Nation in brief: Violent storms rage across N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A handful of people were reported injured by violent storms that ripped the metal roof off at least one building, damaged dozens of homes and knocked down countless trees in central North Carolina Sunday night, officials said.

National Weather Service meteorologist Gail Hartfield from the Raleigh office said there are initial reports of several injuries from the storms that blew through the Linwood area in southwestern Davidson County. She said 20 to 30 homes were damaged in High Point and a dispatcher in Thomasville said she had gotten a report of at least one home that caught on fire in that town.

Hundreds of lightning strikes have been reported, as well as high winds, hail and heavy rain. Tornado watches and warnings were issued throughout the night for several counties between Charlotte and Greensboro.

Woman dies after dragged, shot

WESTMINSTER, Calif. – Authorities say two suspects have been arrested after a 38-year-old woman was dragged alongside a vehicle for several blocks and then shot during an apparent robbery attempt at a Southern California park.

Westminster police spokesman Van Woodson said Tuyet Thi Huynh, of Garden Grove, was at an Orange County park Sunday when she was seen talking to a man and a woman who were sitting in a vehicle.

Woodson said the passenger of the car grabbed Huynh’s purse as the driver sped away, dragging Huynh for several blocks. He said one of the suspects then shot Huynh, who fell to the ground. She died later at a hospital.

Woodson said 18-year-old Christopher Yu, of Fountain Valley, and 19-year-old Lynn Quach, of Garden Grove, were arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

NYC suspends operator’s license

NEW YORK – The operator of a crane that tilted and hit a 25-story building near Wall Street, sending debris plummeting to the ground and causing several evacuations, had his license suspended Sunday because he didn’t secure the crane properly, a Department of Buildings spokesman said.

Christopher Cosban “failed to leave the equipment in the safest position possible” at the end of the workday Saturday, buildings spokesman Tony Sclafani said.

While a final determination on the cause of the accident still has to be determined, Sclafani said it appeared the improper position of the crane contributed.