalized after Motorcycle Collision on Broad Street [San Luis Obispo, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

Motorcyclist Injured in Two-Vehicle Accident near Caudill StreetSAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (June 30, 2023) – Monday afternoon, one rider sustained injuries in a motorcycle collision on Broad Street.Police responded to the scene around 4:00 p.m., near Caudill Street on June 26th.For reasons under investigation, the rider of a motorcycle crashed into the passenger side of an SUV. Dispatchers arrived to the scene after receiving multiple calls.Medical personnel transported the motorcyclist to a nearby hospital for further treatment of serious injuries.At this time, authorities have not yet released their name or place of residency.In addition, the involved driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Once available, further details will be provided.It is important to observe proper caution when riding a motorcycle. Do not underestimate the bike’s speed. When turning or changing lanes, use hand and turn signals to give other drivers enough time to slow down and pre...

1 Killed, 1 Injured in Fiery Auto Collision on Highway 94 [Dulzura, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:45 GMT

One Pronounced Dead, One Hospitalized after Fiery Car Accident near Cochera Via DriveDULZURA, CA (June 30, 2023) – Wednesday night, one victim was killed and another was injured in a fiery auto collision on Highway 94.The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m., near Cochera Via Drive in Barrett Junction on June 14th. For reasons under investigation, the driver of a four-door sedan veered off the road and overcorrected before colliding head-on with a pickup-truck.First responders located the sedan engulfed in flames upon arrival. Flames from the vehicle eventually spread into a brush fire.Officers say the driver of the pickup-truck exited his vehicle and attempted to get the other driver out, but was unable to do so.Medical crews also worked to extricate the driver of the sedan but were unsuccessful. Due to the extent of his condition, medics pronounced him dead at the scene.Meanwhile, paramedics transported the pickup-truck driver to Grossmont Hospital with minor wounds. At this t...