Area Police
Dunkirk Police
Louis J. Ippolito, 76, of West Lake Road was charged with second-degree harassment on Jan. 26.
Janice N. Zayas, 21, of Central Avenue was charged with having a suspended registration and unlicensed operator Jan. 26.
Marilyn V. Carbballo-Dominicci, 40, of East Front Street was charged with failure to stop at a flashing red light and unlicensed operator on Jan. 28.
Ramon B. Acevedo, 53, of East Second Street was charged with having inadequate brake lights and unlicensed operation on Jan. 28.
Jason E. Lack, 31, of Park Avenue was charged with obstruction on Jan. 28 with a bench warrant.
Florencio Castro-San-tiago, 21, of South Gazelle Street was charged with unlicensed operator, having no insurance and having no stop lamps on Jan. 29.
Cherish M. Loomis, 32, of Leopard Street was charged with fugitive from justice on Jan. 29.
Michael A. Orazio, 42, of Forestville was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Jan. 29.
Marielis Rodriguez, 26, of Monroe Street was charged with failure to stop at a red light and unlicensed operation on Jan. 30.
Erie man charged as fugitive from justice
ELLICOTT – On Sunday, the New York State Police at Jamestown investigated a report of multiple disorderly individuals at the McDonald’s Restaurant on North Main Street Extension.
Troopers located five individuals, including a 19-year-old male who identified himself as “Jonathan Larson,” of Erie, Pa., seated inside the restaurant. Management personnel there reported an earlier altercation between the group and another customer took place. They asked that the five leave the business. Troopers escorted the group outside.
Once outside, Larson and an 18-year-old female began a verbal disagreement which reportedly ended with Larson yelling profanities at the woman. Larson was taken into custody for disorderly conduct and transported to the Jamestown barracks.
He was arraigned in the Town of Ellicott Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $500 bail. When Larson arrived at the jail, personnel determined he was actually Justin J. Kaliszewski, 22, of Erie, Pa. He was then charged with second-degree criminal impersonation, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.
Kaliszewski was again transported. While there, officers contacted the Millcreek Township Police Department. It was learned that Kaliszewski was wanted for second-degree burglary and the agency requested his extradition. Kaliszewski was re-arraigned in the Town of Ellicott Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $5,00 bail on the New York charges. No bail was affixed to the fugitive from justice charge.
Kaliszewski is scheduled to appear in the Town of Ellicott Court on Feb. 28.
State Police
at Jamestown
RANDOLPH – On Wednesday, Jennifer Hodges, 41, of Randolph was charged with three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.
State police interviewed a subject who reported that Hodges had been receiving and holding checks from a piece of property they held jointly.
It was reported that Hodges would receive the check, but instead of giving it to the person for whom it was intended, forged the complainant’s signature and kept the money herself. This reportedly happened three times.
Hodges was processed and released with appearance tickets for the Town of Randolph Court.
ELLICOTT – On Saturday, Amber Feldt, 30, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated. Troopers pulled her over on Route 394 for reportedly following a plow too closely. Feldt reportedly failed several sobriety tests.
She was transported to state police barracks in Jamestown. The breath sample she provided there was reported to be .11 percent. She was processed, issued tickets to the Town of Ellicott Court, and released to a sober individual.
ELLERY – On Sunday, Natalie Rosario, 19, of Erie, Pa., was charged for driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana.
Initially a trooper was sent to a noise complaint on Greenhurst Avenue. He reportedly observed Rosario driving down the road with no lights on and then coming to a stop in the middle of the roadway. Rosario reportedly failed several field sobriety tests and a gram of marijuana was reportedly located in the backseat of Rosario’s car.
Rosario was transported to state police barracks where she provided a breath sample reported at .12 percent. She was processed, issued tickets returnable to the Town of Ellery Court and released to a sober individual.
State troopers
in Olean charge Salamanca woman
ALLEGANY – On Sunday, Misty Luce, 30, of Salamanca was charged with three counts of third-degree burglary, one count of second-degree criminal contempt, one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of possession of a hypodermic instrument and several vehicle and traffic law violations.
Troopers received a complaint from Wal-Mart located at 1869 Plaza Drive regarding Luce, who was a suspect in several larcenies at the store. Luce fled the store prior to arrival of the officers.
Information about Luce’s vehicle was distributed by radio and a patrol from state police in Olean attempted to make a traffic stop. Reportedly Luce stopped her vehicle at a residence in Salamanca and ran into a residence. She was taken into custody with the assistance of the Salamanca Police Department without further incident.
Luce was processed, arraigned, and remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 property bond.
Area Police
Jamestown Police make arrest
in robbery case
JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown man turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest for robbing a 7-11 store in Jamestown early Tuesday morning.
Jamestown Police responded to the Sixth and Main street store at 1:48 a.m. after an employee activated the holdup alarm.
Officers were told the suspect entered the store and approached the counter to make a purchase. Once the cashier opened the cash register, the suspect reached over the counter and forcibly took an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing on foot. Investigation of security cameras positively identified the suspect as Carl E. Mitchell.
A warrant for third-degree robbery was issued. Mitchell turned himself in later Tuesday afternoon. He was arraigned and committed to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Gowanda Police Department
Lonnie Sotkovski, 39, of Aldrich Street was charged with forcible touching and second-degree harassment on Jan. 14. Police were contacted by a female acquaintance Sot-kovski allegedly forcibly touched when she went to his residence to retrieve personal items. Sotkovski was arraigned in the Town of Collins Court and was remanded to the Erie County Holding Center in lieu of $1,000 bail.
Chathini L. Steward, 26, of Cheektowaga was charged with elderly adult endangerment on Jan. 16.
Police were called to a local health care facility for a report of abuse by Steward. The supervisory staff alleged Steward had become angry with a patient and punched this patient in the face causing noticeable facial injuries.
She was arraigned in the Town of Persia Court and was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.
Edwin Ruiz, 48, of Buffalo was charged on a bench warrant on Jan. 18. Ruiz had been previously arrested for harassment.
A bench warrant was issued from the Town of Persia Court for failure to pay fine.
Ruiz was taken into custody while appearing in Springville Court. He was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $250 bail.
Joshua R. Pettygrove, 24, of Perrysburg was charged with aggravated harassment on Jan. 20. Police received a complaint that Pettygrove was making threatening phone calls and harassing text messages to a male subject. He was released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Collins Court.
James G. Proudman II, 25, of Eden was charged with petit larceny on Jan. 22. Patrol responded to the report of a shoplifter at a business on Buffalo Street.
Proudman was found to be in possession of several stolen items. He was released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Collins Court.
David M. Figueroa-Oehler, 36, of Chestnut Street was charged with second-degree forgery and second-degree possession of a forged instrument on Jan. 25.
Police responded to a village pharmacy for the report that Figueroa-Oehler was attempting to fill a forged prescription.
He allegedly changed the number of prescribed pills from 15 to 45 on two different prescriptions. Both charges are a Class D felony.
Figueroa-Oehler was arraigned in the Town of Persia Court and remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.
Area Police
Accidents reported by state police at Collins
- DAYTON – On Jan. 18, troopers investigated a two-car property damage accident on Van Etten Road. A car driven by Stacey Seneca, 42, of State Route 353 was stopped at a stop sign on Van Etten Road when it was rear-ended by a car driven by Chelsea Cook, 18, of Salamanca.
Troopers report that unsafe speed and slippery pavement contributed to the accident.
Cook was ticketed.
- PERSIA – On Jan. 18, troopers investigated a one-car property damage accident on Broadway Road, near Skinner Hollow Road. Bradley Jones, 19, of State Route 438 in Gowanda lost control of his car while southbound and went into a ditch.
Unsafe speed and slippery roads reportedly contributed to the accident.
- COLLINS – On Jan. 20, troopers investigated a two-car property damage accident on State Route 438 near Taylor Hollow Road. Reportedly, Theodore Hapak, 66, of Chestnut Street in Gowanda was making a left turn out of the parking lot of Iroquois Smoke Shop and failed to yield the right of way to a car traveling north, driven by David Isaacs, 68, of State Route 438 in Gowanda.
Hapak was ticketed.
- COLLINS CENTER – On Jan. 21, troopers investigated a one-car property damage accident on State Route 39, just east of Konert Road. Jennette Kukula, 70, of Elma was eastbound when she lost control of her SUV and struck a guide rail on the south shoulder.
Troopers report that unsafe speed and slippery pavement contributed to the accident.
- COLLINS – On Jan. 22, troopers investigated a two-car property damage accident on State Route 62. Gregory McClure, 55, of Hamburg was driving his car northbound along the shoulder of the highway, looking for house numbers. He reportedly pulled back onto the highway and struck a vehicle driven by Dylan Delong, 21, of Irving. There were no injuries.
- COLLINS CENTER – On Wednesday, troopers investigated a one-car property damage accident on State Route 39 near Brown Street. Lori Gonzalez, 43, of State Route 438 in Gowanda was eastbound on State Route 39 when she lost control, exited the roadway and went into a ditch.
Reportedly, unsafe speed and slippery conditions contributed to the accident.
- COLLINS – On Wednesday, troopers investigated a one-car property damage accident on State Route 62, just north of Middle Road. Stephen Andrews, 21, of Depew was northbound on State Route 62 when he lost control of his van. The van exited the road and struck a newly installed fire hydrant.
Reportedly, unsafe speed and slippery conditions contributed to the accident.
Area Police
Troopers charge 16-year-old from North Collins
- NORTH COLLINS – On Thursday, Amy Kaminski, 16, of High Street in North Collins was charged with second-degree assault and second-degree harassment.
Reportedly, Kaminski was involved in a dispute with her boyfriend at her home. The dispute escalated when she struck him several times in the face. As her boyfriend attempted to get something off the couch, she allegedly grabbed a steak knife and continued to argue, and then slashed him across the left forearm. Reportedly, she jumped onto his back, striking and poking him. He threw her off and left the residence.
The male was taken to Lake Shore Hospital, where he was treated and released.
Kaminski was processed at the state police barracks in Collins and released to a family member. She returned to North Collins Court that night.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
CARROLL – On Saturday at about 3 a.m., Adam G. Sutton, 24, of Frewsburg was charged with driving while intoxicated, blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater, and failure to keep right.
According to the sheriff’s patrol, they observed a southbound vehicle on Water Street. Sutton drove the vehicle over the yellow center lines and fully into the opposite travel lane. Following an investigation, the charges were made.
Sutton was released with appearance tickets. He is scheduled to answer the charges in the Town of Carroll Court at a later date.
HANOVER – On Sunday at about 1 a.m., deputies charged Starlene Schindler, 32, of Railroad Avenue in Irving with driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher, failure to keep right, failure to maintain lane, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Deputies stopped her vehicle on Routes 5 and 20 for traffic violations. Schindler was taken into custody and charged. She was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail and will appear in the Town of Hanover Court at a later date.
POMFRET – On Sunday, at about 3 a.m., deputies charged Dynell Scott, 23, of Newark, N.Y., with driving while intoxicated, blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater, driving without headlights, insufficient tires, moving from lane unsafely, unlicensed operation, and unlawful possession of marijuana.
Sheriff’s patrol reportedly observed a northbound vehicle on Bennett Road operating without headlights. The deputies turned around and observed the vehicle was throwing sparks from the passenger side of the car.
The deputies stopped the vehicle and reportedly as it pulled over, Scott drove over the curb and onto the sidewalk continuing for several hundred feet. According to the deputies, Scott’s vehicle did not have a tire on the front passenger side and he was driving on the steel rim. They determined Scott was unlicensed and intoxicated.
He was later released and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Pomfret Court.
Area Police
Portland man charged after snowmobile hits home
SHERMAN – A snowmobile was an unwelcome guest at a home on 113 Kendrick St.
According to Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies, 53-year-old Charles M. Shaffer of Portland was charged with operating a snowmobile without insurance after his 1994 SkiDoo hit the Sherman home at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Shaffer told deputies the snowmobile’s throttle became stuck and, in an attempt to get the snowmobile to stop, he struck a large snow pile, in which he was then ejected.
The snowmobile continued through the parking lot, crossing Kendrick Street and came to rest after striking the house. Shaffer and the occupants of the home were not injured. Shaffer was ticketed and will later be in Sherman court.
Dunkirk man removed from county’s most wanted list
A Dunkirk man has been removed from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office most wanted list. Victor Sanchez, 26, of Dunkirk was wanted by the sheriff’s office for criminal sale of drugs.
He was arrested by Westfield Police Department on Jan. 24. He is being held before being brought to the county jail.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
JAMESTOWN – Sonia M. Buchanan-Ruiz, 43, of West Second Street, Dunkirk was charged with third-degree welfare fraud, two counts of offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps on Jan. 24. It is alleged from August 2010 to March 2011, Buchanan-Ruiz failed to report employment for an individual living in her residence. She was in receipt of $7,093.35 in benefits she was not entitled to receive. She was released on appearance tickets for the City of Jamestown Court at a later date.
Dunkirk Police Department
Karin Parsons, 73, of Elm Street was charged with five counts of failure to comply with building inspector on Jan. 23 on a bench warrant.
Eric M. Burlingame, 42, of Fredonia was charged with second-degree criminal contempt on Jan. 24.
Victor O. Sanchez, 26, of West Second Street was charged with second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief on Jan. 24 on previous charges.
Sara D. Diaz, 20, of North Roberts Road was charged with unlicensed operation and having no headlights on Jan. 25.
Joneece M. Talley, 19, of Route 5 was charged with petit larceny on Jan. 25.
Area Police
Fredonia Police Department
Corchado H. Hampton, 21, of Buffalo was charged with unlicensed operation on Jan. 11.
Christopher S. Briggs, 19, of Cassadaga was charged with unlawful possession of alcohol and violating the sewer ordinance on Jan. 12.
Mary A. Leiging of Williamsville was charged with failure to obey the traffic control device on Jan. 14.
Paul K. Phillips, 56, of Route 83 was charged with speeding and having no registration on Jan. 14.
Steven P. Cardot, 21, of Cassadaga was charged with speed unreasonable, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, having no license, driving while intoxicated with blood alcohol content of .08 or more, DWI per se and unlawful possession of marijuana on Jan. 16.
Christine Fuentes, 36, of Eagle Street was charged with second-degree harassment and second degree criminal contempt on Jan. 16.
Melissa L. Abbotory, 21, of Orchard Park was charged with disorderly conduct on Jan. 13.
Gregory E. Fancher, 20, of Terrace Place was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident on Jan. 20.
William A. Blake, 22, of Water Street was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having driver’s view obstructed on Jan. 21.
Jonathan S. Bienko was charged with third-degree assault on Jan. 21.
Area Police
State Police urge caution next few days
The State Police in Western New York encourage motorists to exercise due care over the next few days.
The temperature will be hovering in the single digits in addition to somewhat windy conditions which will result in sub zero wind chill temperatures.
State Police will be out across the region checking all major routes of travel to ensure that motorists are as safe as possible. The State Police need your assistance to make this possible. Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent and also be prepared in case you either become stranded or you encounter a long traffic delay.
Keep the following tips in mind:
Get the latest weather forecast before leaving – www.weather.gov , monitor radio or TV stations or contact your nearest State Police station
Start with a full tank of gas and try to maintain it over half full at all times
Fluid levels are sufficient (windshield washer fluid, ant-freeze)
Cell phone in case of an emergency
If you do go out, is your vehicle prepared?
Is your trunk supplied to help you to be safe in case you are stopped or stranded in an area without assistance readily available:
Gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, etc
Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper cables or battery charger, etc.
If you have an exisiting medical condition, consider having a supply of necessary medication and, if possible, let someone know you are traveling.
Be prepared. Be safe.
Dunkirk Police Department
Jose A. Santiago, 33, of East Second Street was charged with failure to keep right, unlawful possession of marijuana and two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Dec. 19.
Christopher Caballero-Garcia, 26, of Lake Shore Drive West was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to stop at a stop sign on Jan. 17.
Jeremiah Toliver, 33, of Main Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Jan. 18 from a previous charge.
Justin T. Schuk, 31, of Chestnut Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of marijuana and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Jan. 19.
Fred A. Santiago, 24, of East Courtney Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of marijuana and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Jan. 19.
Jordyn P. Plaza, 22, of Leming Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of marijuana and three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Jan. 19.
Josue Ruiz-Viera, 21, of West Courtney Street was charged with having inadequate headlights and unlicensed operation on Jan. 20.
Daniel C. Douglas, 26, of Townsend Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Jan. 20.
Area Police
Rollover accident sends two to hospital
By SAMANTHA
MCDONNELL
OBSERVER Staff Writer
SHERIDAN – An accident on Route 5 Monday slowed traffic and sent two people to the hospital in the town of Sheridan.
New York State Police and Sheridan Fire Depart-ment responded to a roll-over accident shortly before 3:30 p.m. A pickup truck rolled onto its side while traveling on Route 5. According to state police, a truck driven by Arthur Chaney, 61, of Erie, Pa., lost control due to unsafe speed and road conditions, hit an embankment and overturned on to its passenger side.
Chaney and a passenger, Teresa Williams, 45, of Erie, Pa., were transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.
Comments on this article may be sent to smcdonnell@observertoday.com.
City man charged with marijuana possession
SINCLAIRVILLE – On Jan. 11, Taylor McFarland, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
A vehicle was pulled over on Route 60 for speeding by a state trooper from the Jamestown barracks. The trooper reportedly detected a smell of marijuana and searched the vehicle and its occupants. McFarland, who was a passenger in the vehicle was reportedly in possession of a glass pipe with marijuana residue.
He was issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Charlotte Court. The driver of the vehicle was cited for speeding.
Jamestown man charged following
three-car accident
JAMESTOWN – On Thursday, State police from Jamestown responded to a three-car personal injury accident at the intersection of Buffalo Street and East Second Street in the city of Jamestown. The injured driver was evaluated by EMS for a non-life threatening injury.
A non-injured driver, Robert Kost, 32, was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired by the combination of drugs and alcohol, resisting arrest and second-degree harassment.
Officers reported that Kost was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and that he had to be subdued by them. Reportedly, he intentionally kicked a trooper several times.
Kost was transported to the state police barracks in Jamestown where his breath sample was reported positive for alcohol. A drug recognition expert trooper evaluated Kost.
Kost was issued traffic tickets and appearance tickets returnable to the City of Jamestown Court and released to a sober individual.
This was the second time in two months Kost has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs. Both of the incidents were accident-related and resulted in injury to another.
Area Police
Ripley man charged with DWI
- RIPLEY – On Saturday at about 8:45 p.m., state troopers from Fredonia charged Craig Kopta, 32, of East Johnson Road in Ripley, with driving while intoxicated, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, uninspected motor vehicle and failing to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles of a change of address.
Troopers stopped Kopta on Shortman Road for no lighted headlight. Report-edly, his blood alcohol level was .12 percent.
He is to answer charged in the Town of Ripley Court on Feb. 11.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- KIANTONE – On Jan. 14, a Jamestown man was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI and inadequate headlights following a traffic stop.
Around 9:08 p.m., sheriff’s deputies stopped Scott Nelson, 43, of Jamestown, on Route 60 in the town of Kiantone for not having adequate headlights. Further investigation into the stop lead to Nelson being charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI per se for having a blood alcohol content higher than .18 percent. Nelson was taken into custody for processing and was later released to appear in the Town of Kiantone Court on a later date.
State Police at Collins
- BRANT – On Jan. 7, Christopher Schneider, 24, of Lerczak Drive in Angola was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Troopers reported they stopped Schneider on State Route 20 because he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt while driving. A computer check revealed that his driver’s license had been revoked for a conviction of driving while intoxicated.
Schneider was arraigned in the Town of Brant Court and sent to the Erie County Holding Center on $1000 cash bail. He is scheduled for the Town of Brant Court later this month.
- OTTO – On Jan. 8, troopers investigated a one-car property damaged accident on North Otto Road. Jason Pawlak, 33, of Main Street in Collins reported that on Jan. 7 at about 10:30 p.m., he was driving his pickup south on that road when a deer came into the roadway. He said he was forced to travel off the road, striking two mailboxes and a road sign.
Troopers checked the scene and reportedly were unable to find any evidence of deer tracks in the snow leaving the road as he described.
Pawlak was ticketed for unsafe speed and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. He is due in the Town of Otto Court later this month.
- PERRYSBURG – On Jan. 13, troopers charged Andrew Usyk, 21, of Conger Road in Collins for driving while intoxicated.
Officers stopped him on Route 39 for reportedly speeding and having an inadequate exhaust on his pickup truck. He reportedly failed a series of sobriety tests.
He was processed at state police barracks in Collins. His blood alcohol level was reported to be .17 percent.
He is due in the Town of Perrysburg Court at a later date.
- COLLINS – On Friday, troopers charged Deanna Waterman, 43, of Sherman Avenue in North Collins with felony driving while intoxicated, following a minor property damage accident on State Route 62.
A trooper on patrol was notified of the accident by a passing motorist and responded to find Waterman had slid off the snow-covered highway while traveling north on State Route 62. She reportedly struck a mailbox before going into the ditch.
She was processed at state police barracks in Collins where she refused to take a breath test.
She was arraigned in the Town of Collins Court and posted $1,000 bail.
Area Police
Bemus Point man faces sex charges
ELLERY – A Bemus Point man is in Chautauqua County Jail following a lengthy sexual abuse investigation.
Ralph J. Bush, 75, of 39 Alburtus Ave., Bemus Point, was charged with first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree sexual conduct against a child and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department says Bush sexually abused two adolescent females at his residence at various times between June 2011 and December 2011.
Following an investigation by the sheriff’s department, Chautauqua County Child Protective Services, the Chautauqua County district attorney’s office and the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County, a warrant was issued for Bush by the Town of Ellery Court.
Bush was taken into custody Friday without incident and arraigned by Justice Randall Present. Bush was committed to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash/$40,000 property bond.
Child hurt in fall from chair lift at Peek N’ Peak
FRENCH CREEK – The operators of a ski area in western New York say a 7-year-old Ohio boy is back home after suffering a head injury when he fell from a chair lift.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said a local emergency crew was dispatched Thursday night after a child fell from a lift at the Peek N’ Peak Resort and Spa in the town of French Creek.
Deputies said the child was taken by ambulance to Hamot Medical Center in Erie.
A ski area executive confirmed Friday that a snowboarder from Chardon, Ohio, fell 8 to 10 feet from a chair lift on the beginner’s slope. The executive said the boy was treated for a possible mild concussion and sent home with his parents.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
MAYVILLE – On Jan. 10, a Jamestown man in the county jail was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.
Around 7:55 p.m., while incarcerated as an inmate at the Chautauqua County jail charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and parole violation, it is alleged that Jedediah J. Shaw, 30, of Jamestown, used a broom handle to smash three sprinkler heads in a fire suppression system. This resulted in damages totaling $460. Shaw was charged with felony criminal mischief and obstructing governmental administration. He will appear in the town of Chautauqua court at a later date.
Area Police
Westfield Police
Wendy Blakeslee, 32, of Washington Street was charged with aggravated un-licensed operation Jan. 1. Police stopped the vehicle she was driving on East Main Street at 9 p.m. The officer had prior knowledge Blakes-lee had a suspended license. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Marcus Beckwith-Kai-ser, 22, of Fredonia was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, having a suspended registration, uninsured motor vehicle and having an expired inspection on Jan. 1. Police observed a vehicle operated by Beckwith-Kaiser with an inspired inspection sticker traveling on East Main Street just after 4:30 p.m. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Austin J. Eimers, 19, of Ripley was charged with failure to keep right on Jan. 1. Police were called to a motor vehicle accident on South Gale Street at 8 a.m. A vehicle operated by Eimers allegedly crossed the southbound lane of traffic, striking a snow embankment and continued to strike a guard rail. The vehicle then crossed both lanes of traffic, striking another guard rail on the opposite side of the street and driving up on the guard rail where the vehicle was stopped and hung over a hill. Eimers was released on an appearance ticket. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office helped Westfield Police with traffic control.
Harley J. Hawkins Jr., 36, of Cass Street was charged with having a suspended registration, having no insurance, having an uninspected vehicle, unlicensed operator and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator on Jan. 5. At 4:20 p.m. police stopped a vehicle operated by Hawkins on East Main Street for a traffic violation. It was found that Hawkins’ driving privileges were suspended. Hawkins was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Westfield Court.
Hector Colom, 38, of Dunkirk was charged with aggravated unlicensed operator and speeding on Jan. 5. A vehicle operated by Colom was stopped on West Main Street at 7:45 p.m. for speeding. Colom’s license was found to be suspended. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Juan G. Rivera, 28, of Clinton Street was charged with a violation of drug court contract on Jan. 8. Rivera was taken into custody on an active bench warrant from the city of Dunkirk by the Westfield Police and the Probation Department. He was turned over the Dunkirk Police Department on the warrant.
Troy A. Kightlinger, 41, of Holt Street was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and blood circulation and second-degree harassment on Jan. 8. Police, along with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, were sent to a residence on Holt Street for a fight in progress at 4 p.m. Upon arrival, a victim stated that Kightlinger had assaulted him by slamming him into a wall choking him following a verbal argument. Kightlinger was arraigned in the Village of Westfield Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail on $1,000 cash or $2,000 property bail.
Connie L. Hogue, 52, of Route 20 was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having inadequate headlights on Jan. 9. Police stopped a vehicle operated by Hogue on East Main Street for a traffic infraction at 11:30 p.m. During the traffic stop, it was found that Hogue’s driving privileges had been suspended. She was released on an appearance ticket for the Village of Westfield Court.
Min S. Yim, 24, of Ithaca was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and speeding on Jan. 12. Police observed a vehicle operated by Yim speeding on West Main Street just after 8:30 p.m. During the traffic stop, police found that Yim’s driving privileges were suspended. Yim was released on an appearance ticket for the Village of Westfield Court.
An 18-year-old youth was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Jan. 11. Officers were walking on East Main Street at 10 p.m. and found a subject to be acting suspiciously. Upon investigation, this youth was found to be in possession of marijuana. The youth was released on an appearance ticket for the Village of Westfield Court.
Dustin W. Hale, 28, of Portland was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument on Jan. 13. Police stopped a vehicle operated by Hale on West Main Street before 11 p.m. for a traffic infraction. During the stop it was found Hale’s licensed was suspended. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Richard C. Perkins Jr., 46, of Wattsburg, Pa., was charged with driving while intoxicated and speeding on Jan. 5. Police observed a vehicle operated by Perkins speeding on West Main Street just after 10 p.m. Police stopped the vehicle and upon further investigation, Perkins was found to be intoxicated. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Area Police
Accident in city leads to charges
An accident early Sunday morning has resulted in a city woman with charges.
A vehicle driven by Evan L. Skrzypek, 27, of Willow Road was traveling west on Second Street at 2:20 a.m. His vehicle was slowing to stop at the intersection of Second Street and Central Avenue when a vehicle operated by Ashley N. Bass, 22, of Main Street, pulled out of a parking spot, backing into Skrzypek’s vehicle.
Bass was charged with unsafe backing, driving while intoxicated, having a suspended registration and having no insurance.
Dunkirk Police
Juan Cruz Corraliza, 30, of Lake Shore Drive West was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having a suspended registration on Jan. 9.
Shaqua L. McCullum, 20, of Roosevelt Avenue was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having no insurance on Jan. 9.
Kentrell J. Stewart, 28, of Washington Avenue was charged with having excessive window tint, no insurance and unlawful possession of marijuana on Jan. 9.
Patrick M. Organ, 21, of Deer Street was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Dec. 18.
Gabrielle R. Medley, 21, of Mullet Street was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Dec. 18.
Jaquan L. Anderson, 22, of South Zebra Street was charged with unlicensed operation and having no insurance on Jan. 10.
Santos I. Santiago, 37, of South Ermine Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Jan. 12.
Damaris Velez, 27, of West Courtney Street was charged with second-degree burglary and third-degree assault on Jan. 12.
Jennifer L. Cambria, 26, of Lake Shore Drive East was charged with second-degree burglary and third-degree assault on Jan. 12.
A 16-year-old male of East Seventh Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief on Jan. 13.
Kayode J. Jordan, 33, of Fredonia was charged with second-degree criminal contempt on Jan. 13.
Andres M. Rivera, 32, of East Courtney Street was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having inadequate headlights on Jan. 13.
Daniel SanJuan, 17, of Columbus Avenue was charged with unlicensed operation, having no seat belt, having no insurance and failure to signal Jan. 14.
Alicia M. Christopher, 24, of Central Avenue was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having an inadequate muffler on Jan. 14.
Chautauqua County Court
MAYVILLE – District Attorney David W. Foley announced the following pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court:
- Michael R. Grimm, 33, of Jamestown, was sentenced to a determinate term of 4 years in state prison with 3 years post-release supervision for third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.
- Carmelo Agosto-Arroyo, 22, of South Martin Street, Dunkirk, was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in state prison and 5 years post-release supervision for second-degree burglary.
- Nicholas J. Hart, 33, of West Lake Road, Ripley, was sentenced to 1 1/2 – 3 years in prison for third-degree attempted burglary concurrent with 6 months in jail and ignition interlock device for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.
- Thomas Bascom, 24, of Jamestown, was sentenced to 1 1/2 to 3 years in state prison for first-degree attempted reckless endangerment and fourth-degree grand larceny.
- Justin A. Baez, 22, of West Pearl Street, Westfield, was sentenced to 1 year in jail for petit larceny.
- Robert Majak, 49, of Jamestown, was sentenced to 1 year in jail for criminal contempt 1st consecutive with 6 months in jail for second-degree criminal contempt.
- Benjamin J. Sebzda, 27, of Jamestown, was sentenced to 1 year in jail, license revocation and ignition interlock device for felony driving while intoxicated consecutive with 30 days in jail for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.
- Daniel L. Schroder Jr., 33, of Jamestown, was sentenced to time served and 5 years probation for third-degree burglary.
Area Police
Troopers charge trio of Brocton residents
PERRYSBURG – Three Brocton men face charges after an alert citizen reported suspicious activity to troopers stationed out of the Collins barracks.
Troopers were advised Friday by a Perrysburg resident of a vehicle being repeatedly parked in a business parking lot during off hours. The resident reported seeing three younger men exiting the vehicle, which had out of state plates. The trio appeared to be dressed in outdoor gear and would walk toward the J N Adams complex.
After obtaining the vehicle and occupants description, troopers monitored the area through the weekend.
Early Sunday, the vehicle was located, unoccupied, in the parking lot of the closed business. A check of the registration revealed it was a rental car. Authorities contacted the rental agency, which confirmed a rental agreement with an uninvolved female.
Additional state police personnel responded to the area, in an attempt to locate the vehicle’s occupants. At daylight, the three occupants were observed walking from the complex, back toward the rental car. After failing to properly signal for a turn, the vehicle was stopped and troopers interviewed the occupants.
Admissions by all three men revealed no one had a valid driver’s license, nor were any of them listed on the required rental agreement, providing them authority to operate the vehicle in New York state.
After conflicting stories, the three men, identified as Gregory A. Dzielski, 30. Mark R. Dzielski, 27, and Justin L. Eck, 30, all from the village of Brocton, were taken into custody.
Prior to towing the vehicle, troopers located a small amount of heroin, as well as a hypodermic syringe within the vehicle.
All were transported to the Collins State Police Barracks, where they were processed and charged with third-degree criminal trespass.
Mark R. Dzielski was also charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic instrument. The trio are due in Perrysburg Court on a later date.
City woman charged with petit larceny
- On Thursday, Fredonia troopers charged Maureen A. Pagan, 56, of West Courtney Street with petit larceny.
Pagan reportedly stole merchandise from TJ Maxx located on Vineyard Drive.
She was given an appearance ticket.
Lakewood man charged with DWI
BUSTI – On Saturday, Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies charged Guy E. Lyons, 76, of Lakewood with driving while intoxicated, failure to use designated lane, and driving across hazardous markers.
A sheriff’s patrol reportedly observed a vehicle driving entirely on the shoulder of the road. The vehicle turned onto Southwestern Drive and reportedly continued to drive entirely outside the designated travel lane.
Deputies stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Lyons.
Additional charges are pending the outcome of a chemical blood test. Lyons is scheduled to appear in the Town of Busti Court.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- On Jan. 6, a Dunkirk man was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se blood alcohol content .08 percent or higher and insufficient tail lamps.
Around 3:15 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Route 60 in the town of Dunkirk for insufficient tail lamps. Jacob Stern, 21, of Dunkirk, was found to be the operator and investigation into the stop led to the arrest of Stern for driving while intoxicated. He was issued traffic tickets.
- BUSTI – On Saturday, a Lakewood man was charged with DWI, failure to use designated lane and driving across hazardous markings.
Around 9:35 p.m. sheriff’s patrol observed a vehicle driving entirely on the shoulder of the road on Baker Street Extension in the town of Busti.
The vehicle turned onto Southwestern Drive and continued to drive entirely outside the designated travel lane.
Deputies stopped the vehicle and identified the operator as Guy E. Lyons, 76, of Lakewood. Following an interview and investigation, deputies arrested Lyons for driving while intoxicated. He was taken into custody and charged with DWI, failure to use designated lane, and driving across hazardous markings. Additional charges are pending the outcome of a chemical blood test. Lyons was later released to appear in Busti town court later.
- CHAUTAUQUA – On Monday, a Chautauqua woman was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment.
Rachael A Blanchard, 30, of Mayville was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment after it was alleged that she called and sent unwanted and harassing text messages to another individual. Blanchard was issued an appearance ticket and will answer the charge in the town of Chautauqua court.
- MAYVILLE – On Sunday, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office announced a name can be removed from the county wanted list.
Gary J Bonet-Velez, 27, of Jamestown, was wanted by the sheriff’s office for third-degree burglary. Bonet-Velez was arrested in Florida and is currently in Hillsboro County jail in Florida. He will be extradited back to New York state once the proper paper work is completed to appear for charges.
Area Police
Gowanda Police
Melanie Whitton, 36, of Arcade was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Dec. 1. She was released on an appearance ticket.
James W. Bish, 43, of Evans was charged with third-degree criminal trespass and petit larceny on Dec. 7. Patrol responded to the report of three suspicious subjects trespassing on the railroad tracks on Erie Avenue. Bish, along with Michael J. Peck, 22, of East Main Street and Garrett J. Wadsworth, 24, of Old Bagdad Road were trying to steal railroad tracks. All three were released on an appearance tickets to the Town of Collins Court.
Barry J. Martin, 26, turned himself in on a Town of Alabama Court warrant. Martin turned himself in to Gowanda Police on Dec. 18. He was turned over to the New York State Police.
Seneca L. Mohawk, 35, of Union Street was taken into custody on an arrest warrant Dec. 19. Mohawk was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by patrol on Union Street. Mohawk was wanted by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. He was then turned over to that police agency.
Christopher J. Ford, 40, of Buffalo was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, having a suspended registration, having no insurance, expired license and unlawful possession of marijuana on Dec. 26. He was released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Collins Court.
Cleland E. Weyland, 20, of Commercial Street was charged with petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and criminal use of drug paraphernalia on Dec. 27. Patrol responded to the report of Weyland entering unlocked vehicles on Beech Street and stealing items. Patrol found Weyland to be in possession of numerous items stolen from these vehicles and he was also in possession of various drug paraphernalia. He was released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Persia Court. Weyland was arrested again on Dec. 29 and charged with criminal mischief after police responded to the report of an unwanted guest at a residence on Torrence Street. Weyland had broken a window to gain entry. He was arraigned and remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.
Denise M. Gorndt, 56, of Commercial Street was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and child endangerment on Dec. 30. Police entered an apartment building to search for another subject and while doing so, smelled an odor of marijuana coming from Gorndt’s room. Gorndt was smoking marijuana with two juvenile subjects. She was arraigned and remanded to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.
Arrow L. Halftown, 22, of Brant was charged with failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated and felony aggravated unlicensed operation on Jan. 2. Police observed Halftown operating a vehicle on South Chapel Street in an erratic manner. When patrol attempted to pull over her vehicle, the driver tried to elude patrol. Halftown, who appeared to be intoxicated, failed several sobriety tests. Her blood alcohol content was reported to be .16 percent. Halftown was arraigned and remanded to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.
Shannon John, 36, of Silver Creek was charged with following too closely, driving while intoxicated, refusal to take a breath test, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and assault of a police officer on Jan. 6. John was observed operating erratically and stopped on Aldrich Street. She appeared intoxicated and refused sobriety checks. She then became belligerent and repeatedly kicked an officer. She was arraigned and released on $1,000 bail.
Frank H. Hawkins Jr., 22, of Perry Street was charged with second-degree burglary, petit larceny, second-degree criminal trespass and criminal possession of stolen property on Jan. 8. Patrol responded to the report of a burglary in progress at a Walnut Street residence. Hawkins had allegedly entered a residence without permission and was found to be in possession of stolen property. He was arraigned and remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.
State Police
at Jamestown
FREWSBURG – On Tuesday, troopers charged Gregory Lippert, 50, of South Valley for felony driving while intoxicated.
Lippert was pulled over on Frew Run Road for a reported traffic violation. The officer reported that Lippert was intoxicated and transported him to state police barracks in Jamestown where he refused to provide a breath sample. A check of Lippert’s record revealed he had been convicted of driving while intoxicated within the preceding 10 years; therefore the charge was upgraded to a felony.
Lippert was processed, arraigned in the Town of Carroll Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Area Police
Fredonia Police Department
Richard L. Harvey, 33, of Curtis Place was charged with second-degree harassment on Jan. 2 from an arrest warrant.
Dustin D. Pickett, 24, of Jamestown was charged on a bench warrant on Jan. 4. He was released on $225 bail.
Richard A. Wilkins Jr., 24, of Dunkirk was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident on Jan. 4. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Jamie Hallmark-Gens, 32, of Temple Street was charged with a bench warrant on Jan. 4.
Zachary T. Weber, 20, was charged with littering, having an open container and unlawful possession of alcohol on Jan. 5.
Scott M. Wojcinski, 33, of Dunkirk was charged with driving while intoxicated blood alcohol content of .08 or more, DWI per se, failure to keep right and failure to use designated lane. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Justin G. Schreier, 18, of Temple Street was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Jan. 6. He was held on $500 bail.
Ryan M. Perry, 26, of Dunkirk was charged with harassment on Jan. 7 with a warrant. He was released on $100 bail.
Christina R. Deering of Webster Road was charged with speeding, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having no registration. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Steven L. Ables, 24, of Berry Road was charged with having an open container on Jan. 8. He was held at Fredonia Police.
Nicholas E. Skubis, 23, of Dunkirk was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident on Jan. 11.
State Police at Collins
On Tuesday, troopers charged Joshua A. Sanchez, 19, of Lawtons with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Sanchez was stopped for reportedly speeding on state Route 438 in the Town of Collins. During the stop, the officer reportedly found that Sanchez had two suspensions on his driver’s license for failure to answer a traffic summons. Reportedly, the officer located a small amount of marijuana which was taken as evidence.
Sanchez was issued traffic tickets as well as an appearance ticket for the Town of Collins Court.
Area Police
Irving man wanted in connection with drug investigation
OBSERVER Staff Report
An Irving man is being sought by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. Todd J. Green, who is thought to be in the Irving area along with Thomas Doner, who is thought to be in the in the Randolph or Salamanca area, are being sought in connection involving the sale and trafficking of illegal narcotics in Cattaraugus County and the city of Salamanca.
The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force reports the arrests of four Salamanca residents, Travis J. Doner, 24; Michael C. Walters, 22; Reginald Crouse, 75; and Douglas Farnham, 32. Nicole M. Gilbert, 30, of Derrick City, Pa., was also arrested.
Travis Doner was indicted by a Cattaraugus County Grand Jury on two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. At the time of his arrest, police found him to be in possession of cocaine and marijuana, which led to subsequent charges of fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal using drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana.
A search warrant at the residence of Travis Doner resulted in seizure of a substantial amount of cocaine and marijuana. Walters, residing in the residence, was charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of marijuana and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.
Gilbert was charged on Nov. 20, Crouse and Farnham were charged on Oct. 24. All were charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Green or Thomas Doner are asked to contact the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force – Olean at 373-2773 or contact the nearest law enforcement agency. Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is urged to contact their local police department or the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. All calls will be kept confidential.
Dunkirk Police
David R. McNaughton, 26, of Silver Creek was charged with criminal possession of stolen property and third-degree burglary on Jan. 8 from previous charges.
Michael Krystofiak, 22, of McDonough Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief on Jan. 9.
State Police at Fredonia
On Thursday at about 5:50 a.m., troopers charged Francis J. Kujawa, 25, of Columbia Avenue in Jamestown with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana, following a traffic stop on State Route 60 in the Town of Pomfret.
A Department of Motor Vehicles check reported that Kujawa’s license was suspended for insurance lapse. In addition, the troopers reported Kujawa was in possession of a glass smoking pipe containing burnt marijuana residue.
He is to answer charges in the Town of Pomfret Court on Jan. 15.
Area Police
Dunkirk woman charged three times in one week
A Dunkirk woman was charged three times in the first week of the year by the Dunkirk Police Department.
Gina Maycock, 26, of South Roberts Road was charged with trespassing on Jan. 1. Two days later, she was charged with disorderly conduct and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Finally, on Monday, she was charged with prostitution.
Dunkirk Police
Shaundra N. Davis, 18, of Dove Street, was charged with disorderly conduct on Jan. 1.
Jasmine R. Cooper, 17, of Irving was charged with disorderly conduct on Jan. 1.
Jeamarye Morles, 17, of Swan Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Jan. 1.
Kevin L. Hunt, 38, of Charlotte, N.C. was charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction of a governmental administration on Jan. 1.
Darin L. Butts, 44, of Deer Street was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing on Jan. 1.
A 16-year-old male of East Seventh Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Jan. 1.
Elizabeth A. Panfil, 25, of East Lake Road was charged with failure to yield the right of way at an intersection on Jan. 1.
Robert L. Hyde, 61, of East Seventh Street was charged with having inadequate exhaust, driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana on Jan. 1.
Thomas B. Mitlin, 49, of Fredonia was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Jan. 2.
Arcadio Soto-Irizarry, 29, of Park Avenue was charged with third-degree assault on Jan. 3 from a previous charge.
Alexandra Delmont, 24, of Cassadaga was charged with petit larceny on Jan. 3 from a previous charge.
A 16-year-old female of Middle Road was charged with second-degree harassment on Jan. 4.
Leslie A. Bamburoski, 18, of Lakewood was charged with failure to keep right and driving while intoxicated on Jan. 5.
Michael M. Banach, 18, of Grant Avenue was charged with second-degree harassment on Jan. 5 on a bench warrant.
A 16-year-old-male, of East Seventh Street was charged with third-degree assault on Jan. 5.
Luis A. Sanchez, 29, of Lakeland, Fla. was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and insufficient turn signal on Jan. 5.
Anthony L. Irizarry, 22, of Doughty Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Jan. 6.
Shaun L. Boyd, 33, of Deer Street was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Jan. 8 from a previous charge.
Juan Rivera, 28, of Westfield was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal trespass on Jan. 8 from previous charges.
Cassandra A. White, 24, of Pike Street was charged with failure to dim headlights and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Jan. 8.
Area Police
City police look for suspect in Sunday shooting incident
OBSERVER Staff Report
The Dunkirk Police Department is looking for a suspect in a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday night.
Police responded shortly after 10 p.m. to 37 B E. Second St. for the report of several shots fired. Upon arrival, police confirmed from two different victims that James B. Duman, 20, of Dunkirk shot at the victims with a handgun while they were standing in the doorway of the residence. No one was injured in the incident.
Duman is expected to be charged with two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment. He has not been taken into custody and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Duman should contact the Dunkirk Police Department at 366-2266 or the confidential tip line at 363-0313.
Area Police
Three Stockton men charged with possession of stolen property
STOCKTON – On Friday, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department charged Frank Orazio, 22, Spencer Burke, 19, and Justin Burke, 23 with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
The charges are in connection with a reported larceny that occurred in the Town of Charlotte on Dec. 15. The property that was reported as stolen was allegedly found in their possession.
All three were issued appearance tickets for the Town of Stockton Court for a later date.
Salamanca woman charged with introducing prison contraband
COLLINS – On Saturday, Lori Ginnery, 23, of Center Street in Salamanca was charged with first-degree introducing prison contraband and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Reportedly Ginnery was caught attempting to smuggle 14 Oxycodone pills into the Collins Correctional Facility for a family member by an investigator from the New York State Department of Corrections.
She was processed by the state police at their Collins barracks, arraigned in the Town of Collins Court and sent to the Erie County Holding Center on $5,000 bail.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – On Tuesday Dec. 1, a Silver Creek youth sustained minor injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Around 6:40 p.m., deputies responded to Stebbins Road in the town of Hanover for the report of a car accident. Investigation revealed that a 17-year-old female from Silver Creek was operating the vehicle westbound on Stebbins Road and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle struck a stump and some small trees then rolled and came to rest on its wheels in a lawn. The driver was transported by a private vehicle to Lake Shore Hospital with minor injuries. It appeared that speed not safe for conditions contributed to the accident.
ELLERY – On Wednesday Jan. 2, a Jamestown man was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate exhaust after a traffic stop.
Around 8:20 p.m., deputies stopped Devin Mitchell, 22, of Jamestown on Bemus Ellery Road in the town of Ellery. Following an investigation, Mitchell was charged with possession of marijuana and inadequate exhaust. He was released to appear in the town of Ellery court.
KIANTONE – On Thursday Jan. 3 a Bemus Point man was charged with driving while intoxicated and unsafe move from lane.
Around 9 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a vehicle off the road in the ditch on Route 62 in the town of Kiantone. Following an investigation, deputies report that Thomas R. Ciancio, 57, of Bemus Point was the operator. He was operating a northbound 2004 Chevy Impala. It is alleged that Ciancio was operating in an intoxicated condition and was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Ciancio was taken into custody and he refused a chemical breath test. Ciancio was released with appearance tickets and will appear in Kiantone town court later.
SINCLAIRVILLE – On Thursday Jan. 3 a Sinclairville man was jailed on charges of fifth-degree stolen property.
Around 9:25 p.m., deputies responded to a Sinclairville residence to check for a wanted subject. Scott T. Fisher, 22, of Sinclairville, was arrested on a town of Harmony warrant for fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Fisher was arraigned in the town of Sherman and remanded to Chautauqua County Jail.
MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office has announced two names can be removed from the wanted program.
Scott F. Wynn, 37, of Jamestown was wanted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office for second-degree assault. Wynn was arrested by the sheriff’s office and was remanded to the Chautauqua County jail pending arraignment on an outstanding warrant.
Alexandria K. Delmont, 24, of Cassadaga, was wanted for possession of a forged instrument. Delmont was arrested by the sheriff’s office and was remanded to the Chautauqua County jail pending arraignment on an outstanding warrant.
Both names are to be removed from the Chautauqua County wanted list.
Area Police
State Police at Collins
On Tuesday at about 6 p.m., Cyle J. Sundown, 19, of Basom was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding.
A trooper stopped Sundown on Route 438 in the town of Collins. He reportedly noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Sundown was issued tickets directing him to appear in the Town of Collins Court on Jan. 16.
DAYTON – On Sunday at about 9:30 p.m., state police charged Taras Grekulak, 57, of Dayton with second-degree aggravated harassment.
A former female companion complained that Grekulak sent her harassing text messages.
Grekulak was processed at state police barracks in Collins and released on his own recognizance following an arraignment in the Town of Persia.
Grekulak is scheduled to answer the charge in the Town of Dayton Court on Jan. 10.
On Monday, Chad Schuster, 29, of Blasdell was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Schuster was the sole occupant of a 2007 Kia Spectra he was operating when he was stopped on State Route 39 in Collins for speeding and inadequate tail lights.
During the stop the trooper reportedly detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle.
He was released on an appearance ticket and traffic tickets directing him to appear in the Town of Collins Court on Jan. 16.
Silver Creek Court
Randall Abbey, 32, of Angell Road, Silver Creek, pleaded guilty to petit larceny and was fined $100 plus restitution to the victim.
Brandon J. Bunch, 22, of Fredonia, pleaded guilty to unlicensed operation and was fined $160.
Daniel Gray of Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired. He was fined $560 and his license was suspended.
Sandra D. Cooper, 34, of Central Avenue, Silver Creek, pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and was fined $900. Her license was revoked for six months and she was sentenced to ignition interlock.
Cassandra A. Hesslinger, 23, of Central Avenue, Silver Creek, was arraigned on suspended registration and no insurance. She will return to court Feb. 6.
Andrew S. Olson, 23, of Sinclairville, pleaded guilty to unlicensed operation and was fined $160.
Robert T. Stankowicz, 50, of Tew Street, Silver Creek, was arraigned for resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer. He was remanded to Chautauqua County Jail on $5,000 bail.
State Police in Western NY report statistics
The national impaired driving enforcement campaign began Dec. 14 and continued through Tuesday. More than 20,000 police agencies nationwide participated.
During the period, the New York State Police held multiple sobriety checkpoints and DWI saturation patrol details, numerous traffic enforcement details and one underage drinking detail. It was a massive effort aimed at preventing tragedies during the holiday season.
During this time, troopers in Western New York issued more than 3,300 tickets and arrested 59 people for driving while intoxicated. The Troopers investigated 42 crashes in the area that involved injuries and unfortunately, one fatal crash.
State police encourage all drivers to be attentive to their driving habits, to refrain from using a cell phone while driving to avoid distractions, to drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions, and to have a defensive driver mindset.
Area Police
Fredonia Police Department
Kaitlin E. Hawley, 20, of Silver Creek was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Dec. 24. Hawley was found to be in possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the village. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Christopher Ivory, 32, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment on Dec. 26. Ivory was sending text messages to a victim after being told to stop. Ivory was also charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment and second-degree harassment from an incident that happened on Dec. 23. Ivory allegedly got into a fight with the victim and restrained her. Ivory was held on $500 bail.
Phillip E. Hopkins, 42, of Dunkirk was charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more, failure to stop at a stop sign, speeding and failure to use designated lane on Dec. 29. At 1:06 a.m. police observed a vehicle operated by Hopkins drive through a stop sign on Chestnut Street at a high rate of speed. He appeared intoxicated and failed sobriety tests. Hopkins’ BAC was found to be a .11. He was released on his own recognizance to appear in court.
Alan T. Hoelzle Jr., 27, of Westfield was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to stop at a stop sign on Dec. 29. At 9:12 p.m. police observed Hoelzle slide through a stop sign at Lambert and Day streets. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Peter James Kalfas, 37, of Temple Street was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to use turn signal on Dec. 31. At 2:31 a.m. police stopped Kalfas for failure to use signal while turning onto Center Street. Kalfas passed field sobriety tests but had a .17 blood alcohol content on a breathalyzer. He was held on $250 bail.
Brett D. Seekings, 17, of Brainard Road was charged with having an open container in a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of alcohol on Dec. 31. Officers pulled over Seekings on Day Street after receiving a complaint of reckless driving on Route 20. He was found to have an open container in his vehicle. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Michael J. Dilaura Jr., 24, of Jamestown was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and following too close on Dec. 31. At 3:09 p.m. police responded to an accident at Central and Carol avenues. Dilaura rear ended another vehicle. He was released on $250 bail.
Jessica Sauer, 22, of East Aurora was charged with littering on Jan. 1. At 12:30 a.m. police observed Sauer throw a cup on the ground in the east municipal parking lot. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Shawn M. Taylor, 31, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment on Jan. 1. Taylor got into a fight with an employee of a bar on Water Street after being thrown out of the bar. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Alex M. Ippolito, 20, of West Main Street was charged with second-degree obstruction of governmental administration on Jan. 1. At 3:39 a.m. police observed Ippolito in a fight with a female. He was told to leave multiple times but followed the female to an apartment following the altercation. Once arrested, Ippolito was drawing on the jail cell wall. He was charged additionally with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was held without bail.
Area Police
Accident sends teen to hospital
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Stebbins Road in the town of Hanover Tuesday for the report of a car accident.
Investigation revealed a 17-year-old female from Silver Creek was operating the vehicle westbound on Stebbins Road and lost control of the vehicle.
The vehicle struck a stump and some small trees, rolled and came to rest on its wheels on a lawn.
The driver was transported by a private vehicle to Lake Shore Hospital with minor injuries.
According to a report speed not safe for conditions appeared to contribute to the accident. No charges were listed.
Dunkirk man charged with DWI
Early New Year’s morning, David J. Frank, 21, of Dunkirk was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content greater than .08 percent, moving from lane unsafely, unlicensed driver, and unregistered vehicle.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies investigated a suspicious situation on Roberts Road in the Town of Dunkirk. During the investigation, a vehicle operated by Frank was located in a snowbank at the end of the road. Officers reported that Frank was operating the vehicle while intoxicated. He was detained without incident and released with traffic tickets. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Dunkirk Court at a later date.
State police at Fredonia detain man on drug charges
On Friday, Justin Pelsey, 20, of McAllister Road in Fredonia was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Troopers originally stopped Pelsey after he reportedly had an inadequate turn signal on State Route 60 in Pomfret. Troopers stated he was found to be in possession of marijuana.
Pelsey is scheduled to answer charges in the Town of Pomfret Court on Jan. 8.


