Dunkirk man facing drug charges
A Town of Dunkirk man was taken into custody Thursday after a traffic stop on Eagle and West Fourth streets in the City of Dunkirk.
According to a release by Dunkirk Police, officers observed a vehicle run a red light and almost collide with a vehicle around 4:15 p.m. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was identified as Stephen R. Partyka, 28, of East Lake Road. Partyka only had a driver's permit and officers smelled the strong scent of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
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Stephen Partyka
Further investigation led to the seizure of more than 8-ounces of high-quality marijuana, packaged for street sale. Police additionally seized a large quantity of packaging materials, other drug-related paraphernalia, an open bottle of liquor and a substantial amount of cash. Street value of the marijuana is estimated at $1,500.
Partyka was charged with felony third-degree criminal possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of marijuana, passed red light, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and open container violation. He was held in Dunkirk City Lockup without bail pending arraignment in Dunkirk City Court.
Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office
Around 4:10 a.m., deputies attempted to stop a speeding motorist on Hannum Road in the Town of Chautauqua. The suspect vehicle failed to comply and led the deputy on a 10-minute pursuit around the area. During the pursuit, the operator of the vehicle committed numerous traffic violations including driving at speeds in excess of 25 mph over the posted speed limits. The pursuit went off road through a field and a snowmobile trail in a wooded area. The deputy ceased the pursuit on this trail to prevent damage to the patrol vehicle.
The suspect's vehicle was found a short time later disabled on the trail. Through the course of investigation, the operator was identified as Derek D. Pratt, 16, of Mayville. Pratt surrendered to sheriff's deputies and was charged with third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, driving without a license, and numerous other traffic infractions.
Pratt was released to the custody of his mother and will appear in Chautauqua Town Court later. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the New York State Police and the Westfield Police Department.
Around 10:30 p.m., Nathaniel Rappole, 32, of Jamestown, was stopped for speeding on Route 430 in the Town of Ellery. Further investigation revealed that his privilege to drive in NYS was suspended on Aug. 1 of 2006 and then revoked on Aug. 19 of 2006 and has never been restored. Rappole was taken into custody and later released with appearance tickets.
At about midnight on Route 430 in the Town of Sherman, a deputy stopped Luke Fraley, 23, of Spring Creek, Pa., for several traffic violations.
Investigation led to his arrest for aggravated driving while intoxicated. The defendant was arraigned in Village of Sherman Court where he posted bail and was released to appear in court on a later date.
After an investigation conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, David C Bobik, 27, of Fredonia, was arrested on July 15, 2012 and issued appearance tickets for third-degree criminal trespass and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. It is alleged Bobik entered a residence on Pecor Street in the Town of Portland with out the owner's permission and stole a .223 caliber AR-15 rifle. The rifle was recovered later by investigators.
Bobik is to appear in Town of Portland court at a later date to answer charges.
Fredonia Police Department
Clifford S. Dowdy, 34, of Water Street was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operator, operating a motorcycle with improper plates, having no insurance and unregistered motorcycle on July 16. At 9:07 a.m. police observed a motorcycle matching the description of a motorcycle with switched plates on Brigham Road. Dowdy was released on $250 bail and his motorcycle was towed by Mancuso's.
Melvin Jerome Ingram, 35, of Buffalo was charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child on July 18 on a warrant. Ingram allegedly punched his girlfriend while she was holding a baby during an argument. The altercation occurred on July 14 at a residence on Wisteria Drive. Ingram was released on his own recognizance.
Michelle L. Molier, 22, of Eagle Street was charged with petit larceny on July 18. Molier had allegedly sold items at Fredonia Food Mart for lesser value than priced. Police received a complaint on July 10. Molier was released on her own recognizance.
Lynda M. Stevens, 32, of Woodcrest Avenue was charged with second-degree harassment on July 18. Stevens allegedly threatened to punch another individual at Walmart on July 11. She was released on her own recognizance.


