Rockville Centre's Top Stories Of 2018

2018 was a big year, and a lot happened during these 12 months. Here are 10 of the biggest stories from the Rockville Centre Patch this year.

El Mariachi Closes

In April, El Mariachi, a staple of the Rockville Centre restaurant scene for more than 40 years, closed its doors.

Commercial Bus Slams Into Southern State Overpass

Also in April, a coach bus carry students coming home from a field trip in Europe slammed into an overpass on the Southern State Parkway, injuring more than 40 students and chaperones. Officials said the driver was using a non-commercial GPS system, which didn't notify him that the bus was too tall for the parkway.

Police Officer Charged With Secretly Filming Sexual Encounter

In February, a Rockville Centre police officer was charged with filming a sexual encounter with a woman without her knowledge or consent. The arrest led to the officer being fired from the RVCPD. However, in September, the charges against him were dropped.

Nassau Police Foil Bank Robbery

Two men were trying to rob an ATM at a Bethpage Federal Credit Union in July, but ran when NCPD officers showed up at the scene.

Man Arrested For Exposing Himself To Young Girls

A Nassau man was arrested in April after he allegedly exposed himself to young girls multiple times. Police say he was eventually found because of the spare tire he had on the front of his car.

Man Knocked Unconscious By Unknown Attacker

A man was punched in the face by an unknown attacker outside of RJ Daniels in July, knocking him unconscious and causing serious injuries.

South Side High School's New Safety Measures

In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, South Side High School announced new safety measures in March. They included locking more doors on buildings, not letting in visitors without ID and more.

Dean Skelos Sentenced

Years after his initial arrest, Dean Skelos was sentenced to four years and three months in prison by a federal judge in October. His son, Adam Skelos, was sentenced to four years in prison.

Village Does Not Renew Contract Of Commissioner Charles Gennario

In February, the village announced it wouldn't renew the contract of Police Commissioner Charles Gennario, who had been with the police department for 32 years, and commissioner for eight. His last day was March 31, and he was replaced by James Vafeades, who has been with the RVCPD since 1990.

Rockville Centre Mayor Saves Woman's Life While Out To Dinner

And in December, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray saved the life of a woman while he was out to dinner at the Rockville Links. The woman began to choke, and the mayor, a trained EMT, sprang into action and performed the Heimlich maneuver on her.

Photo: Patch