Soldier Death, Court Escapee Top News
A review of stories that topped the news in Salem this week.
This week was a busy one in Salem, especially for the Salem Police Department. It was also a week of mourning for the City following news that Sgt. James A. Ayube Jr. was killed in action in Afghanistan. Be sure to check out our Week in Review for any and everything you might have missed.
- On Monday, police were on the lookout for two men at the same time. One robbed Salem Five Bank on Essex Street after passing a note and asking for money. The other, Karl Hackney of Lynn, escaped from District Court a few minutes later. Hackney was in handcuffs when he escaped and was located and arrested on Hawthorne Boulevard approximately one hour after his escape. Residents received reverse 911 calls warning them that Hackney was dangerous.
- The U.S. Coast Guard rescued Capt. George McKay and a crew member from his Salem-based ship RawFaith off the Coast on Nantucket Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Coast Guard reported that the ship sank.
- On Thursday, it was reported Sgt. James A. Ayube, an Army combat medic, was killed in action in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. The Salem City Council honored the resident with a momemt of silence during its Dec. 9 meeting. Ayube's funeral will be held this coming week. He was 25 years old.
- Police arrested two local men Thursday night after they had been stealing money from City parking meters for approximately three weeks. Officials said the men designed a special key to break into meters. An estimated $4,000 was stolen.
