RVC in 2012: Biggest Stories of the Year

We've already told you the most-viewed stories of the year on Rockville Centre Patch -- the stories that got the most reads from our audience -- but here's a list of the biggest stories from RVC this year as chosen by the staff.

5. Man Shot Near Old Mill Court: A 22-year-old RVC resident was shot near Old Mill Court back on Aug. 7. The main suspect in the shooting -- 23-year-old Michael Harris -- was on the lam for two months before police final arrested him on Oct. 8. Harris, a known Bloods gang member, was charged with assault in the second degree, criminal use of a firearm in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

4. Police Commissioner: RVCPD Gang Plan Getting Results: The shooting at Old Mill Court, like many incidents before it, prompted residents to question the safety of the area and the ongoing problem of gang violence in the village. Police Commissioner Charles Gennario provided an update on the Rockville Centre Police Department's gang elimination plan in Novembering, stating that since2010, the investigation has resulted in 48 arrests.

3. Hurricane Sandy Hits Rockville Centre: Rockville Centre held up well during Hurricane Sandy, at least in comparison to surrounding communities, but the storm still took its toll on the village. The RVC School District canceled classes for seven consecutive days, Mayor Francis Murray declared a state of emergencyd Sandy left a path of destruction throughout the village. Here are some other stories that came from Sandy:

• RVC Village Packed in Sandy's Aftermath
• PHOTOS: Hurricane Sandy Hits RVC
• DISCUSS: How Did RVC Village Handle Sandy?
• RVC Hotels Booked to Capacity After Sandy
• PHOTOS: Nor'Easter Covers RVC in Wake of Sandy
• Local Drivers Flock to Sunrise Citgo
• Rockville Centre Gas Stations In Short Supply

2. South Side Girls Soccer Completes Perfect Season as State Champs: The South Side Lady Cyclones girls soccer team finished the 2012 season with a pefect 19-0-1 record and collected the 17th New York State championship in school history in the process. The girls survived a scare from Garden City in the Nassau Class A final before outlasting Islip in penalty kicks to claim the Long Island title. Head coach Shannon McEntee was named New York State Coach of the Year while junior Christina Klaum was named as an All American.

• RELATED: Tradition & Family: The Story Behind South Side Girls Soccer

1. Police: Groups of Teens Attacked Man on Roxen Road: As it was most-viewed story on RVC Patch, the infamous Roxen Road assault was also the biggest story of the year. In June, police said a Rockville Centre man was jumped by a group of rowdy teens and put into the hospital after he tried to defend his wife from the group's taunts and threats. Three 2012 South Side High School graduates were arrested for the crime and are scheduled to return to court in early 2013 on second-degree gang assault charges. The alleged assault drew a record number of comments on Rockville Centre Patch as residents debated who was to blame in the incident.