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Area Police

Car in mud leads to charges

PORTLAND – A Pennsylvania man has been charged after allegedly getting his vehicle stuck in mud.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Gerald Strobel, 29, of Waterford, Pa., was charged with trespassing on Saturday.

Deputies responded on Route 5 to check the well being of a person who called the sheriff’s office claiming to be stuck in mud and in need of assistance just after 12 p.m.

Deputies found Strobel had allegedly driven his vehicle up a private driveway and into a field where the vehicle got stuck. The property was marked with “No Trespassing” signs.

Strobel was released on appearance tickets for Portland Town Court.

State Police at Collins

DAYTON – Dakota Menoff, 20, of Gowanda, was charged March 24 with fourth-degree grand larceny and second-degree identity theft.

Menoff allegedly took two credit cards from a family member and used them to purchase over $1,180 worth of online games.

He was processed at the Collins barracks. Menoff was arraigned in Persia Town Court and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $2,500 bail.

CATTARAUGUS – Devin Curtis, 17, of Collins Center, was charged March 26 with unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop for inadequate exhaust.

Curtis allegedly pulled out a small bag a marijuana when he was looking for his registration in his glove box. Troopers searched the car and allegedly found a jar with 18 grams if marijuana inside. He will appear in New Albion Town Court at a later date.

BRANT – Natalie Case, 29, of Angola, was charged March 27 with unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop on Route 5.

Troopers allegedly smelled marijuana coming from the car and after a search, found two pipes with marijuana inside.

She was issued a ticket and will appear in the Brant Town Court at a later date.

NORTH COLLINS – Brandon Willett, 34, of Hamburg, was charged Friday with unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop for inadequate exhaust on Route 62.

The trooper issuing a ticket for inadequate exhaust allegedly observed a pipe in the center console with marijuana inside.

Willett was issued tickets and will appear in North Collins Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Traffic stop leads to two arrests

CHARLOTTE – A traffic stop led to charges against two Dunkirk men Saturday.

Sheriff’s deputies allegedly stopped a vehicle on Route 60 for inadequate headlights. The deputy allegedly smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle.

It was found the passenger, Dyquan M. Smith, 19, of Dunkirk, was wanted on a warrant for fourth-degree grand larceny and third-degree unauthorized use. Another passenger, Johnny Torres, 20, of Dunkirk, was charged with possession of marijuana.

Smith was arraigned in Charlotte Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.

Torres was issued a ticket to appear in Charlotte Town Court at a later date.

South Dayton man charged after using stolen phone to get money

After a three week investigation, State police charged patrick Seekings, 21, of South Dayton, with two counts of petit larceny and third-degree identity theft on March 25. On March 2, Seekings allegedly stole a friend’s cell phone and over the next two weeks sent text messages from the stolen phone to a friend of the phone’s owner, pretending to be her. In the messages, Seeking allegedly asked for $200 to pay bills. The unknowing friend wired the money to a store in Jamestown. Troopers found Seekings in Jamestown, where he was taken to the barracks and charged by Collins State Police. He was processed and turned over to his Chautauqua County Probation officer. Seekings will answer to charges in South Dayton Town and Lakewood Village courts.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

STOCKTON – John J. McCarthy, 51, of Sinclairville, was charged Friday with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, speeding and failure to maintain a lane after a traffic stop on Putnam Road. Deputies stopped McCarthy’s vehicle around 11:50 p.m. for allegedly speeding and not staying in a lane. He was allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was issued tickets and released to appear in the Stockton Town Court at a later date.

HANOVER – Jeffrey E. Singer, 29, of Gowanda was charged with petit larceny and trespassing on Friday. Deputies received a report of a suspicious male going through cars in the town of Hanover. Witnesses were able to provide police with a description of the male who was located a short distance away. Singer allegedly entered a vehicle and removed property that did not belong to him. He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.

State Police at Collins

GERRY – James Mower, 39, of Gerry, was charged March 23 with aggravated driving while intoxicated after a traffic stop on Route 60. Troopers allegedly smelled alcohol and after field sobriety tests, Mower was allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was processed at the Jamestown barracks and was found to have a blood alcohol content of .22 percent. He was released with tickets to appear in the Gerry Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Panama woman, infant injured

PANAMA – A woman and an infant were sent to the hospital following a one-car accident Friday morning.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, the minor personal injury accident was reported shortly after 9 a.m. on Weeks Road. Kristen R. Seekings, 23, of Panama was allegedly traveling south when she crossed into the northbound lane and entered a large ditch on the east side of the road.

Seekings and a 2-month-old passenger were taken to WCA Hospital for apparent non-life threatening injuries. Clymer Fire Department also responded to the scene. The investigation is continuing.

Sleeping leads to DWI charge

HANOVER – A Forestville man has been charged after being found asleep behind the wheel Thursday.

Adam J. Grisanti, 30, of Water Street was charged with driving while intoxicated, parking on highway and having unsafe tires. According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle parked on Dennison Road at 9 p.m.

Grisanti was found allegedly asleep behind the wheel. It was also determined he was found to be allegedly intoxicated. He was released to appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.

Fire damages Greenhurst home

ELLERY – A fire damaged a seasonal home Thursday morning. The Fluvanna Fire Department responded to the two-story seasonal residence located at 3950 J.T. Ave., at shortly before 8 a.m.

The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team were called to the scene for an investigation. Following that investigation, it was determined the fire started in a kitchen cabinet and to be electrical in nature. The Fluvanna Fire Department was assisted by multiple other fire districts at the scene.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

Richard S. Kendorski, of Fredonia was charged with a felony driving while intoxicated warrant on Thursday. At 6:25 p.m., deputies served a warrant on Kendorski on Route 60.

He was taken into custody without incident and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.

SHERIDAN – Brent R. Klein, 45, of Silver Creek was charged with failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, improper signal and driving while intoxicated on Thursday. At 7:51 p.m., deputies on patrol on Center Road observed Klein’s vehicle allegedly use its turn signal improperly and other lane violations. He was also found to be allegedly intoxicated. Klein was released to appear in Sheridan Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

ASHFORD – On March 22 at 10 p.m., the State Police received a report from the Cattaraugus County 911 of two lost hikers in the vicinity of Bolton Road in the Town of Ashford.

State Troopers arrived on scene and with the assistance of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff Department and the West Valley Fire Department, established a perimeter.

The investigation revealed that a Boy Scout Troop was camping on property in the area and two of the campers never returned to the camp site after going for a hike.

Trooper Dean Nolte and K9 Nugent with the assistance of Forest Rangers and NYS ENCON were able to track and locate the missing subjects who had set up a camp on the south bank of Cattaraugus Creek approximately three miles from the Boy Scout camp.

Both subjects were evaluated and released by West Valley Ambulance, with no injuries sustained by either subject.

Area Police

Man charged second time after allegedly

trying to evade police

NORTH HARMONY – A man was charged twice in one day and allegedly tried to evade police. Mark W. Linamen, 56, of Ashville was charged with speeding and two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation on Tuesday.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Linamen was stopped for allegedly speeding on North Maple Street at 1:10 p.m. It was found that his driving privileges were suspended in New York state for failure to answer a summons for Busti Town Court. Linamen was released on appearance tickets with a licensed relative driving the vehicle.

The same day, deputies observed Linamen operating a motor vehicle on Stoneledge Road at the intersection of North Maple Street at 2:30 p.m. He allegedly sped off on Fairdink Road and then turned into a driveway attempting to elude police. Linamen allegedly parked his vehicle next to a barn then slouched down on the front seat of the vehicle.

He was taken into custody, arraigned in North Harmony Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 property bail.

Dunkirk Police Department

Aurelio Lopez, 28, of Townsend Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Sunday.

Daryl Sawyer, 56, of East Lake Road was charged with failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign after an accident around 9:40 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of East Sixth Street and Deer Street.

Alexander Secord, 20, of Lockport was charged with following too closely after an accident around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Millard Fillmore Avenue and Central Avenue.

Fredonia Police Department

Jessica Lawrie, 26, of Irving was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and petit larceny on March 21.

Beverly Schmidt, 64, of Central Avenue, Brocton, was charged with petit larceny on March 22.

Cody Hinson, 24, of Greenhurst was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct on Sunday.

Jodi Denmead, 49, of Brocton was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically-disabled person on Tuesday.

Area Police

Pair arrested in connection with liquor store burglary

SILVER CREEK – A pair of Silver Creek residents have been charged in connection with a burglary at a local liquor store.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Jacob D. Seeley, 21, and Talia B. Zrimsek, 18, both of Silver Creek have been charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, petit larceny and fifth-degree conspiracy. Through an investigation that included assistance from the public, it is alleged Zrimsek and Seeley, along with a third unnamed subject, broke a plate glass window at Barone Liquors in the village and stole merchandise.

Seeley was arrested on March 21 on a warrant and Zrimsek turned herself in to Silver Creek Village Court on March 24. Both were arraigned and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail on bail. Both will appear in court at a later date. The investigation is continuing.

Gowanda Police

Brian McAllister, 39, of Commercial Street was charged with disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, having a controlled substance not in its original container and third-degree criminal tampering on March 15. Police received a complaint on Commercial Street where McAllister allegedly became physically aggressive damaging walls and doors by kicking and punching them. McAllister allegedly was in possession of a small bag of pills not prescribed to him. While in custody at the police station, McAllister also allegedly attempted to damage property inside. McAllister was arraigned in Persia Town court and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail. The Erie County Sheriff’s Department also assisted with this call.

Wyatt W. Schoenle, 40, of Chestnut Street was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment on March 16. Police received complaints Schoenle was in contact with a female victim on numerous occasions on March 11. Schoenle allegedly threatened the female via text messaging. He turned himself into police and was released on an appearance ticket for Collins Town Court.

Winddancer T. Parker, 21, of Lawtons was charged with driving while intoxicated and having inadequate exhaust on Sunday. Police stopped Parker’s vehicle on West Main Street for allegedly having an inadequate exhaust. He was found to be allegedly intoxicated during the traffic stop at 3:49 a.m. A chemical breath test determined Parker had a .14 percent blood alcohol content. He was released on an appearance ticket for Persia Town Court. Erie County Sheriff’s Office also responded to this call.

Area Police

Inmate charged with promoting prison contraband

MAYVILLE – Thomas A. Kimbrough Jr., 18, of Jamestown was charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband on Sunday. Kimbrough, a current inmate, was discovered to allegedly be in possession of multiple items of prison contraband during a search at the Chautauqua County Jail. He will appear in Chautauqua Town Court.

Man charged after allegedly hitting tree

GERRY – A Dewittville man has been charged following a motor vehicle accident on Old Chautauqua Road Sunday morning.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident at 4:22 a.m. Richard D. Mangine, 37, allegedly was the driver when his vehicle slid off the road and into a tree. He was found to be allegedly intoxicated through investigation.

Mangine was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain lane and unlicensed operation. He was released to appear in Gerry Town Court at a later date. Ellicott Police Department also responded to the scene.

Westfield Police

Brandon N. Presto, 38, of Bliss Street was charged with driving while intoxicated and speeding on March 17. Police observed Presto’s vehicle allegedly operating at a high rate of speed in the village and was stopped on East Main Street. Presto was found to be allegedly intoxicated and submitted to a chemical test. Further charges are pending the results of the chemical test. He was released to appear in Westfield Village Court at a later date. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this call.

Christopher M. Walker, 37, of McKean, Pa., was charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to provide a breath sample and unlicensed operation on March 19. Westfield did check a suspicious vehicle at a local business. The operator, Walker, was found to be allegedly intoxicated and operating on an expired license. He was taken into custody where he allegedly refused to take a chemical test. Walker was arraigned in Westfield Village Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

Gowanda Police

Nicole F. Ludlow, 23, of South Dayton was charged with driving while intoxicated and felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on March 8. Police received information Ludlow was allegedly driving in an intoxicated state. Police located Ludlow’s vehicle on Allen Street. She was found to be allegedly intoxicated and failed sobriety checks. A DMV computer check revealed Ludlow’s license was allegedly suspended for a previous DWI conviction. A chemical breath test found Ludlow to have a .10 percent blood alcohol content. She was released on an appearance ticket for Collins Town Court. The New York State Police assisted with this arrest.

Christopher A. Denea, 27, of Route 438 was charged with third-degree assault on March 15. Police responded to the report of a domestic dispute on Caroline Street. Denea was allegedly involved in a verbal argument with a female acquaintance. Denea, who appeared to be intoxicated, allegedly intentionally forcibly pushed this female face first into a tree causing facial injuries. He was arraigned in Collins Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Brian McAllister, 39, of Commercial Street was charged with disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, having a controlled substance not in its original container and third-degree criminal tampering on March 15. Police received a complaint on Commercial Street where McAllister allegedly became physically aggressive damaging walls and doors by kicking and punching them. McAllister allegedly was in possession of a small bag of pills not prescribed to him. While in custody at the police station, McAllister also allegedly attempted to damage property inside. McAllister was arraigned in Persia Town court and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail. The Erie County Sheriff’s Department also assisted with this call.

Wyatt W. Schoenle, 40, of Chestnut Street was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment on March 16. Police received complaints Schoenle was in contact with a female victim on numerous occasions on March 11. Schoenle allegedly threatened the female via text messaging. He turned himself into police and was released on an appearance ticket for Collins Town Court.

Winddancer T. Parker, 21, of Lawtons was charged with driving while intoxicated and having inadequate exhaust on Sunday. Police stopped Parker’s vehicle on West Main Street for allegedly having an inadequate exhaust. He was found to be allegedly intoxicated during the traffic stop at 3:49 a.m. A chemical breath test determined Parker had a .14 percent blood alcohol content. He was released on an appearance ticket for Persia Town Court. Erie County Sheriff’s Office also responded to this call.

Area Police

Sheriff’s Office remind motorists about disability parking

As spring approaches, more people will be out and about. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to respect designated disabled parking locations. The designated parking spots are wider than regular spaces and are closer to building entrances to allow more convenient access to persons who have difficulty ambulating.

Law enforcement officers will issue parking citations to those who do not have a valid display tag on their vehicle. Motorists are subject to fines and surcharges for disabled parking violations. Applications for disabled parking permits are available at all city, town and village offices.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

BROCTON – Christina M. McDermott, 31, of Brocton was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test on Tuesday. At 2:39 a.m., deputies observed a vehicle running with its headlights on sitting on the shoulder of Route 20. McDermott was found to allegedly be the operator of the vehicle and was later found to be allegedly intoxicated. She was released to appear in Brocton Village Court.

Area Police

Westfield man charged after allegedly using water illegally

A Westfield man has been charged after allegedly using village water illegally.

Donald W. Hebner Jr., 32, of Gun Club Road was charged with third-degree criminal trespassing and theft of service on Thursday.

According to the Westfield Police Department, the water at Hebner’s residence had been turned off due to lack of payment and the water meter had also been removed without permission from the village.

Hebner allegedly turned the water back on and removed the water meter from the residence. He was released on an appearance ticket for Westfield Town Court at a later date.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

WESTFIELD – Joseph A. Timmerman, 32, of Route 20 was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment on Wednesday.

At 1:30 a.m., deputies responded to an altercation on Route 20. Timmerman allegedly broke down a door to gain access into the residence, pushed the victim once inside and broke a second door. Timmerman was located a short time later and taken into custody without incident. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance to appear in Westfield Town Court at a later date.

CHARLOTTE – Mark E. Swanson, 57, of Pine Acres Drive was charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree criminal contempt on Wednesday.

At 8:13 a.m., deputies responded to a domestic dispute at a Pine Acres Drive residence. Swanson allegedly had become belligerent and violent toward a family member while in the residence, placing his hands around the victim’s neck. The victim fled the residence and called police.

Swanson allegedly had a valid order of protection in place and was found to be in violation of the order. Swanson was arraigned in Charlotte Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.

New York State Police at Jamestown

ELLERY – On March 12 New York State Police arrested Kelly E. Kaczar, 23, of Bemus Point, charging her with aggravated driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle accident on Belleview Road in the town of Ellery.

Kaczar had been texting on her cell phone immediately prior to leaving the roadway, with her vehicle coming to rest in the ditch.

Kaczar was placed under arrest and transported to Jamestown State Police where a blood alcohol level of .19 percent was obtained.

She was issued tickets for aggravated driving while intoxicated, texting while driving, misuse of dealer plates and moving from lane unsafely, all returnable to the Town of Ellery Court.

Kaczar was released to a third party.

Area Police

Silver Creek woman injured in accident

SILVER CREEK – On Wednesday at about 2:50 p.m. an accident occurred on Main Street.

Stephanie Edwards, 25, of Silver Creek and Lulu Kohler, 71, of Forestville were traveling southwest on Main Street in the village of Silver Creek; Edwards stopped to make a left onto Babcock Avenue when Kohler, who was distracted, rear-ended her.

Kohler caused substantial damage to the rear of Edward’s vehicle and minor damage to front of her own.

Edwards was transported to Lake Shore Hospital by Silver Creek EMS for minor injuries.

Kohler was released with a traffic ticket for following too closely.

Sinclairville women hurt in crash

SINCLAIRVILLE – On March 13 at about 5:58 p.m. deputies responded to a personal injury motor vehicle accident on Rood Road in the Town of Charlotte.

Rose E. Raynor, 29, of Sinclairville and Maria J. Torgalski, 39, of Sinclairville were both injured in the accident.

Raynor had failed to keep right and collided head-on with Torgalski’s vehicle.

Torgalski was taken by Sinclairville Rescue to WCA Hospital for injuries to her right leg.

Raynor was transported by Cassadaga Rescue to Brooks Memorial Hospital to be examined.

On Wednesday, Raynor was issued traffic tickets for failure to keep right and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

MAYVILLE – Krist-opher Russ, 40, of Kennedy was charged with second-degree harassment and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation on Tuesday. At 5:45 p.m., deputies responded to the report of an altercation on Elm Street. It is alleged Russ pushed and choked another individual.

Russ was not at the scene and a warrant was obtained and he was taken into custody. He was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office

GOWANDA – Harley D. Jimerson, 24, of Irving was charged with disorderly conduct on Saturday. Jimerson was taken into custody by deputies on an arrest warrant from Salamanca Town Court. He was arraigned and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Area Police

County Court

MAYVILLE – District Attorney David W. Foley announced the following pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court:

  • Marcus McCall, 25, of Dunkirk, was sentenced to 3 years determinate in state prison and 2 years post-release supervision for fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.
  • Gary Rafaloski, 59, of Findley Lake, was sentenced to 1 year in jail for felony aggravated driving while intoxicated.
  • Terrence O’Connell, 53, of Rochester, was sentenced to 5 years probation, a $1,000 fine and 60 months ignition interlock device for felony driving while intoxicated.
  • Patrick S. Silk, 50, of Jamestown, was sentenced to time served and 5 years probation for third-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

Westfield Police

Johnna D. Perkins, 24, of Brocton was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI and failure to stop at a stop sign on Saturday.

At 1 a.m., police saw Perkins vehicle allegedly fail to stop at a stop sign on Third Street. After an investigation, Perkins was found to be allegedly intoxicated. A chemical breath test led to a .18 percent blood alcohol content leading to the aggravated DWI charge. Perkins was released to appear in Westfield Court.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

Loren Jimerson, 23, of Irving was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Monday.

At 8:50 p.m., deputies stopped Jimerson’s vehicle on Vineyard Drive in the town of Dunkirk. Jimerson was allegedly found to be in possession of 15 individually wrapped bags of marijuana and a quantity of cash. Jimerson was released to appear in Dunkirk Town Court.

Area Police

Standoff ends peacefully after 12 hours

CONCORD – A standoff that took place overnight ended peacefully Monday morning after 12 hours. According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, one man has been charged following the dangerous incident.

Deputies responded to a 911 call from a resident on Brown Hill Road just before 9 p.m., Sunday. The caller reportedly said a male subject, Matthew W. Eck, 48, was in a house next door and was “out of control” and acting in a threatening manner. The caller was the wife of the male, who had fled to a neighbor’s house with her children. The caller also told police there were guns inside the residence and then allegedly heard gunshots coming from the house as she was leaving.

As deputies started to pull up into the driveway of the residence, they were subject to gunfire coming from the residence. Both of the marked patrol vehicles were struck in the front three times, with one round going through each of the windshields. Both officers retreated back down the roadway to a position of safety.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office SWAT, New York State Police Emergency Response Team, along with their helicopter, responded to the scene. Residents were evacuated from the area and area roads were closed. Negotiations, assisted by the Buffalo Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, started and finally came to an end at 9:28 a.m., Monday when Eck peacefully surrendered.

He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Erie County Medical Center for evaluation. Pending his release he was charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder for firing multiple rounds at deputies. He is being held without bail at the Erie County Holding Center pending arraignment in Concord Town Court.

Also responding to the scene was the Erie County Emergency Services, West Seneca Police Department, New York State Environ-mental Conservation Police and U.S. Border Patrol. The following assisted with road closures, Orchard Park Police, East Concord Volunteer Fire Company, Mortons Corners Volunteer Fire Company, Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company and Langford Volunteer Fire Company.

The Boston Volunteer Fire Company opened their fire hall for a temporary safe shelter for the families involved and neighbors who were evacuated. Assistance was given by Father Joseph Bayne, Chief Erie County Fire chaplain. Medical assistance was provided by Erie County Specialized Medical Assistance Response Team, North Collins Ambulance Squad, Boston Ambulance Squad and Rural Metro Ambulance Squad.

Man charged after allegedly destroying hospital property

HANOVER – A Dunkirk man has been charged after allegedly destroying hospital property Sunday.

According to the Chau-tauqua County Sheriff’s Office, David A. Blodgett, 50, of Newell Road was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. Deputies responded at 8:45 p.m., to Lake Shore Hospital for the report of a disorderly person in the emergency room. Blodgett allegedly became disorderly and ripped a faucet from a sink in one of the patient rooms.

He was released to appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.

Two-vehicle accident sends one to hospital

RIPLEY – A two-vehicle accident sent one person to the hospital Saturday morning.

According to the Chau-tauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Ripley Fire Department responded to the scene at 11:16 a.m., on Route 76.

A vehicle operated by Christine Carlson, 25, of Mayville was traveling north and making a left turn. A vehicle operated by Kevin Perry, 29, of Westfield allegedly rear ended Carlson’s vehicle.

Carlson and her two passengers were evaluated at the scene and declined treatment. Perry was transported by ambulance to Westfield Memorial Hospital for apparent minor injuries. No charges have been filed.

Rollover accident leads to charges

MINA – A one-vehicle accident early Sunday morning led to charges for an Angola man.

According to the Chau-tauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the report of the accident at 5 a.m. Patrick J. Donohue, 24, was allegedly traveling east when his vehicle left the roadway and rolled over.

He was found to be allegedly intoxicated. He was treated at the scene for apparent minor injuries.

Donohue was charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to maintain lane. He was released to appear in Mina Town Court at a later date. Sherman and Findley Lake Fire departments also responded to the scene.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

ELLINGTON – William Ziebart, 43, of Gerry was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree harassment on Sunday.

Deputies responded to an incident on Thorton Road at 3:15 p.m. Deputies allege Ziebart was involved in a physical altercation with a victim.

While being placed in custody, Ziebart was found to allegedly be in possession of a knife.

He was arraigned in Ellington Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

FRENCH CREEK – Mark A. Kopta, 56, of Mann Road was charged with having no or inadequate headlights, failure to comply with lawful order, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest on Sunday.

At 8:39 p.m., deputies allegedly attempted to pull over Kopta’s vehicle on Mann Road for an alleged equipment violation.

Kopta allegedly failed to comply with deputies and continued driving down Mann Road before stopping in a long driveway. Kopta then allegedly began to walk away.

He was arraigned in Mina Town Court and was released on his own recognizance to appear in French Creek Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Country singer from area charged with DWI

BROCTON – A well-known area country singer was charged with driving while intoxicated and no/inadequate headlamp after a traffic stop on Route 20 Sunday around 1:40 a.m.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Of-fice, Sean Patrick McGraw, 48, of Nashville, Tenn., was allegedly observed by depu-ties traveling eastbound in Brocton with only one functional headlamp.

Deputies stopped the vehicle and the operator allegedly identified himself as McGraw. After an investigation, deputies alleged McGraw was operating his vehicle while intoxicated.

He was released with traffic tickets for Brocton Village Court at a later date.

New York State Police in Collins

DAYTON – Andrew Woodarek, 21, of Dayton, was charged March 5 with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child after an alleged fight at his home. Woodarek was allegedly fighting with two young boys ages 11 and 14, at his residence after they got home from school, punching the older boy in the face multiple times. He was processed at Collins State Police barracks and was released to appear in Dayton Town Court.

VERSAILLES – Ros-coe Henhawk, 51, of Staf-ford Lane, Pa., was charged March 7 with felony driving while intoxicated, felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and aggravated DWI.

He was transported to Collins State Police barracks and was allegedly found to have a blood alcohol content of .19 percent. Henhawk was arraigned in Perrysburg Town Court.

PERRYSBURG – Jo-seph Hecht, 29, of Delevan, was charged March 13 with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Hecht’s license was allegedly suspended six times and he allegedly failed to pay the fines. He was arraigned in Perrysburg Town Court and sent to Cattaraugus County Jail on $750 cash bail.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

Colin Hart, 53, of Fre-donia was charged Friday with driving while intoxicated and no turn signal.

Around 8:52 p.m., deputies on patrol on Route 20 in Pomfret allegedly observed a vehicle fail to signal its turn from Route 20 onto McAllister Road. The vehicle was stopped and Hart was identified as the alleged operator. Through an investigation, deputies alleged Hart was operating his vehicle in an intoxicated condition.

Hart was released with traffic citations.

WESTFIELD – Jeremy Houle, 25, of North East, Pa., was charged with driving while intoxicated, more than one state driver’s license, parking on highway and unlawful possession of marijuana on Saturday.

Around 3:26 a.m., Houle was allegedly found sleeping in the driver’s seat of his vehicle while parked on Belson Road in Westfield. After an investigation, it was found Houle reportedly operated his vehicle while in an intoxicated state prior to parking in the roadway.

After Houle was taken into custody, deputies searched him and allegedly found a small bag of marijuana and a marijuana pipe in his coat pocket. He was released with traffic tickets and an appearance ticket.

A Westfield Police officer assisted at the scene.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

JAMESTOWN – Ivan Robles, 50, of East Second Street, was charged with driving while intoxicated, having no or inadequate headlights and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle on Thursday. At 8:33 p.m., deputies stopped Robles’ vehicle on Victoria Avenue for an alleged equipment violation. During the traffic stop, it was found he was allegedly intoxicated. Robles was released to appear in Jamestown City Court at a later date.

BROCTON – Nicholas A. Ferrara, 49, of Frewsburg, was charged Friday with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, refusal of a breath test pre-screen and operating a vehicle while using a cell phone after he was allegedly observed talking on his cellphone on Old Mill Road. Ferrara was allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was released with tickets to appear in the Brocton Village Court at a later date.

New York State Police in Collins

COLLINS – Shaina Gates, 22, of Irving, and Kelly Nephew, 19, of Gowanda, were taken into custody Feb. 24 on outstanding warrants. Both were wanted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated unlicensed operation and petit larceny. They were turned over to a Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputy to answer to charges.

GOWANDA – Derek Pruitt, 39, of Delevan, was taken into custody on March 5 as an alleged fugitive from justice. After receiving a tip that he was staying with a relative at a Walnut Street residence, State Police in Collins, Gowanda Police Department and Erie County Sheriffs located Pruitt and took him into custody. Pruitt had an active parole violation warrant from Colorado. He was arraigned in Persia Town Court and sent to Cattaraugus County Jail to await extradition to Colorado.

Area Police

Sentencing in Cattaraugus Indian Reservation case rescheduled

The sentencing of Cody Testerman, 23, in Erie County Court has been rescheduled. The sentencing was scheduled for today. Testerman pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and could face up to 25 years in prison. Testerman pleaded guilty in the murder case of his half-brother, 20-year-old Jesse Seneca who was found dead near a dirt road off Route 438 in July 2012. Jasmine Rios, 19, also pleaded guilty in connection to the murder of her ex-boyfriend. She was charged with second-degree conspiracy and two counts of first-degree hindering prosecution. She is scheduled to be sentenced April 9.

Area Police

Cocaine seized in drug busts

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown Police Depart-ment seized $15,000 worth of cocaine during a traffic stop Tuesday and made a drug bust at a Lafayette Street residence Wednesday.

Labrittany M. Eaddy, 31, of Dunkirk was taken into custody Tuesday night after a traffic stop. Eaddy, who allegedly ran a stop sign on Lakeview Avenue, had marijuana in plain view inside her vehicle, police said. After an investigation, police seized 3 ounces of cocaine, a scale and $800 cash.

Police said the street value of the cocaine is $15,000. Eaddy is being held in Jamestown City Jail, pending her arraignment.

The JPD SWAT Team – along with JPD Drug En-forcement Unit investigators, the New York State Police CNET and U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents – seized 16 grams of cocaine from 705 Lafayette St. at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police also seized hydrocodone, marijuana and drug paraphernalia from the upper apartment.

Following the execution of a search warrant, Kylie Reeves, 21, and Ashley Kendall, 21, both of Jamestown, were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Kendall also received two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Two charged with stealing elderly woman’s purse

JAMESTOWN – Two local residents are behind bars after allegedly stealing an elderly woman’s purse Tuesday night.

Jamestown Police re-sponded to the Big Lots parking lot after learning an elderly woman had been robbed of her purse. Officers obtained a suspect and vehicle description from the victim and a witness, who saw the perpetrator get into the passenger side of a minivan before it sped off.

The victim and a witness, a Big Lots employee, attempted to stop the subject as she got into the van, but were unsuccessful.

Police located the minivan on South Main Street, near Newland Avenue, and took two women into custody following an investigation. Police said one of the women had stolen property in her possession.

Nicole L. Johnson, 27, of Jamestown, and Jenell L. Long, 38, of Mayville, were charged with second-degree robbery and criminal possession of stolen property, police said. The two are being held in Jamestown City Jail, pending arraignment.

Police recovered most of the stolen property. The investigation is continuing.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

HARMONY – Ronald C. Bartlett, 42, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated and felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation Tuesday.

At 9:45 p.m., deputies observed a vehicle parked on the side of Spooner Road near the intersection of Route 474. The driver, Bartlett, was found to be allegedly intoxicated. He was found to have two previous DWI convictions making this a felony. He was arraigned in Busti Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.

Area Police

Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force charges South Dayton residents

SOUTH DAYTON – Brian J. Lycett, 42, of Pine Street was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance Monday.

The charges came from a search warrant which deputies from Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s offices and STRDTF executed at 2:50 p.m.

It is alleged Lycett sold quantities of prescription narcotics from a residence in the town of Villenova on numerous occasions.

Lycett was arraigned in Chautauqua County Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail.

This arrest culminates a three-month investigation into prescription narcotics sales in the town of Villenova.

SOUTH DAYTON – Kimberly D. Albares, 43, of Main Street was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance Monday.

The charges came from a search warrant which deputies from Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s offices and STRDTF executed at 3:10 p.m.

It is alleged Albares sold quantities of prescription narcotics from a residence in the town of Cherry Creek. Albares was arraigned in Chautauqua County Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail.

This arrest culminates a three-month investigation into prescription sales in the town of Cherry Creek.

New York State Police at Fredonia

SHERIDAN – On Monday, Fredonia State Police arrested Devon L. Wilson, 19, of Dunkirk for fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Devon was attempting to sell the stolen items, which had been taken in a burglary, to the Pawn Starz.

Devon was processed at the Fredonia Station and issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Sheridan Court on March 20.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

PORTLAND – Kelsie R. Briggs, 21, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation, failure to keep right and uninspected motor vehicle on Tuesday.

At 2:15 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Webster Road for an alleged traffic violation.

It was alleged Briggs was operating on suspended driving privileges.

She was released to appear in Portland Town Court.

PORTLAND – Leon A. Hoesel, 60, of Mayville was charged with speeding, driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana on Sunday.

At 7:37 p.m., deputies observed Hoesel allegedly speeding on Route 20. During the traffic stop,

Hoesel was found to be allegedly intoxicated and in possession of a small quantity of marijuana. He was released to appear in Portland Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Jamestown man charged after allegedly selling drugs

JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown man has been charged after allegedly selling drugs in the city. Robert C. Grazulewicz, 33, of Camp Street was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance on Friday.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested Grazulewicz on Lakeview Avenue shortly before 11 p.m., on a secret Chautauqua County Court Grand Jury indictment warrant. The district attorney’s office presented information from the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force that Grazulewicz had allegedly sold cocaine to agents of the STRDTF on numerous occasions. He was sent to the Chautauqua County Jail and held without bail pending arraignment.

This arrest culminates a three-month investigation into cocaine trafficking in the city of Jamestown. The STRDTF is comprised of officers from the county sheriff’s office and Dunkirk Police Department. The STRDTF would like to encourage members of the community to call either the task force at 1-800-344-8702 or the Dunkirk Police at 363-0313 when they observe narcotics related activity in their area.

Lawtons man charged with DWI

IRVING – A Lawtons man was charged with driving while intoxicated on Sunday.

According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, police responded to the report of a vehicle allegedly hitting a tree then driving away on Route 438 near Hawk Meadows Drive around 6 p.m.

Jack E. Warrior Jr., 31, was found to be the alleged driver after finding his heavily damaged vehicle on Woodchuck Road. Warrior was charged with felony aggravated DWI, leaving the scene of an accident and other traffic infractions. The felony charge resulted due to a previous DWI conviction in 2010. A chemical breath test revealed his blood alcohol content to be .18 percent. Warrior was released on an appearance ticket to appear in court.

Area Police

Area man charged with felony DWI after accident

VILLENOVA – A 58-year-old Forestville man was charged with felony driving while intoxicated after a two-vehicle property damage accident on South Dayton Silver Creek Road Saturday.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, around 1:45 p.m., Stephen Woolley was operating one of those vehicles in an intoxicated condition. Woolley had a DWI conviction within the past 10 years, making this arrest a felony.

He allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or higher.

Woolley was also charged with failure to keep right. He will answer the charges in Villenova Town Court.

Deputies were assisted by the New York State Police.

Crews battle Evans fire Sunday

EVANS – Several fire companies responded to the report of a fire at the corner of Route 5 and Beach Road around noon Sunday.

Smoke was reportedly coming from the back of a house there. Route 5 around that area was temporarily closed to traffic.

There is no word yet on a cause or any injuries. No further details were available at the Evans Police Department as of Sunday evening.

Cause of Mina repair shop fire announced

MINA – An automobile repair shop structure fire Saturday at 9994 Bailey Hill Road has been ruled accidental in nature.

According to the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team, an investigation found the fire started inside a hot water tank located inside Jack’s Repair Shop and it spread from there.

The fire started around 4 p.m. The shop was a total loss, including several vehicles inside.

The Findley Lake Fire Department responded to the incident and received assistance from several other area fire departments.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

CHAUTAUQUA – On Thursday at about 8:45 p.m., Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies charged Tammy M. Thayer, 46, of Ashville with two counts of driving while intoxicated and inadequate lights. She was taken into custody and later released with traffic tickets.

Thayer will appear in the Town of Chautauqua Court at a later date.

Area Police

Westfield Police Department

A Westfield teenager has been charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing cigarettes from a local gas station.

According to Westfield Police, Joshua D. Swinehart, 19, of McKinley Road was charged with two counts of petit larceny on Wednesday.

It is alleged Swinehart stole cigarettes from the display case on two separate occasions from the East Main Road gas station. Swinehart was issued appearance tickets for Westfield Town Court.

Fredonia Police Department

Gerald Polvino, 55, of Osborne Road was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign after an accident at the intersection of Newton Street and Lambert Avenue Monday at 7 a.m.

Jeffrey Leone, 45, of Grant Avenue, Dunkirk, was charged with second-degree harassment on Friday.

Area Police

Fredonia woman allegedly forged checks

On Friday, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Kimberly L. Swartz, 37, of Fredonia without incident after an investigation. It is alleged that the subject went to a financial institution in the village of Silver Creek and passed forged checks gaining a monetary benefit on three separate occasions.

Swartz was arraigned in the Town of Hanover Court for the village of Silver Creek and remanded to Chautauqua County Jail with bail set at $15,000 cash or $30,000 property bond.

A detainer warrant was also issued for the Town of Dunkirk court where Swartz will face fourth-degree grand larceny and third-degree attempted grand larceny charges for incidents which occurred at a financial institution in the town of Dunkirk. Additional charges include three counts of second-degree forgery and three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Frewsburg student escapes abduction

On Thursday at about 3:20 p.m. the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported suspicious situation on Falconer Street in Frewsburg.

According to the report, a Frewsburg Central School student was walking north on Falconer Street near the Howard Street intersection when a bluish-gray-colored vehicle pulled alongside the street and the front seat passenger grabbed the student’s arm. The student was able to flee the scene without any more contact.

The vehicle is described as a fairly late model passenger car with angular or squared rear body features and tinted windows. Both the driver and passenger are believed to be white males; both wore ski masks.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office at 664-3100 or 753-2131.

Area Police

Chautauqua County man caught at airport with loaded gun

OBSERVER Staff Report

BUFFALO – A Chautauqua County man was stopped by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport Thursday morning after the TSA officer who was staffing the checkpoint X-ray machine spotted the handgun in the man’s carry-on bag.

Troy J. Livecche is the owner of the handgun, which was registered to a Silver Creek address. Livecche told authorities he had been living in East Aurora, according to C. Douglas Harpmayer, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority public information officer.

TSA contacted the NFTA police who responded and confiscated the handgun, a .380 caliber firearm, which was loaded with six rounds and one bullet in the chamber. The incident happened at 5:30 a.m. and Livecche was able to take a later flight. Charges are pending.

The incident marked the first firearm that TSA officers at the airport have stopped so far this year. In 2013, TSA officers detected four firearms that travelers had in their possession at the airport’s checkpoint.

TSA screens approximately 9,000 passengers and their carry-on bags each day at Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

Accident involving school bus leads to charge

OBSERVER Staff Report

An accident involving a school bus in the city of Dunkirk resulted in two people suffering minor injuries and one person getting charged with following too closely Tuesday.

According to the Dunkirk Police Department, around 2:45 p.m., a First Student Inc. bus driven by Gregory Horvath, 47, of Ruggles Street was traveling north on Lamphere Street just north of West Doughty Street when he activated the bus’ flashing lights to stop at a railroad crossing. The bus stopped, then proceeded over the tracks and stopped again at the second set of tracks there, which is reportedly when David Kron, 58, of Clinton Avenue, Fredonia, rear-ended the bus.

Horvath and a passenger, Stacy Stalter, 55, were apparently treated at the scene for minor injuries. Two students on the bus, an 11-year-old and an 18-year-old, were not injured.

Kron received the charge of following too closely.

Cassadaga man facing DWI, drug charges

POMFRET – A 42-year-old Cassadaga man is facing driving while intoxicated and drug possession charges after he was stopped by New York State Police at Fredonia troopers around 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Martellion Ham, 42, of Cassadaga was charged on Straight Road at Route 60 in the town of Pomfret. Troopers say Ham was found to be in possession of a small amount of cocaine and submitted to a breath test, which had a result of .08 percent blood alcohol content. Ham also had a revoked license.

Charges will be answered in the town of Pomfret court later this month.

Dunkirk Police

Joseph Jagoda, 24, of Washington Avenue was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief on Sunday.

Juan Bautista, 21, of South Roberts Road was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign and obstructed driver’s view on Monday.

Monserate Perez of Buffalo was charged with third-degree assault and criminal mischief on Tuesday.

Joseph Novak, 20, of Frewsburg was charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree aggravated harassment on Wednesday.

Cristian Maestre, 23, of Lincoln Avenue was charged with resisting arrest on Thursday.

Fredonia Police

Joshua Cheverez, 23, of Newton Street was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and second-degree harassment on Sunday.

Chelsea Wolfe, 23, of Westfield was charged with disorderly conduct on Sunday.

Sharif Bosley, 23, of Buffalo was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop at a stop sign on Sunday.

Michael Bendlin Jr., 22, of Prospect Street was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and petit larceny on Monday.

Gerald Polvino, 55, of Osborne Road was charged with failure to stop at a stop sign after an accident at the intersection of Newton Street and Lambert Avenue Monday at 7 a.m.

Jeffrey Leone, 45, of Grant Avenue, Dunkirk, was charged with second-degree harassment on Friday.

Area Police

Clymer bus driver charged following accident

By GAVIN PATERNITI

Special to the OBSERVER

HARMONY – Details have been released regarding an incident that sent four Clymer Central School students to WCA Hospital to be treated for minor injuries Tuesday morning.

According to a Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department police report, the incident occurred at approximately 8:20 a.m., when a Clymer school bus transporting eight students from Clymer to Erie 2 BOCES Hewes Education Center in Ashville inexplicably left Route 474 approximately two miles east of Panama.

The incident was reported shortly after it occurred by Superintendent Bert Lictus, who said no serious injuries to students had been sustained.

“It didn’t appear there were any serious injuries,” Lictus said. “(Any injuries sustained) appeared to be very minor, but they’re students and we need to take every precaution.”

Lictus said four of the eight students were transported to WCA Hospital for precautionary purposes at the request of emergency medical technicians on-site.

The report said the bus was traveling westbound on Route 474 when it went off the north side of the road, and traveled approximately 500 feet through a ditch before striking a driveway culvert – which caused the bus to go airborne. The bus landed nose down in an embankment, causing the hood to be torn off.

Lictus described the damage sustained by the bus as “moderate to major.”

“(The damage) will require that the bus be out of service for a significant amount of time,” Lictus said. “It shouldn’t affect our overall transportation for the district because we have a spare bus that we can use. So we should be OK barring another incident, but you can only sustain so many losses.”

Betty Bayle, the driver of the bus, was reported to be uninjured, but was charged with failure to maintain lane and will report to the Harmony Court at a later date. Additional charges may be pending based on the outcome of the investigation.

Lictus declined to comment on the status of Bayle’s employment with the district as it relates to personnel issues.

Sherman Central School goes into lockdown Tuesday

SHERMAN – The Sherman Central School went into lockdown on Tuesday, according to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

According to police, a report was received at 11:30 a.m., that an individual was experiencing a medical emergency who may have access to weapons and may be considering doing personal harm. The officers responded to the area and suggested Sherman Central School lock down until the situation was resolved.

Police did locate the individual around 1 p.m., and assisted in the individual receiving medical care. It was learned this person did not possess any weapons. New York State Police also assisted with this incident.

Police reminding snowmobilers to stay on trails

MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is reminding snowmobile operators to stay on marked trails. Police have received several complaints of snowmobiles traveling off the marked trail system and on parts of the trail system that are currently closed from Saturday through Wednesday. Several individuals have been charged and will appear in Sherman and Chautauqua Town courts.

The sheriff’s office snowmobile unit is reminding snowmobilers to stay on the marked trails and to check the trail conditions regularly. The trail condition hotline can be reached by calling 1-800-242-4569.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

KIANTONE – Lovella A. Kellom, 27, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated, third-degree unlicensed operation, having an open container of alcohol and failure to maintain lane on Wednesday.

At 2:30 a.m., deputies stopped Kellom’s vehicle on Route 60. It was found Kellom was allegedly intoxicated and operating on suspended driving privileges. She was release to appear in Kiantone Town Court at a later date.

ARKWRIGHT – Emily M. Farnham, 35, of Sinclairville was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely on Monday. Deputies responded to the report of an accident shortly after 5 p.m., on Creek Road. It is alleged Farnham was operating her vehicle while impaired by prescription medication. She will appear in Arkwright Town Court at a later date.

Westfield Police Department

Lincoln J. Riscili, 24, of Union Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Tuesday. Police received a complaint that Riscili allegedly slammed a door in the victim’s face causing a swollen and bloody laceration above his left eye after an incident on Washington Street. Riscili was released to appear in Westfield Village Court at a later date.

Sharonda L. Platt, 29, of Niagara Falls was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and speeding on Tuesday. Police stopped Platt’s vehicle for allegedly speeding on Route 20. It was found that Platt’s driving privileges were allegedly suspended. Platt was released to appear in Westfield Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Funeral director charged with stealing money

On Feb. 20, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Clarence arrested Funeral Director Paris J. Childs of Childs Funeral Home located at 10 Eckerson Ave. in Akron.

Childs was charged with third-degree grand larceny.

His arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation involving the theft of funds received by Childs Funeral Home for the purpose of pre-paid or pre-need accounts.

In New York state pursuant to General Business Law 453, all funds paid in advance for a funeral must be deposited in an investment backed by the U.S. government, such as FDIC-insured certificates of deposit or a New York state bank.

Account statements showing interest earned must be reported annually to the consumer, or within 30 days after a request. The money shall be held in trust.

Anyone having entered into a pre-paid or pre-need agreement with Childs Funeral Home who has not received a confirmation statement or annual interest statement is asked to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Clarence at 759-6831.

Childs previously worked as a funeral director at Larson-Timko Funeral Home in Fredonia and the former Orcutt Funeral Home in Dunkirk during the ’90s.

Car in ditch leads to DWI charge

HANOVER – A car in a ditch on Alleghany Road led to driving while intoxicated charges for a local man early Monday.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies spotted a vehicle in the ditch around 2 a.m.

After speaking with the driver, Daniel A. Borowski, 55, of Perrysburg, it was found he was allegedly intoxicated. He was charged with DWI and failure to maintain lane.

He was issued appearance tickets for Hanover Town Court and released to a sober third party.

New York State Police at Fredonia

On Feb. 28, Fredonia State Police arrested Kimberly Don, 52, of Fredonia for petit larceny. Investigation revealed she had stolen a set of keys from an unlocked, running vehicle parked near her residence.

Don was processed at the Fredonia State Police and then arraigned in the Town of Pomfret Court.

Don was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail, and will return to the Town of Pomfret Court on March 14.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office

RANDOLPH – Arthur J. Wright, 34, of Randolph was charged on an arrest warrant on Sunday.

It was wanted from Randolph Town Court for failure to register with the New York State Sex Offenders Registry.

Wright was released to appear at a later date in Randolph Town Court.

Area Police

Name released in fatal crash in Concord

OBSERVER Staff Report

CONCORD – The name of a 32-year-old man killed in a motor vehicle accident on Route 240 in the town of Concord Saturday around 10:30 p.m. has been released.

According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph R. Pinelli of Springville was operating a small car southbound on the roadway.

Witnesses told deputies Pinelli’s car veered to the right side of the southbound lane and then across the roadway into the northbound lane. The victim’s vehicle was struck broadside by a pickup truck driven by 21-year-old William Hastie of Angola. The impact sent the victim’s vehicle into a ditch.

Several motorists reportedly stopped and attempted to assist Pinelli, who was trapped in the car.

Members of the East Concord Fire Company extricated the victim and he was transported to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville, where he died a short time later.

The investigation is continuing.

At the time of the collision, the roadway was wet from falling snow, but had not become snow-covered.

The initial investigation has determined the victim was not wearing a seat belt.

State police request public assistance

in solving case

on I-86 in Randolph

RANDOLPH – Jamestown State Police are investigating a reckless endangerment case that occurred on I-86 eastbound in Randolph at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The State Police are requesting the public’s assistance with identifying the people who threw an object off the Archer Hill Road overpass, striking a tractor trailer passing below, which caused significant damage to its windshield.

Anyone with information should contact Jamestown State Police at 665-3114.

New York State Police at Amity

JAMESTOWN – On Saturday, State Police in Amity arrested Jonathan M. Aldrich, 23, of Jamestown. Aldrich was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, unlawful possession of marijuana, and vehicle and traffic infractions.

He was issued appearance tickets and traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Angelica Court on Saturday at 7 p.m.

New York State Police at Fredonia

On Saturday, Fredonia troopers arrested Susan Helfrey, 55, of Meadville, Pa., for driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop on Matteson Street at Chestnut Street.

Helfrey was processed at Fredonia State Police and provided a breath sample, which showed a .15 percent blood alcohol level.

She is scheduled to appear in the Village of Fredonia Court on March 19 at 9 a.m.

Area Police

Man killed in Concord car crash

OBSERVER Staff Report

CONCORD – A 32-year-old man from southern Erie County is dead after an accident on Route 240 Saturday.

According to Buffalo media outlets, around 10:30 p.m., the man was operating a small car southbound on the road when he veered to the right side of the lane and then across the roadway into the northbound lane. The vehicle was then struck broadside by a pickup truck, sending it into a ditch.

The man’s name has not yet been released due to investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

Weather conditions are suspected to have been at play, though the roadway was reportedly not snow-covered. An initial investigation revealed the man was not wearing a seatbelt.

The East Concord Fire Company responded to the scene and freed the man from the vehicle. He was transported to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville, where he died shortly thereafter.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SHERMAN – Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one-vehicle accident on Route 76 around 1:30 p.m. Friday. Operator Lori Hamilton, 49, of Sherman, allegedly lost control of her vehicle on a curve, hit a utility pole and the vehicle came to rest in a snow covered ditch. Hamilton was transported by Sherman Rescue to Hamot Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. No charges were listed.

MAYVILLE – Henry Stovall Jr., 36, of Westfield, was charged Saturday with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI per se with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or higher, felony aggravated unlicensed operation and moving from lane unsafely after deputies allegedly observed him strike a snowbank. According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Stovall was allegedly observed traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 394, when he allegedly failed to negotiate the curve at the intersection with Valley Street, struck a snowbank and became stuck. Investigation allegedly found Stovall to be intoxicated. He was issued appearance tickets for the Chautauqua Town Court.

BROCTON – Justin M. Palmer, 26, of Forestville was charged Saturday with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher and inadequate tail lamps after a traffic stop on Route 20. Palmer was stopped for allegedly having only one function tail light and was allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was issued appearance tickets and will appear in Brocton Village Court at a later date.

New York State Police at Fredonia

Fredonia Troopers charged Susan Helfrey, 55, of Meadville, Pa., with driving while intoxicated, following a traffic stop for failing to signal with sufficient time at the intersection of Matteson and Chestnut streets in the village of Fredonia. Helfrey was processed at the Fredonia barracks and provided a breath sample, which showed a .15 percent blood alcohol content. She was issued a ticket and will appear in Fredonia Village Court at a later date.

Area Police

Dunkirk Police Department

Margaret Velez, 30, of Webster Street was charged with harassment on Feb. 17

Devin Wilson, 19, of Franklin Avenue was charged with second-degree obstruction on Feb. 18.

Daniel Mowrey, 22, of Shorewood Drive was charged with moving from a lane unsafely on Feb. 21 after an accident on Lake Shore Drive West near Point Drive West. According to an accident report, Mowrey told police some food fell to the ground in his vehicle and as he reached for it, he veered off the roadway and struck a mailbox. He reportedly over-corrected and proceeded through some shrubs and a lawn, striking a vehicle parked in the driveway of 269 Lake Shore Drive W.

Robert Hyde, 63, of Washington Avenue was charged with disorderly conduct on Feb. 21.

Joshua Anzalone, 27, of Washington Avenue was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and leaving the scene on Feb. 21.

Marisol Mendez, 40, of Route 5 was charged with aggravated family offense, first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment on Feb. 22.

Xavier Wright, 22, and Malachi Lidge, 21, both of Buffalo, were charged with disorderly conduct on Sunday.

Philip Nosek, 51, of Newton Street, Fredonia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to use a designated lane after a head-on collision with a parked city of Dunkirk backhoe machine at the intersection of Brigham Road and West Sixth Street on Sunday.

Twain Buchanan-Scott, 24, of South Roberts Road was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment on Monday.

Jesus Ramos, 30, of Columbus Avenue was charged with third-degree burglary, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and petit larceny on Tuesday. Javiel Valle, 27, of Florida was charged with third-degree burglary, obstruction and petit larceny on the same day.

Fredonia Police Department

Christopher Pilgrim, 27, of Woodcrest Avenue was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and speed in zone on Feb. 21.

Nathan Luciano, 20, of Stockton was charged with disorderly conduct on Feb. 22.

Joshua Lyons, 18, of SUNY Fredonia’s Grissom Hall was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest on Thursday.

Westfield Police Department

Cody D. Gustafson, 24, of Mayville and a 17-year-old male from Westfield were charged with criminal possessing a hypodermic instrument on Tuesday. Police stopped a vehicle on North Portage Street for an alleged equipment violation at 12:58 a.m. The vehicle’s driver, Gustafson and the youth passenger were allegedly found to be in possession of a hypodermic needle. Both were released to appear in Westfield Village Court.

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