Teacher Accused Of Abusing Second Student + Family Escapes Fire

Hello, neighbors! I'm here with the latest copy of the Merrick Daily.

A family of five managed to escape a large fire. The cats rescued from the North Bellmore hoarder house need donations. A doctor was sentenced for doling out illegal drugs. And a Nassau man is accused of sexually abusing a second young student.

First, today's weather:

Windy with a shower or two. High: 67 Low: 62.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

1. News 12 Long Island has the story on how a family of five and a neighbor escaped a massive fire that damaged two homes in Massapequa. It happened at 3 a.m. on Baltimore Ave. early Saturday morning. (News 12)
2. News 12 also looks at the SPCA's pleas for donations after rescuing over 70 cats from a North Bellmore home. Dozens need homes and many need medical attention. (News 12)
3. Jerry Barmash writes about Nassau Coliseum's new COVID-19 health safety guidelines. Guests must show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 results to attend the Michael Buble concert on Oct. 15. (Patch)
4. The Daily Voice reports that a former doctor from Amityville was sentenced for conspiring to illegally distribute Oxycodone. Tameshwar Ammar, age 53, was sentenced on Thursday to five years in prison. (Daily Voice)
5. A teacher who lives in Hicksville but works in New Jersey is accused of sexually assaulting two students, one 11 years old. The 68-year-old Apparao Sunkara was originally arrested in March and now new charges have been added. (Daily Voice)

Today in Merrick:

• Walk Now for Autism Speaks, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Freeport schools

Merrick Patch Notebook

• The Nassau County Police Department issued an alert following a rise in the number of larcenies being reported at gyms and fitness centers. Valuables are being taken from lockers or parked vehicles. (Daily Voice)

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— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Merrick Daily? Email me at Merrick@Patch.com.