National news briefs

Fisherman arrested in sea lion shooting

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Authorities arrested a Sacramento fisherman Saturday in connection with shooting a sea lion in the head.

California game wardens said they arrested Larry Allen Legans, 43, on misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, negligent discharge of a firearm, and take of a marine mammal. Legans told authorities he grew tired of competing with the protected animals so he fired his 12-gauge shotgun at the sea lion, injuring the creature.

"He said he was tired of watching sea lions take his fish," said warden Patrick Foy.

About a half-dozen sea lions have started to spend time farther up the Sacramento River, competing with anglers for fish as far inland as Rio Vista, just southwest of Sacramento.

5 high school boys arrested in assault

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say five male students have been arrested on suspicion of sexual battery after two ninth-grade girls were attacked at a Long Beach high school.

Long Beach Police Lt. Ty Hatfield says one of the victims told Poly High School officials they were groped on their breasts and buttocks during a lunch break Tuesday.

The five freshman boys were arrested separately throughout the week as the investigation into the assault progressed.

Hatfield says the attack may not have been an isolated incident and investigators are looking for any other victims who may not have come forward.

None of the suspects has been identified because all are minors.

Ex-A.F. nurse found not guilty of murder

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A military judge in Texas has found a former Air Force nurse accused of killing three terminally ill patients not guilty of murder.

Capt. Michael Fontana was accused of administering excessive dosages of painkillers to speed the patients' deaths.

Presiding over the court-martial Saturday, Col. William Burd said Fontana was not guilty on all counts.

Speaking after the ruling, Fontana said he never regretted the treatment he gave and that he hopes he can return to nursing.