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DETROIT

The U.S. Department of Justice granted a variance to the City of Detroit, allowing the city to keep 108 police officers who were slated to be laid off, the Detroit Police Department said late Friday.

Officers had begun getting layoff notices last week, saying Feb. 12 would be their last day. But the waiver of Community Oriented Policing Services rules allows the city to modify federal grants and avert the layoffs.

“I wish to thank the U.S. Department of Justice … for understanding the challenges that face the city,” Mayor Dave Bing said in a statement.

DETROIT

Man charged with murder over crash

A Shelby Township man accused of driving drunk Jan. 8 and causing a fatal head-on crash on Hoover was charged with multiple counts including second-degree murder, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Friday. David L. Lamberson, 62, is still being treated for injuries in the crash. Lavale Harvey Jr., 2, died in the crash. His 8-year-old sister, Alana Lee, died at a hospital days later. Their mother, Arlita Lee, 28, was injured.

The mother, when told about the charges, said they’re of little comfort. “No matter what, my kids are not here,” she said.

PORTAGE

Missing man’s relatives hopeful

Relatives of Matthew Johnson, who disappeared a week ago at snow- and ice-covered Mt. Fuji in Japan, remain hopeful he’ll be found alive, his father said Friday.

District police Deputy Chief Iwao Sato said heavy snow Friday in Japan prevented crews from looking for Johnson, who is from Portage, near Kalamazoo. Sato has said one other person is missing and a third has died this winter on the 12,388-foot peak.

The Consulate General of Japan in Detroit said Johnson was last seen Jan. 13, and his car was found parked at Mt. Fuji. Johnson, 33, is a software engineer who has worked for Eaton since 2003, the company said. He is described as an avid hiker and outdoorsman.

Article source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120121/NEWS05/201210361/Waiver-to-let-the-city-avoid-police-layoffs?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

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