California overpass collapse traps truck driver

Oroville, Calif.

A highway overpass that was under construction collapsed Tuesday, crushing a delivery truck and seriously injuring a construction worker who clung to a steel beam as it tumbled 50 feet to the ground.

The truck driver, Robert Sylvester, 45, of Chico, was freed after about 2 ½ hours. He suffered only a sprained ankle and minor cuts.

The construction worker, Jeffrey Doll of Olivehurst, who was on top of the structure when it collapsed, was in serious condition with a fractured pelvis, fractured left elbow and broken lower left leg at a hospital in Chico.

Ocean City, Md.

No more human remains found

After hours of sifting by hand through piles of excavated dirt, authorities did not find any more human remains Tuesday near the home where they earlier discovered a stillborn child and the remains of three fetuses.

FBI agents and city police said they discovered only the remains of two cats and a dog when they dug into the vacant lot beside the house of Christy Freeman, 37, who was charged with murder in the death of the stillborn found beneath a bathroom sink.

Investigators also continued to explore possible causes for the bruises found on Freeman's body last week when authorities began investigating the case. Police believe the bruising may be linked to the stillborn child and have called in domestic-violence experts.

Long Beach, Calif.

43 arrested in sweep for violent offenders

Federal agents and police fanned out across southern Los Angeles County early Tuesday, arresting 43 reputed gang members and associates in a huge sweep aimed at taking down violent offenders.

More than 400 officers took part in the campaign, which started at around 4 a.m., said Mike Campbell, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The effort was part of a wider crackdown, spearheaded by the Justice Department in cities nationwide and aimed at gang members suspected of dealing drugs and committing violent crimes.

Tuesday's operation followed a six-month investigation and focused on a neighborhood near Long Beach known locally as "Ghost Town." Authorities were looking for at least 25 leaders of a street gang.

Seattle Times news services