Twister hits home in Florida; 2 dead
Severe weather sparked tornadoes that ripped through central Florida before dawn Sunday, officials said. A couple was killed and their son and four grandchildren were injured when one of the twisters destroyed their mobile home.
Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube said the victims were asleep in their mobile home when the tornado struck. Steven Wilson, 58, was killed immediately, while his wife, Kate, died from a heart attack after being taken to a hospital. Their son, also named Steven Wilson, crawled out of the wreckage and helped his four children out of the home. The children are between the ages of 6 and 10.
The younger Wilson and the children were being treated at a hospital. Their injuries weren’t thought to be life-threatening.
Man kills officer,
dies in shootout
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah police officer was killed Sunday after he was shot by a suspect who was later killed by police.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder said Unified police officer Douglas Barney was shot in the head shortly before 10 a.m. in the suburb of Holladay. He was taken to a hospital where he died of his injuries a few hours later.
According to Winder, Barney was helping to search for Cory Lee Henderson, 31, and a woman. Witnesses said both were riding in a BMW that was involved in a traffic accident. Police said occupants in the other car were seriously injured.
Shortly after Barney was shot, officers encountered Henderson, who was on foot. Winder said Henderson and police exchanged gunfire. Officer Jon Richey suffered three gunshot wounds, including one in the torso. Henderson died at the scene.
Winder said Richey was conscious and alert when he saw him in the hospital. He has since undergone surgery and his condition was improving.
Allegiant Air exec quits after 1 year
LAS VEGAS — The chief operating officer of Allegiant Air is resigning.
KTNV-TV reported that 52-year-old Steve Harfts is leaving after serving in the position for about a year. He first joined Allegiant in December 2014.
His resignation follows questions about the airline’s safety record and several incidents involving emergency landings and mechanical issues.
The airline recently ordered additional training for pilots and dispatchers after a plane had to land because it was low on fuel.
A former pilot is also suing the airline, claiming it fired him after he ordered an emergency evacuation when he saw that smoke was detected in a jet engine.
Allegiant said in a statement that the leadership change will allow the airline to refocus on operational needs.
The Las Vegas-based airline offers nonstop flights to 52 destinations, including Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Bentonville.