NATION IN BRIEF : NEW YORK : Official Cites Errors in Detectives’ Deaths

A convict was charged with the slayings of two New York City police officers whose failure to follow regulations proved fatal, authorities said. Stoney Harrison, 25, was arrested late Monday after the shooting of Detectives Keith L. Williams, 34, an eight-year veteran, and Richard J. Guerzon, 46, a 20-year veteran, as they drove him to Rikers Island jail. Police Commissioner Richard Condon listed these mistakes: Harrison was left alone in a detectives’ squad locker room, where he stole a gun; Harrison was either not searched before his return to Rikers Island or someone failed to locate the weapon; Harrison might also have been cuffed with his hands in front, rather than behind his back, and Harrison was seated alone in the back seat.