New Jersey

Drought Warning for 14 Counties

State environmental officials placed 14 counties under a drought warning Friday and asked residents and businesses to reduce water use. It is the first drought warning in the state since November 2001.

The warning allows the Department of Environmental Protection to more easily manage the state's water supply by directing water transfers and controlling reservoir levels, officials said.

The warning applies to the state's northern, central and northern coastal counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.

Some areas of northern New Jersey have seen "precipitation deficits" 12.7 inches below normal over the last year, officials said.

--Kate King

TRENTON

Man Sentenced in Pornography Case

A New Jersey man who created an online game to manipulate girls to engage in sexual conduct on webcams is going to prison. A judge on Friday sentenced 24-year-old Daniel Caplan of Mount Laurel to six years behind bars. He must serve two years before he will be eligible for parole and will be required to register under Megan's Law.

Under a plea agreement, Mr. Caplan pleaded guilty to manufacturing and distributing child pornography. He created at least 20 child pornography videos by manipulating girls under the age of 16 to engage in sexual conduct on a webcam through the game.

--Associated Press

GARFIELD

Retired Officer Shoots a Robbery Suspect

A retired New York City police detective has shot and wounded a robbery suspect in New Jersey. The retired detective tried to disarm the man and was pushed to the ground. The detective fired one shot and the man fled. Police located 27-year-old Louis Pizzi, of Hasbrouck Heights, with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Mr. Pizzi is held on $500,000 bail, charged with armed robbery and weapons offenses.

--Associated Press

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 22, 2016 02:49 ET (06:49 GMT)