Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
IRVING – Michael D. Kroll, 42, of Irving was charged Saturday with first-degree felony aggravated unlicensed operator, driving while intoxicated, consumption of an alcohol in a motor vehicle and not wearing a seat belt.
At 12:39 p.m., deputies observed Kroll not wearing a seat belt on Franklin Street. Kroll was found to be in alleged possession of an open container during the traffic stop. Police also discovered Kroll’s driving privileges were allegedly suspended for an alcohol-related offense. He was released to appear in Hanover Town Court.
Amanda P. Alford, 28, of Water Street, Mayville, was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and speed in zone on Sunday.
Around 12:45 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for allegedly speeding on Webster Road in the town of Pomfret. An investigation led to the reported operator of the vehicle, Alford, to have her driving privileges suspended in New York state. The suspension was due to a prior alcohol-related driving offense.
Alford was subsequently released and is scheduled to appear in Pomfret Town Court.
New York State Police at Collins
GOWANDA – Joseph Penfield, 22, of Buffalo and Bradley Rouse, 21, of Tonawanda were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on June 21.
Police stopped a vehicle Penfield and Rouse were traveling in at a stationary road check on Broadway and Point Peter roads. An alleged strong odor of marijuana could be detected coming from inside the car and the two males were allegedly found in possession of nearly 50 grams of marijuana, a pipe and a marijuana grinder. Both males were released to appear in Persia Town Court.
COLLINS – George Schulze, 52, of West Valley was charged with driving while intoxicated June 25.
Police stopped Schulze’s vehicle on Richardson Road for allegedly having a loud exhaust. He was found to be allegedly intoxicated during the traffic stop and failed field sobriety tests. Schulze was found to have a reportable .08 percent blood alcohol content. He was release to appear in Collins Town Court.
GOWANDA – Steven Derk, 20, of Cattaraugus was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Friday. Police stopped Derk’s vehicle for allegedly speeding on Broadway Road. During the traffic stop, Derk was found to be in alleged possession of a marijuana pipe and a baggy containing four grams of marijuana. He was released to appear in Persia Town Court.
Area police
Four charged after allegedly illegally entering J.N. Adam facility
PERRYSBURG – Four individuals have been charged after allegedly entering the J.N. Adam facility illegally. Edwin Warnes, 39, of Blasdell, Shannon Morrissey, 37, of Plainville, Conn., David Little, 31, of Providence, R.I., and Brendan Murphy, 23, of Lancaster were charged with trespassing on June 21.
According to New York State Police at Collins, the four were found inside the J.N. Adam grounds on Peck Hill Road after their car was left at the area post office. Troopers were unable to find the subjects in the area and responded to the J.N. Adam grounds. The four had allegedly entered the facility to explore the old hospital before they returned to Buffalo.
All four individuals were arraigned in Perrysburg Town Court and released after paying a fine.
Gowanda Police Department
Marvin G. Reveal, 32, of Jamestown Street was charged with second-degree harassment on June 12. Police responded to the report of an alleged disturbance on Jamestown Street. Reveal allegedly was involved in a verbal altercation with another resident at the residence. Reveal allegedly punched a male victim in the facial area numerous times. He was released to appear in Persia Town Court.
Pamela D. Johnston, 49, of Bader Street was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on June 14. Police stopped Johnston on Aldrich Street and found her license was allegedly suspended in July 2013 for failure to pay a traffic fine in Hanover Town Court. Johnston was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
David B. Piechowicz Jr., 38, of Buffalo was charged with second-degree harassment on June 14. Police received a complaint from a female that Piechowicz had allegedly struck her in the facial area. Piechowicz was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
Seneca L. Mohawk, 37, of Buffalo Street was charged on a warrant on June 14. Police previously charged Mohawk with trespassing and when he failed to appear, a warrant from Collins Town Court was issued. Mohawk turned himself into police on this warrant. He was released to appear in Collins Town Court at a later date.
Heather A. Battaglia, 33, of Buffalo Street was charged with third-degree assault on June 16. Police received a complaint from a female that Battaglia allegedly attacked her earlier in the day. Battaglia allegedly repeatedly hit this victim in the facial area causing the victim to seek medical attention. Battaglia was located on Water Street and was issued appearance tickets for Persia Town Court.
Kelly D. Nephew, 53, of Route 438 was charged on a warrant arrest on Sunday. Nephew responded to a traffic stop by police involving a relative of Nephew. When police checked to see if Nephew had a valid license, a DMV check revealed an active warrant from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody and turned over to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Area Police
One charged after accident damages bench, hydrant
OBSERVER Staff Report
One person was charged after an accident in the city of Dunkirk damaged a park bench and fire hydrant Wednesday morning around 8:45 a.m.
According to the Dunkirk Police Department, Miguel Sanchez-Sanchez, 39, of East Second Street was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and unlicensed operation.
Sanchez-Sanchez reportedly was making a right turn from West Doughty Street onto Franklin Avenue when he was passed on the right by Joshua Swinehart, 20, of McKinley Road, Westfield.
Swinehart was struck and Sanchez-Sanchez allegedly panicked and left; he was located a few blocks away. Swinehart’s vehicle, after being struck, reportedly spun out and struck the bench and hydrant off the roadway; it had to be towed as a result, while Swinehart was transported to the hospital for unknown injuries.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – On Thursday at around 11:58 p.m. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Deputies observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on Central Avenue.
Casey J. Peacock, 39, of Silver Creek was operating a vehicle with a suspended license. Peacock was arrested and issued traffic tickets for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and inadequate head lamps.
Peacock will appear in the Village of Silver Creek Court at a later date.
CHAUTAUQUA – On Friday Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a large underage party off of Plank Road.
Deputies located and broke up the party. Nicholas Zentz, 19, of Mayville was identified as the person hosting the party, and was charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child, for permitting alcohol to be served. Zentz will appear in the Town of Chautauqua Court at a later date.
Deputies checked all of the drivers as they left the party, to ensure none had been drinking.
HANOVER – On June 22 at approximately 4 p.m. deputies were on patrol on Iola Drive. Kenneth Bess, 20, of Lockport was found to be in possession of alcohol and a small quantity of marijuana.
Bess was issued an appearance ticket for unlawful possession of alcohol and unlawful possession of marijuana.
He will appear in the Town of Hanover Court at a later time to answer the above listed charges.
Gowanda Police Department
Ray W. Silverheels, 27, of Lawtons was charged with petit larceny on June 11. Police responded to the report of a subject allegedly stealing a bicycle at a Commercial Street residence. Police found Silverheels allegedly riding the bicycle at the intersection of Jamestown Street and Torrence Avenue and he appeared allegedly intoxicated. He was released to appear in Persia Town Court. The New York State Police also assisted with this call.
Marvin G. Reveal, 32, of Jamestown Street was charged with second-degree harassment on June 12. Police responded to the report of an alleged disturbance on Jamestown Street. Reveal allegedly was involved in a verbal altercation with another resident at the residence. Reveal allegedly punched a male victim in the facial area numerous times. He was released to appear in Persia Town Court.
Pamela D. Johnston, 49, of Bader Street was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on June 14. Police stopped Johnston on Aldrich Street and found her licensed was allegedly suspended in July 2013 for failure to pay a traffic fine in Hanover Town Court. Johnston was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
David B. Piechowicz Jr., 38, of Buffalo was charged with second-degree harassment on June 14. Police received a complaint from a female that Piechowicz had allegedly struck her in the facial area. Piechowicz was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
Seneca L. Mohawk, 37, of Buffalo Street was charged on a warrant on June 14. Police previously charged Mohawk with trespassing and when he failed to appear, a warrant from Collins Town Court was issued. Mohawk turned himself into police on this warrant. He was released to appear in Collins Town Court at a later date.
Heather A. Battaglia, 33, of Buffalo Street was charged with third-degree assault on June 16. Police received a complaint from a female that Battaglia allegedly attacked her earlier in the day. Battaglia allegedly repeatedly hit this victim in the facial area causing the victim to seek medical attention. Battaglia was located on Water Street and was issued appearance tickets for Persia Town Court.
Kelly D. Nephew, 53, of Route 438 was charged on a warrant arrest on Sunday. Nephew responded to a traffic stop by police involving a relative of Nephew. When police checked to see if Nephew had a valid license, a DMV check revealed an active warrant from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody and turned over to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
Area Police
Dunkirk Police Department
Two people were injured after a two-vehicle accident on Monday morning on Lake Shore Drive West near Crooked Brook Drive.
Around 11:15 a.m., David Hunter, 66, of Milestrip Road, Irving, allegedly backed his pickup truck into a driveway to retrieve a trailer. He was reportedly struck by Rose Miller, 72, of Kinney Street, Brocton, who was heading west on Lake Shore Drive West.
Miller reportedly thought Hunter was turning left into a driveway and when she realized he was backing in, there was allegedly no time to stop.
Hunter was charged with unsafe backing and Miller received a ticket for following too closely. Miller and her passenger, 55-year-old Sheryl Bailey, went to the hospital for unknown injuries as a result of the incident.
Edward Perez-Masonet, 28, of Lincoln Avenue was charged with resisting arrest and petit larceny on Wednesday.
Zachary Barnette, 26, of Lincoln Avenue was charged with obstruction of circulation or breathing, criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child on Wednesday.
Fredonia Police Department
Wendy Hallmark, 52, of East Main Street, Brocton, was charged with petit larceny on Tuesday.
John Peterson, 25, of Park Street, Brocton, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Wednesday.
Area Police
Unnamed man, 19, charged with rape
in Stockton
STOCKTON – A 19-year-old man has been charged with second-degree rape in the town of Stockton.
Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies report the man allegedly had sex with an underage female, 14, from the Stockton area.
Police did not release the man’s name.
He was arraigned in town of Stockton court and sent to Chautauqua County Jail on $5,000 cash or $10,000 property bail.
Busti fire cause released
BUSTI – The Chautau-qua County Sheriff’s Office has released a cause in a Tuesday night barn fire.
The fire was reported at 4357 Cowing Road around 9 p.m.
According to police, Busti Fire Department in addition to several other fire departments had a quick response and extinguished the fire quickly.
An investigation revealed the fire was determined to be accidental in nature and caused by an overheated fan motor from a dehydrator located inside the barn.
New York State Police at Jamestown
ELLICOTT – On June 24, Jamestown State Troopers arrested Jacob E. Andrews, 30, of Jamestown after a traffic stop for not wearing a seatbelt, and a loud muffler on Interstate 86.
He was issued tickets for inadequate muffler, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, no seatbelt and unlawful possession of marijuana.
All tickets are returnable to the Town of Ellicott Court.
New York State Police at Fredonia
POMFRET – On Tuesday, Fredonia State Police stopped a vehicle on Van Buren Road for failure to dim its lights.
John Wallace-Buchanan, 27, of Portland was arrested for driving while intoxicated and failure to dim lights. A breath test was administered with a blood alcohol level of .13 percent.
Wallace-Buchanan was processed at the Fredonia Station and issued tickets returnable to the Town of Pomfret Court on Aug. 5.
SHERIDAN – On Tuesday, Fredonia State Police responded to a report of a disorderly male throwing rocks in a yard on Newell Road.
David Blodgett, 50, of Dunkirk was arrested for second-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree menacing.
Blodgett was processed at the Fredonia Station and arraigned at the Town of Sheridan Court. Blodgett was remanded to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Bryan C. Michalski, 25, of West Seneca was charged with having an open container on Saturday. Deputies observed Michalski to be in alleged possession of an open container on South Shore Drive at 2:17 p.m. He was released to appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.
HANOVER – Joshua P. Lapatra, 22, of Lakeview was charged with not wearing a seat belt on Saturday. Deputies were on patrol at about 1 p.m., when they observed Lapatra allegedly operating a vehicle without a seat belt on South Shore Drive.
During the traffic stop, police allegedly found an open container and a quantity of marijuana. Police also charged Jordan M. Thrun, 23, of Buffalo with unlawful possession of marijuana and Adam J. Schnettler, 24, of Buffalo was charged with having an open container. All three males were released to appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.
POLAND – Jeffrey C. Lott, 68, of Falconer was charged with driving while intoxicated, moving from lane unsafely, speed not reasonable and prudent, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and reckless driving on Sunday. Deputies responded to the report of an accident on Quaint Road at 7:20 p.m. Lott allegedly had left the scene of a property damage accident without reporting it and nearly struck three individuals who were walking down Quaint Road near Clay Pond Road. Lott’s vehicle was found at a residence nearby. He was released to appear in Poland Town Court at a later date.
Dunkirk Police
Leo Waller Sr., 56, of Lake Shore Drive West was charged with second-degree harassment on June 13.
Jesus Reyes, 20, of Lincoln Avenue was charged with second-, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief on June 13.
Steven Glasier, 51, of Seymour Street, Fredonia, was charged with trespassing on June 15.
Patrina Gloss, 31, of Water Street, Forestville, was charged with disorderly conduct on June 15.
Michael Briggs, 50, of Middle Road was charged with second-degree harassment on June 16.
Louis Medina, 29, of Woodrow Avenue was charged June 17 with second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief.
William Donaldson, 49, of King Street was charged with second-degree harassment on June 18.
Anthony West, 37, of Maple Avenue was charged with second-degree harassment on June 19.
Donna Ojeda, 43, of Townsend Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing on June 19.
Noel Irizarry, 26, of Bronx was charged with second-degree robbery on June 20.
Amy Schuk, 35, of Lake Shore Drive West was charged with third-degree criminal possession and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance on June 20.
Ashley Nicholson, 26, of Lake Shore Drive East was charged with third-degree assault on Sunday.
Monica Quinonez, 21, of Ruggles Street was charged with second-degree menacing on Sunday.
Marqus Singh, 22, of Route 60, Fredonia, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated after an incident that occurred on March 29.
Matthew Hanlon, 42, of North Jerboa Street was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to keep right on Monday after an accident that occurred on June 21 around 1:30 a.m. near 292 Lake Shore Drive East. Hanlon allegedly turned out of a parking lot there and hit a legally parked vehicle after crossing the center line.
Fredonia Police
Danielle Braun, 28, of Central Avenue was charged with three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 14.
Lee Wayne Seybold, 53, of West Main Road, Silver Creek, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on June 17.
Justin Schwertfager, 26, of West Main Road was charged with petit larceny, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic needle and unlawful possession of marijuana on June 21.
Carolyn Levin, 50, of Cottage Row, Lily Dale, was charged with petit larceny on June 21.
Joseph Culmo, 26, with no known address, was charged with second-degree contempt and criminal possession of a weapon on Sunday.
Area Police
Gowanda man allegedly strikes female with light bulb
GOWANDA – A Gowanda man has been charged after allegedly striking a female with a light bulb. According to the Gowanda Police Depart-ment, Blaine Lay, 46, of Chestnut Street was charged with third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing on June 18.
Police responded to a Chestnut Street residence for the report of a domestic incident at 5:45 p.m. Lay had allegedly been involved in a verbal altercation with a female acquaintance which escalated into a physical altercation. Lay allegedly smashed a long light bulb across the victim’s body causing cuts to her head and feet. He also allegedly choked the victim by covering her mouth with his hand.
Lay was arraigned in Persia Town Court where he was sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.
Names released in three-vehicle accident
OBSERVER Staff Report
The Fredonia Police Department has released the identities of those involved in a three-vehicle accident at the intersection of Routes 20 and 60 Friday afternoon.
According to an accident report, around 2:30 p.m., Carol Gasber, 71, of Lily Dale ran a red light while traveling east on Route 20, thus striking Stephanie Hammond, 32, of Smith Court, Dunkirk.
Hammond was traveling north on Route 60 and subsequently crashed into Robert Gorka, 61, of Route 20, Dunkirk, as a result of the initial collision. Gorka was stopped at the traffic light facing west on Route 20.
Gasber, who was charged with passing a red signal, was transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital via Alstar Ambulance for minor injuries.
All three vehicles were towed at the scene.
One charged in city rollover accident
OBSERVER Staff Report
A driver has been charged with failure to use a designated lane after allegedly crashing head-on into a parked vehicle Saturday night in the city of Dunkirk.
According to the city’s police department, around 11:30 p.m., Jose Alvira, 23, of Woodrow Avenue was traveling west on Lake Shore Drive East near Antelope Street when he apparently left his designated lane, striking the parked vehicle facing east on the south side of the roadway.
Alvira’s vehicle then left the roadway and careened into the front yard of 169 Lake Shore Drive East. The parked vehicle rolled over onto its rooftop and ended up in the driveway of 172 Lake Shore Drive East.
Alvira was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital by the Dunkirk Fire Department for a complaint of chest pain.
Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
PERRYSBURG – Eric Henhawk, 38, of Gowanda was charged Saturday with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana and stopping or standing on a public highway. At 8 p.m., deputies stopped Henhawk’s vehicle on Eaton Road. During this stop, he was found to be in alleged possession of a small quantity of cocaine and marijuana. He was released to appear in court.
Chautauqua County Court
MAYVILLE – District Attorney David W. Foley announced the following pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court before the Hon. John T. Ward:
- Jack L. Emerson, 64, of Falconer, was sentenced to 10 years probation for first-degree sex abuse.
- Jackson Knappenberg-er, 20, of Jamestown, was sentenced to 2-4 years in state prison for third-degree robbery.
- Daniel Melendez, 27, of Dunkirk, was sentenced to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation for fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
New York State Police at Jamestown
ELLICOTT – On June 20, New York State Police arrested Fred J. Levy, 35, of Jacksonville, Fla., for driving while intoxicated.
Levy was transported to Jamestown barracks for processing where a blood alcohol level of .08 percent was obtained.
He gave a false name and date of birth to the trooper and was subsequently issued tickets for driving while intoxicated, false personation, aggravated unlicensed operation and numerous other vehicle and traffic charges. He was arraigned in the Town of Ellicott Court and committed to Chautauqua County Jail.
JAMESTOWN – On June 19, Jamestown State Police arrested Harvey P. Ryan, 27, of Celoron after a traffic stop for failure to keep right.
Ryan was issued tickets for unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to keep right returnable to the City of Jamestown Court at a later date.
New York State Police at Fredonia
WESTFIELD – On Monday, Fredonia State Police arrested a 17-year-old female from North East, Pa., for unlawful possession of marijuana, on Route 5.
She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Westfield Court on July 7.
PORTLAND – On Monday, Fredonia State Police arrested Philip Purpura, 42, of Huntington Station, for a revoked NY ID only with five active suspensions.
Purpura was charged for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, and a speeding violation for exceeding 55 mph (75 mph in a 55 mph zone).
He was arraigned at the Town of Portland Court and remanded to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.
WESTFIELD – On Sunday, Fredonia State Police investigated a one-car rollover personal injury accident on State Route 5 in the Town of Portland.
Edward Majkowski, 58, of Westfield was traveling westbound on State Route 5 when he lost control and struck a guardrail on the north shoulder and overturned.
Majkowski was flown by helicopter to Hamot Medical Center, Erie, Pa., with several abrasions, complaint of back pain, and a small laceration to his head. Injuries appear to be non-life threatening.
VILLENOVA – On June 20, Fredonia State Police arrested Donna Roberts, 57, of Villenova for five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Roberts was processed at the Fredonia station and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Villenova Court on July 3.
SHERIDAN – On Monday, Fredonia State Police arrested David Blodgett, 58, of Dunkirk for fourth-degree criminal mischief.
Investigation revealed Blodgett damaged a wooden fence post on State Route 20, in the town of Sheridan, by kicking it. Blodgett was processed at the Fredonia Station and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Sheridan Court on July 20.
Area Police
Gowanda man allegedly strikes female with light bulb
GOWANDA – A Gowanda man has been charged after allegedly striking a female with a light bulb. According to the Gowanda Police Depart-ment, Blaine Lay, 46, of Chestnut Street was charged with third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing on June 18.
Police responded to a Chestnut Street residence for the report of a domestic incident at 5:45 p.m. Lay had allegedly been involved in a verbal altercation with a female acquaintance which escalated into a physical altercation. Lay allegedly smashed a long light bulb across the victim’s body causing cuts to her head and feet. He also allegedly choked the victim by covering her mouth with his hand.
Lay was arraigned in Persia Town Court where he was sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.
Names released in three-vehicle accident
OBSERVER Staff Report
The Fredonia Police Department has released the identities of those involved in a three-vehicle accident at the intersection of Routes 20 and 60 Friday afternoon.
According to an accident report, around 2:30 p.m., Carol Gasber, 71, of Lily Dale ran a red light while traveling east on Route 20, thus striking Stephanie Hammond, 32, of Smith Court, Dunkirk.
Hammond was traveling north on Route 60 and subsequently crashed into Robert Gorka, 61, of Route 20, Dunkirk, as a result of the initial collision. Gorka was stopped at the traffic light facing west on Route 20.
Gasber, who was charged with passing a red signal, was transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital via Alstar Ambulance for minor injuries.
All three vehicles were towed at the scene.
One charged in city rollover accident
OBSERVER Staff Report
A driver has been charged with failure to use a designated lane after allegedly crashing head-on into a parked vehicle Saturday night in the city of Dunkirk.
According to the city’s police department, around 11:30 p.m., Jose Alvira, 23, of Woodrow Avenue was traveling west on Lake Shore Drive East near Antelope Street when he apparently left his designated lane, striking the parked vehicle facing east on the south side of the roadway.
Alvira’s vehicle then left the roadway and careened into the front yard of 169 Lake Shore Drive East. The parked vehicle rolled over onto its rooftop and ended up in the driveway of 172 Lake Shore Drive East.
Alvira was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital by the Dunkirk Fire Department for a complaint of chest pain.
Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
PERRYSBURG – Eric Henhawk, 38, of Gowanda was charged Saturday with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana and stopping or standing on a public highway. At 8 p.m., deputies stopped Henhawk’s vehicle on Eaton Road. During this stop, he was found to be in alleged possession of a small quantity of cocaine and marijuana. He was released to appear in court.
Chautauqua County Court
MAYVILLE – District Attorney David W. Foley announced the following pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court before the Hon. John T. Ward:
- Jack L. Emerson, 64, of Falconer, was sentenced to 10 years probation for first-degree sex abuse.
- Jackson Knappenberg-er, 20, of Jamestown, was sentenced to 2-4 years in state prison for third-degree robbery.
- Daniel Melendez, 27, of Dunkirk, was sentenced to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation for fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
New York State Police at Jamestown
ELLICOTT – On June 20, New York State Police arrested Fred J. Levy, 35, of Jacksonville, Fla., for driving while intoxicated.
Levy was transported to Jamestown barracks for processing where a blood alcohol level of .08 percent was obtained.
He gave a false name and date of birth to the trooper and was subsequently issued tickets for driving while intoxicated, false personation, aggravated unlicensed operation and numerous other vehicle and traffic charges. He was arraigned in the Town of Ellicott Court and committed to Chautauqua County Jail.
JAMESTOWN – On June 19, Jamestown State Police arrested Harvey P. Ryan, 27, of Celoron after a traffic stop for failure to keep right.
Ryan was issued tickets for unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to keep right returnable to the City of Jamestown Court at a later date.
New York State Police at Fredonia
WESTFIELD – On Monday, Fredonia State Police arrested a 17-year-old female from North East, Pa., for unlawful possession of marijuana, on Route 5.
She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Westfield Court on July 7.
PORTLAND – On Monday, Fredonia State Police arrested Philip Purpura, 42, of Huntington Station, for a revoked NY ID only with five active suspensions.
Purpura was charged for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, and a speeding violation for exceeding 55 mph (75 mph in a 55 mph zone).
He was arraigned at the Town of Portland Court and remanded to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.
WESTFIELD – On Sunday, Fredonia State Police investigated a one-car rollover personal injury accident on State Route 5 in the Town of Portland.
Edward Majkowski, 58, of Westfield was traveling westbound on State Route 5 when he lost control and struck a guardrail on the north shoulder and overturned.
Majkowski was flown by helicopter to Hamot Medical Center, Erie, Pa., with several abrasions, complaint of back pain, and a small laceration to his head. Injuries appear to be non-life threatening.
VILLENOVA – On June 20, Fredonia State Police arrested Donna Roberts, 57, of Villenova for five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Roberts was processed at the Fredonia station and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Villenova Court on July 3.
SHERIDAN – On Monday, Fredonia State Police arrested David Blodgett, 58, of Dunkirk for fourth-degree criminal mischief.
Investigation revealed Blodgett damaged a wooden fence post on State Route 20, in the town of Sheridan, by kicking it. Blodgett was processed at the Fredonia Station and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Sheridan Court on July 20.
Area Police
Forestville man arrested
COLLINS – A Forestville man has been arrested and charged in connection with the theft of scrap yard material from a Collins business.
Shaun I. Ellison, 33, was charged with petit larceny and third degree criminal trespass and released on appearance tickets from the Collins Town Court after his arrest by State Police Collins Barracks troopers around 4 a.m. Sunday.
Also arrested and charged with fourth degree grand larceny, a felony, and third degree criminal trespass were two Buffalo residents, 32-year-old Francis G. Chaplin and 31-year-old Joseph C. Mooney. They were arraigned in Collins Town Court and remanded to the Erie County Holding Center.
The arrests were the result of an investigation that began after an asphalt business based in Collins contacted the State Police Collins Barracks after employees noticed suspicious tire tracks and several items missing from the scrap yard. The preliminary investigation determined the suspects were maneuvering around a locked gate and gaining access to the scrap yard contents. Troopers working with business employees determined the thefts started on Sunday, June 15 and continued undetected throughout the week.
During the early morning hours of Sunday, troopers initiated stationary surveillance of the access gate being used by the suspect vehicle. At approximately 3:30 a.m., a 1999 Chevrolet pickup truck was observed entering the scrap yard property.
Troopers monitored the suspects as they loaded 38 used commercial vehicle brake drums, weighing in excess of 100 pounds each, into the rear of the pickup truck. While the suspects attempted to exit the scrap yard, troopers converged on them and placed them in custody.
All three men are due back in Collins court at a later date.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Mat-thew R. Greenough, 25, of Forestville was charged with second-degree harassment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child on Saturday. Deputies responded to a King Road residence for the report of an alleged disturbance at 6:30 p.m. Greenough allegedly punched and kicked a male victim and allegedly damaged property. This incident occurred while in close proximity to a male youth. Greenough was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 property.
MAYVILLE – Kristen M. Barmore-Brooks, 40, of South Erie Street was charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child on Sunday. Deputies responded to an alleged incident at a South Erie Street residence at 11 p.m. Barmore-Brooks allegedly had an altercation with a youth. She was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
Joshua M. Link, 23, of Fredonia was charged Friday with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having no seatbelt. At 11:31 a.m., deputies were on patrol on Route 60 in Pomfret and allegedly saw Link not wearing a seatbelt. During a traffic stop, it was found Link’s driving privileges in New York were suspended. Deputies also discovered he had an active arrest warrant from Jamestown.
He was released on ap-pearance tickets and turned over to Jamestown Police.
State Police at Collins
DAYTON – Dakota Mack, 27, of Leon was charged June 10 with driving while under the influence of drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana.
Mack allegedly began to flee from troopers on Peck Hill Road, but hit a deer.
He was processed at Collins barracks, where he refused chemical tests. Mack was arraigned at Dayton Town Court and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $1,000 bail.
SOUTH DAYTON – Patrick Olmstead, 17, of Forestville was taken into custody June 12 on two active arrest warrants.
Olmstead was charged with third-degree burglary in Dunkirk and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property in Fredonia. He was turned over to Fredonia Police.
PERRYSBURG – Five Amherst residents were charged June 14 with trespassing after their car was observed parked off of Peck Hill Road.
Margaret Dunne, 22, Joshua Slade, 23, both of Rensch Road, Denzel Turnage, 17, of Coronation Drive and Zachary Mednick, 20, of Hampton Court, were charged with trespassing. Elijah Peterson, 21, of Rensch Road was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
BRANT – Ronald Rohloff, 64, of Angola, was charged Friday with driving while intoxicated.
Area Police
Three injured in Erie County crash
CONCORD – The Erie County Sheriff’s Department reports a two-car personal injury automobile crash on Route 39, in the Town of Concord, sent three people to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries.
At approximately 8 p.m. Friday, a 2008 Dodge van, operated by John Sunick III, 34, of South Dayton was traveling west on Route 39 and rear-ended a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer operated by David Richter, 41, of Perrysburg. Richter was taken by Mercy Flight to the Erie County Medical Center for treatment and is listed in stable condition. Passenger Tanya Richter, 39 of Perrysburg, was taken to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville for treatment.
Sunick was also transported to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville for treatment of a hand injury.
The crash remains under investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit and charges are pending.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – Patricia A. Patton, 59, of Silver Creek was charged with trespassing on Tuesday. At 1:35 a.m., deputies were called to Robinson Street for the report of alleged trespass. Patton allegedly went on private property she did not own. She was released to appear in Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.
SILVER CREEK – Daniel F. Neubauer, 34, of Howard Street was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Wednesday. Deputies responded to Neubauer’s residence for the alleged smell of marijuana smoke at 5:35 p.m. It was found that Neubauer was in alleged possession of a small quantity of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket for Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.
SHERIDAN – John F. Way, 69, of Dunkirk was charged Friday with for driving while intoxicated and operating above .08 percent blood alcohol content after a traffic stop around 5:45 p.m. He was issued traffic tickets and released to a sober party. Way will appear in the Sheridan Town Court at a later date.
New York State Police at Collins
COLLINS – Dana Luther, 43, of North Collins was charged May 30 with driving while intoxicated. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, and processed at Collins barracks with a blood alcohol content of .14 percent.
Luther is due in the Collins Town Court at a later date.
IRVING – Nicholas Mohawk, 23, of Irving was charged June 14 with driving while intoxicated after a one car accident.
Mohawk allegedly drove off the road on Old Lakeshore Drive as he was trying to navigate a left turn. His vehicle struck a sign and came to rest in the woods. He was treated for minor injuries on the scene and transported to the Collins barracks, where he was processed with a blood alcohol content of .16 percent.
Mohawk is due in the Brant Town Court at a later date.
SOUTH DAYTON – Daniel Pfaffenbach, 33, of South Dayton was charged June 17 with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Pfaffenbach reportedly punched and attacked a victim as he walked out of his home on Park Street. While the attack was going on the victims two-year-old son was watching and began to scream and cry.
He was processed at Collins barracks, arraigned in Dayton Town Court and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $1,000 bail.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
NORTH HARMONY – Kristopher A. Wright, 22, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated, moving from lane unsafely and consumption or possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle on Monday.
At 10:35 p.m., deputies received a call for a vehicle stopped in the roadway on Route 394 near Bly Hill. Wright was found in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Wright was found to be allegedly intoxicated.
He was released on appearance tickets to appear in North Harmony Town Court.
SILVER CREEK – Marcia I. Brown, 49, of Fredonia was charged with disorderly conduct Tuesday.
Deputies were present in Silver Creek Village Court at 8 p.m. when Brown allegedly yelled a vulgar statement while walking out of court.
Brown was brought before a judge and was held in lieu of bail.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
MAYVILLE – Tina D. Jackson, 41, of Jamestown was wanted by the sheriff’s office for criminal sale of drugs. Jackson turned herself into Chautauqua County Court on this warrant on Monday. She can be removed from the county’s most wanted list.
MAYVILLE – Edward K. Ortiz, 48, of Jamestown was wanted by the sheriff’s office for failure to report as a sex offender. Ortiz was located and arrested by police in Boston, Mass., on Monday. The sheriff’s office is currently in an extradition process to get Ortiz back to Chautauqua County. He can be removed from the county’s most wanted list.
Western New York motorcycle safety
The New York State Police along with other law enforcement agencies joined forces on June 13 in a continued quest to reduce the number of crash-related injuries and fatal accidents on Western New York roadways.
Following one of the Governors Traffic Safety Committee’s 2014 initiatives “Operation Saddlebag III” was put into action. While this initiative focused on motorcycles and their operators, it also focused on other vehicle traffic around motorcycles.
The initiative objective was based on the collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to run traffic details simultaneously on various Erie County interstates. Participating agencies in-cluded: United States Cus-toms and Border Protection, the New York State Police in Troop A and Troop T (Thruway), Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo Police, Cheektowaga Police, Amherst Police, Town of Tonawanda Police, Ham-burg Police, West Seneca Police and the Orchard Park Police.
Specific objectives included:
Providing community outreach and education surrounding the “sharing the road” safety message that motorcycles are vulnerable to larger vehicles they share the road with.
NYS motorcycle related laws.
Focus on aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors being performed by both passenger and commercial vehicles causing an increased risk to motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists as well as passenger vehicles were targeted for inspection and enforcement as they traveled Interstates 90, 190, 290, and Expressways 5, 33, 219, 400. Additionally, a stationary checkpoint was conducted on the Peace Bridge access road within the City of Buffalo.
The stationary checkpoint at the Peace Bridge saw more that 2,100 vehicles pass through with more than 300 inspections conducted. The four-hour collaboration resulted in 118 vehicle and traffic citations issued, including but not limited to: Unapproved helmets, speeding, unsafe lane changes, driving on the shoulder, driving the wrong way on a highway, aggravated unlicensed operation, texting and cell phone use, and one operator was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana.
New York State Police conducted Operation Spring Brake
On June 9, the New York State Police in Troop T boosted patrols along the 570 mile State Thruway System as they launched Operation Spring Brake. The campaign focused on speeding motorists and aggressive drivers in and around work zones.
The five-day enforcement period continued through June 13.
Road crews face constant dangers everyday in work zones. Motorists who speed, drive distracted, or are simply careless when traveling in a work zone pose a great safety risk to highway workers and other drivers.
Following the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, Troop T created Operation Work Brake. The goal of this operation is to raise motor-ist awareness of the presence of workers in construction zones; and to reduce number of hazardous violations in and around work zones. The operation is broken down into three annual enforcement periods known as Work Brake, Spring Brake and Summer Brake.
During this most recent five day campaign, Troop T issued more than 2,500 traffic tickets, more than half of which were speed related violations in and around active work zones.
Area Police
Silver Creek woman charged after allegedly selling crack cocaine
SILVER CREEK – A Silver Creek woman has turned herself in to police on an outstanding warrant for allegedly selling drugs. Lisa A. Farner, 49, of 3 Lafayette St., turned herself into police on Wednesday on the warrant issued by Silver Creek Village Court.
The warrant had been issued after members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force allege Farner has sold quantities of crack cocaine to agents of the task force within the village. Farner is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and was ar-raigned in Silver Creek Vil-lage Court. She was re-leased on her recognizance to appear back in court and her charges will be brought before a Chautauqua County Grand Jury.
This arrest culminates a three month investigation into crack cocaine sales in the village and northern Chautauqua County. The drug task force continues to ask for the cooperation of the community by asking them to call either the task force at 1-800-344-8702 or you local police department anytime narcotic-related activity is observed. All calls are kept confidential.
Dunkirk man charged with harassment
BROCTON – On June 12, the Sheriff’s Office received a tip indicating Robert J. Mangus Jr., 33, of Dunkirk was in the Village of Brocton.
Mangus Jr. was wanted in the city of Dunkirk on a second-degree domestic violence harassment warrant. Sheriff’s Deputies located Mangus on Route 20. He was arrested and turned over to the city of Dunkirk. Mangus was being held without bail.
Silver Creek woman charged with animal cruelty
SILVER CREEK – On June 12, Rachelle Potter, 45, of Silver Creek was arrested on Vineyard Drive for cruelty to animals.
Potter left her dog inside her locked vehicle with the windows up under extreme heat conditions. Potter was issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Dunkirk Court on June 23.
Dunkirk Police
Traiquane Nance, 24, of Plover Street was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, one count in the third degree and one count in the fourth degree, on June 6.
A 17-year-old youth from Bucknor Street was charged with trespassing June 7.
Paige Plaza-Mercado, 22, of West Second Street was charged with second-degree harassment June 9.
Patrick Phillips, 33, of Canary Street was charged with following too closely and no insurance after a two-vehicle, rear-end accident on Lake Shore Drive West just west of Light Street on June 9.
Derik Cuyler, 37, of Genet Street was charged with obstruction and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on June 10.
Ellis Renfroe Jr., 34, of Monroe Street was charged with strangulation and third-degree assault on June 11.
Shaun Boyd, 34, of Deer Street was charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on June 11.
A 17-year-old Forest-ville youth was charged June 12 with third-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny and petit larceny.
Leah Nickerson, 37, of Stone Road, Fredonia, was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and unsafe passing on June 12.
Mary Benner, 57, of Greco Lane was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident after an accident that occurred on June 1 allegedly involving Benner’s vehicle and a parked car on Greco Lane just west of Main Street.
Fredonia Police
Michael Hernandez Jr., 26, of Lord Street, Dunkirk, was charged with petit larceny on June 8.
Karen Botteron, 51, of Fort Wayne, Ind., was charged with following too closely after an accident on East Main Street around 10 a.m. on June 9. No injuries were reported.
A 17-year-old Forest-ville youth was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property on June 10.
Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
GOWANDA – Kevin D. Goodemote, 58, of Dayton was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and having inadequate exhaust on Sunday. Goodemote was stopped on South Chapel Street by deputies for allegedly having an inadequate exhaust shortly before 9:30 a.m. It was found Goodemote’s license was allegedly suspended for an alcohol related offense. He was released to appear in Persia Town Court at a later date.
Westfield Police
Jacqueline M. Day, 68, of Jamestown was charged with speeding and driving while intoxicated on Saturday. At 8:06 p.m., police observed Day’s vehicle allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed on South Portage Street. Day was found to be allegedly intoxicated during the traffic stop. She was released to appear in Westfield Village Court at a later date.
A 17-year-old male from Westfield was charged with violating the curfew law on Saturday. Police observed the youth on East Main Street at 2:35 a.m. When police attempted to stop the male, he allegedly ran off on foot but was found after a brief search. He was released to appear in Westfield Village Court at a later date.
A 17-year-old female from Westfield and a 17-year-old female from Brocton were both charged with violating the curfew law on Saturday. Police observed the two youths on Academy Street just after 12 a.m., where the females allegedly tried to hide from police in bushes. The Westfield youth was allegedly found to be in possession of an alcoholic beverage and a small amount of marijuana. She was subsequently charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of alcohol under 21. Both females were released to appear in Westfield Village Court at a later date.
Daniel P. Rothwell, 23, of Grove Street was charged with crossing the hazard markings, failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or more on Sunday. Police observed Rothwell’s vehicle allegedly cross the hazard markings and yellow lines on Route 20 in the town of Westfield at 1:42 a.m. Rothwell was allegedly found to be intoxicated during the stop and was taken into custody. A chemical breath test resulted in a BAC of more than .18 percent. He as released to appear in Westfield Town Court at a later date.
New York State Police at Jamestown
CHERRY CREEK – On Sunday, New York State Police arrested David A. Lanphere, 32, of Cone-wango Valley after troopers responded to a report of a domestic in Cherry Creek.
Lanphere was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, second-degree unlawful imprisonment and second-degree harassment physical contact. He was arraigned in the Town of Cherry Creek Court and released on his own recognizance.
ELLICOTT – On Saturday just after 7 p.m., Jamestown State Troopers arrested Joshua D. McCune, 27, of Westfield subsequent to a traffic stop for speeding on State Route 60.
McCune was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. McCune was transported to James-town barracks for processing where a blood alcohol level of .13 percent was obtained.
He was issued tickets for felony aggravated unlicensed operation, felony driving while intoxicated and speeding. McCune was arraigned in the Town of Ellicott Court and committed to Chautauqua County Jail pending bail recommendation for the District Attorney.
BUSTI – On Friday, New York State Police arrested Julie K. Stutzman, 37, of Falconer for second-degree forgery and fourth-degree grand larceny following an investigation into a $1,200 forged check from an area business.
Stutzman was arraigned in the Town of Busti Court and committed to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.
NORTH HARMONY – On Friday, New York State Police arrested Zachary D. Legere, 24, of Sinclairville subsequent to a traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 86.
Legere was operating a tow truck and was found to have falsified log book records and hypodermic needles with heroin residue. Legere was transported to Jamestown barracks for processing and issued appearance tickets for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of hypodermic instrument and log book violations. He is to appear in North Harmony Court at a later date.
New York State Police at Fredonia
On Saturday, Fredonia State Troopers stopped Christy Smathers, 33, of Dunkirk on Vineyard Drive for use of a cell phone while driving.
Further investigation revealed Smathers to be driving with a suspended NYS driver license. She was issued tickets for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and using a cell phone while driving. Smathers was arraigned in the Town of Dunkirk Court and was told to return on July 14.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
Mary Kujawa, 56, of Frazier Street, Dunkirk, was charged with second-degree harassment, trespass and leaving the scene of a property damage accident on June 14.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Berry Road in the town of Pomfret on June 8 around 6 a.m. Kujawa was issued appearance tickets for Pomfret Town Court.
Gowanda Police Department
Cory M. Bayerl, 23, of North Collins was charged with disorderly conduct on May 30. Bayerl was allegedly involved in a fight at the Hollywood Happening. He was released to appear in Persia Town Court.
Andrew Usyk, 22, of Jamestown Street was charged with two counts of second-degree harassment and criminal mischief on May 31. Patrol responded to a domestic dispute at 6:30 p.m., on Jamestown Street, where Usyk allegedly threw a female to the ground and pulled her arm. Usyk was instructed to stay away from the victim. Shortly before 10 p.m., police responded again to the same residence, where Usyk allegedly had again pushed and pulled the hair of the same victim. He then allegedly smashed the victim’s cell phone to prevent her from calling police. Usyk was arraigned in Persia Town Court and released on $400 bail.
Tyler C. Corkwell, 21, of South Dayton was charged with second-degree harassment on May 31. Police received a complaint that Corkwell, along with two other subjects, had allegedly threatened physical harm to a village resident on previous occasions. Corkwell was released to appear in Persia Town Court.
Josh D. Horschel, 21, of Springville was charged with disorderly conduct on May 31. Horschel was allegedly involved in a fight at the Hollywood Happen-ing. He was released to ap-pear in Persia Town Court.
Gary R. London, 40, of East Otto was charged with having inadequate lights and unlawful possession of marijuana on June 1. London’s vehicle was stopped on Buffalo Street for an alleged traffic violation. During the stop, police detected an alleged aroma of marijuana coming from inside and London was found to be in alleged possession of two baggies and one tin container with marijuana. He was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
Joseph D. Wagner, 61, of Springville was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on June 1. Wagner was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by police on Buffalo Street. Wagner was found to be in possession of two baggies and a tin container of marijuana. He was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
Daniel J. Sawyer, 23, of Park Street was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawfully growing marijuana on June 1. Police responded to Sawyer’s residence for an alleged domestic incident. Police allegedly discovered numerous marijuana plants growing in plain view, as well as containers with the drug and marijuana pipes. Sawyer was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
Adria D. Sluis, 20, of Park Street was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawfully growing marijuana on June 1. Police responded to Sluis’ residence for an alleged domestic incident. Police allegedly discovered numerous marijuana plants growing in plain view in addition to containers with marijuana and marijuana pipes. Sluis was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
Tiffany L. Nichols, 35, of Route 353 was charged with second-degree harassment on June 1. Police responded to the report of an alleged domestic incident in the parking lot of the police station. Nichols, who allegedly appeared intoxicated, was reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with a male acquaintance, which became physical. Nichols was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
Randi A. Gates, 24, of Buffalo Street was charged with criminal possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct on June 1. Patrol responded to the report of an alleged disturbance at a village business on Buffalo Street. Police arrived to find Gates allegedly lying on the floor without any pants on. She was allegedly in an altered mental state and in alleged possession of six baggies of marijuana. Gates was treated and transported to Lake Shore Hospital by Gowanda Ambulance Service. Upon her release from the hospital, Gates was released to appear in Collins Town Court.
Indigo J. Vantino, 20, of West Main Street was charged on an arrest warrant on Sunday. Vantino was wanted from Lacka-wanna City Court for obstructing governmental administration. Vantino was taken into custody by police and turned over to the Lackawanna City Police Department.
William P. Hunt, 30, of Hamburg was charged with second-degree harassment on Monday. Police received a complaint Hunt had allegedly harassed and threatened physical harm to a village resident on numerous previous occasions and a warrant was issued. Evans Police Department located Hunt and was he turned over to Gowanda Police Department. Hunt was arraigned in Persia Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – Thomas E. Taggart, 59, of Henry Street was charged with moving from lane unsafely and driving while intoxicated on Saturday. Just before 2 a.m., deputies witnessed Taggart’s vehicle allegedly move from the driving lane unsafely on Main Street. He was found to be allegedly intoxicated during a traffic stop. Taggart was released to a sober party to appear in Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.
HANOVER – Hannah K. Jordan, 20, of Forestville was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and uninspected motor vehicle on Saturday. At 1:28 p.m., deputies stopped Jordan’s vehicle on Alleghany Road for allegedly having expired inspection. During the traffic stop, Jordan and her passenger, Nicholas E. Degolier, 21, of Forestville were allegedly in possession of a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Degolier was subsequently charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Both were released to appear in Hanover Town Court.
Gowanda Police Department
David M. Fanale, 41, of Burgess Street was charged with failure to use a designated lane, driving while under the influence of drugs, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and criminal impersonation on May 30. Police observed Fanale operating a vehicle in an alleged erratic manner on Sandhill Road. During the traffic stop, Fanale allegedly exhibited signs of being under the influence of drugs and repeatedly identified himself as another person. He also allegedly refused a blood sample and sobriety tests. He was arraigned in Collins Town Court and released on $1,500 bail.
Area Police
Gerry man charged with killing, burying neighbor’s dog
GERRY – On Thursday at about 5:30 p.m. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Damon Hill Road where they assisted a man who found his missing dog dead and buried in a field.
According to the owner, his dog Jake had been missing for several days. The owner was walking through wooded areas, fields and speaking to neighbors attempting to locate the dog. During the search the owner discovered an area of loose unearthed soil. The owner began digging into the soil which led to the location of the dead dog.
Following an investigation Deputies allege Robert Rearick 46 of Gerry shot the dog because it was barking near his residence. Rearick later buried the dog in his field. Rearick has been charged with agriculture and markets law, overdriving, torturing and injuring animals. He will appear in the Town of Gerry Court.
Forestville woman injured in accident
HANOVER – On Friday the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office along with Forestville, Hanover Center and Silver Creek fire departments responded to King Road for a single vehicle car accident.
Suella Klepfer, 68, of Forestville may have had a medical issue before her vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Klepfer was transported to Lake Shore Hospital for evaluation and appeared to have only minor injuries.
Jamestown teen injured in accident
JAMESTOWN – On Friday at about 7:30 a.m. Cody Himes, 18, of Frewsburg was traveling east on West Main Street in the Town of Carroll when he apparently fell asleep at the wheel.
His vehicle went off the south side of the road, struck a flower planter, and then struck a vehicle that was stopped on South Pearl Street at the stop sign. Himes was not injured.
Martina Rasmussen., 16, of Jamestown was driving the other vehicle. Rasmussen’s vehicle was pushed into the building located on the corner causing minor damage to the building.
Rasmussen was transported to WCA via Frewsburg Fire with minor injuries. Rasmussen’s passenger Kelsey Sheldon was uninjured. No charges filed at this time.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
- ELLERY – On Thursday New York State Parole Officers assisted by Sheriff’s Office Deputies located Richard J. Catanese, 25, of Ellery inside a Sager Road residence.
Catanese was wanted by New York State Parole. He was taken into custody and held at the Chautauqua County Jail without bail. Further charges are pending.
- On Tuesday at about 7:41 p.m., Sheriff’s Deputies on patrol observed a southbound vehicle on Main Street in city of Dunkirk allegedly commit several lane violations.
Daniel P. Briggs, 47, of Dunkirk was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. He was charged with fail to keep right, fail to signal, unsafe lane change, fail to maintain lane, and driving while intoxicated.
Briggs was processed and later released with traffic citations directing him to appear in the City of Dunkirk Court at a later date and time to answer the charges.
- FORESTVILLE – On Tuesday deputies responded to a residence on Eagle Street for the report of a disturbance.
Gregory Shain, 31, of Forestville allegedly assaulted and harassed two individuals.
Shain was placed under arrest and arraigned in the Town of Hanover Court where he was committed to the Chautauqua County Jail.
He was charged with third-degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree harassment.
Area Police
New York State Police at Jamestown
RIPLEY – A search warrant was executed Thursday by New York State Police BCI, CNET and members from the Jamestown and Fredonia stations for a barn at 4156 Sinden Road.
As a result of the search warrant a marijuana grow operation with a number of marijuana plants was located within the barn. A quantity of processed marijuana was also secured.
The owner of the property, James E. Chambers. 41, of Ripley was arrested for one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and one count of unlawfully growing marijuana.
Illegal cigarettes
NORTH HARMONY – A Salamanca man was charged with transporting alleged illegal cigarettes. Michael J. Miller, 23, of Center Street was charged after being stopped by Chautauqua County Sheriff deputies on I-86.
Miller was stopped for allegedly speeding at 9:10 a.m. Tuesday. During the traffic stop, a full case of cigarettes was observed in the vehicle. Through investigation, Miller was allegedly transporting the cigarettes illegally with no state tax stamps or paperwork.
Miller was charged with criminal sale of untaxed cigarettes and criminal tax fraud.
Area Police
New York State Police at Fredonia
CHERRY CREEK – On Sunday, State Police responded to a domestic dispute complaint on Railroad Avenue.
Oliva Youngmann, 21, of South Dayton was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child. She was processed at the Fredonia Station and issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Cherry Creek Court.
Jeremy Steves, 33, from Cherry Creek, who fled the scene before the patrol arrived, was located and arrested Monday. He was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment and physical contact. He was processed at the Fredonia Station and arraigned in the Town of Cherry Creek Court.
New York State Police at Jamestown
NORTH HARMONY – On Monday, New York State Police arrested two Michigan men after a traffic stop for speeding on Intersection 86.
The driver, Patrick Montgomery, 25, of Ann Arbor, Mich., a was placed under arrest for driving while under the influence of drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana. The passenger, Michael M. Frasier, 22, also from Ann Arbor, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Both were issued appearance tickets.
Woman allegedly has meth production precursors
WESTFIELD – A Jamestown woman has been charged on a warrant Tuesday for allegedly having the precursors to make methamphetamine. Cristy L. Stutzman, 40, of Jamestown was charged with criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.
At 10:45 a.m., Stutzman turned herself into the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office on an outstanding warrant from Westfield Town Court. The warrant had been issued as a result of an investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the sheriff’s office into the alleged production of methamphetamine at a residence at Schultz Drive.
It is alleged Stutzman, along with another subject, was in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and the precursors to manufacture the drug at this residence. Stutzman was also found to be in alleged possession of marijuana.
Stutzman was arraigned in North Harmony Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
PERRYSBURG – Donald T. Richards, 65, of South Dayton was charged with felony aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent, failure to maintain lane and unsafe left turn on Friday. Deputies responded to the report of a one-vehicle accident on Edwards Corners Road at 11:52 p.m. Richards allegedly failed to make a left turn, entering the ditch and proceeded a short distance. Richards was found to be allegedly intoxicated and failed field sobriety tests. A computer check revealed a prior DWI conviction within 10 years making this charge a felony. He was released to appear in Perrysburg Town Court at a later date.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
BROCTON – Christopher A. Moore, 33, of Fredonia was charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right on Saturday. Deputies stopped Moore on West Main Street at 2:41 a.m., for allegedly crossing the center line. Moore was found to be allegedly intoxicated and refused to submit to a breath test. Moore was arraigned in Brocton Village Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
ELLICOTT – Dustin D. Bloom, 29, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI and failure to keep right on Sunday. At 1:41 a.m., deputies stopped Bloom’s vehicle on West Oak Hill Road for an alleged traffic violation. He was found to be allegedly intoxicated during the traffic stop. Bloom was released to appear in Ellicott Town Court.
Area Police
Two suspicious persons reported in city of Dunkirk
OBSERVER Staff Report
The Dunkirk Police De-partment is investigating two incidents of suspicious activity that occurred Monday at 9:30 a.m., both of which involved a stranger driving a vehicle and approaching a teenage girl.
In the first incident, a white male in his late 30s, clean-shaven and wearing a white T-shirt, operating a light gray Dodge pickup truck, allegedly stopped his vehicle around the intersection of East Seventh Street and Columbus Street and asked a teenage girl if she wanted a ride.
In the second incident, a white or Hispanic male in his late 20s, with a close-shaven “chinstrap” beard, operating an older model light gold/tan Chevy SUV with Pennsylvania plates, reportedly pulled up to a female teenager around the intersection of Swan Street and West Third Street and asked her for her name, age, and if she wanted a ride. He allegedly followed her three times asking her the same questions.
If any incidents of this nature occur, contact Dunkirk Police immediately, or call 9-1-1.
At this time, police are looking to identify the unknown subjects involved.
Dunkirk City Schools have been advised of this incident, as well as the school resource officer. Individuals are reminded of the dangers of talking to strangers and to be aware of their surroundings.
Man charged after allegedly going 143 mph
CONCORD – A Spring-ville man has been charged after allegedly going 143 mph Sunday on Route 219.
According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph D. Gambino, 36, was allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed south on Route 219 south of Genesee Road. The vehicle also allegedly had tinted windows and a loud muffler.
When deputies attempted to stop Gambino at 8 p.m., he allegedly accelerated again pulling away from patrol, making a U-turn to continue north on Route 219. The vehicle exited Route 219 at Genesee Road heading east and Gambino allegedly went through many stop signs, did not keep in the traffic lane and passed cars at hill crests. He was allegedly caught on radar doing 143 mph in a 45 mph zone at one time.
Deputies, due to the high speeds, could not continue chasing Gambino, but coordinated with other deputies to stop at Pratham and Middle roads in Sardinia. Gambino was taken into custody without incident and had a female passenger with him at the time.
Gambino was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree unlawful fleeing police in a motor vehicle, reckless driving and numerous other moving violations and equipment violations in the town of Concord and Sardinia. The vehicle was also uninspected.
The vehicle was towed from the scene and Gambino was taken to the Erie County Holding Center and pending arraignment.
Sheriff’s Office warns residents of scams
MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be aware of a possible telephone scam. The sheriff’s office reports locally a victim who received a telephone call from a person stating they have won $1 million but in order to get the money the victim would have to send them a large amount of money.
The caller sounds very convincing that you have won this money but do not fall for their scam. These callers are usually from overseas and have been doing these types of scams for years. If anyone receives these types of calls, the sheriff’s office encourages residents to tell the caller to not call you again and hang up; do not carry on a conversation with the callers and never give out your personal information. If the person keeps calling, contact your local police department and report it.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
IRVING – Eric M. Carncross, 29, of Buffalo, Ronald G. Carlisle, 22, of Tonawanda, Valerie A. Perry, 25, of Buffalo and Megan M. Hassett, 25, of Kenmore were all charged with trespassing on Sunday. At 1:30 p.m., deputies allege the four subjects trespassed onto private property. Carncross was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana and was subsequently charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. All four subjects were released to appear in Hanover Town Court.
SHERMAN – Michael A. Vanevery, 29, of North Road was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and felony aggravated unlicensed operation on Monday. At 7:35 a.m., deputies were called to Vanevery’s residence that he allegedly left the residence to injure another person. When deputies and New York State Police arrived, Vanevery was found to be allegedly intoxicated. He was previously charged with DWI in 2011 making this arrest a felony. It was also found his license was allegedly revoked for a DWI arrest. Vanevery was arraigned in Sherman Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
New York State Police at Jamestown
FREWSBURG – On Sunday at approximately 7:20 p.m., Jamestown State Troopers responded to a report of an erratic driver on Water Street whose vehicle had struck a mailbox and forced another vehicle off the road.
James E. Kidder, 44, of Frewsburg was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated.
Kidder was transported to Jamestown for processing where a blood alcohol level of .26 percent was obtained. Kidder was arraigned in the Town of Carroll Court and committed to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. He is to appear in the Town of Carroll Court at a later date.
RANDOLPH – On Saturday, New York State Police arrested Jesse R. Albares, 24, of North Tonawanda for driving while intoxicated after a traffic stop on Torrence Road.
Albares was transported to Jamestown for processing where a blood alcohol level of .19 percent was obtained. Albares was issued tickets for driving while intoxicated returnable to the Town of Randolph Court and released to a third party.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
FRENCH CREEK – On June 5, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Thomas L. Mount, 65, of Station Road, North East Pa., for second-degree criminal contempt. These charges stem from an incident that occurred on May 29, where Mount allegedly failed to obey an order of protection by coming in contact with a certain individual. He was issued an appearance ticket and will report to the City of French Creek court at a later date.
County Court
MAYVILLE – District Attorney David W. Foley announced the following pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court before the Honorable John T. Ward:
- Michael L. Bales, 39, of Jamestown, was sentenced to 1 1/2 3 years in state prison for fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property concurrent with 1 year in jail for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
- Ramon Feliciano, 19, of Middle Road, Dunkirk, was sentenced to 3 years determinate in state prison and 3 years post-release supervision for third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.
- Zacre T. Jasinski, 23, of East Doughty Street, Dunkirk, was sentenced to 1 year in state prison with 1 year of post-release supervision for fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
- Alberto Santiago, 41, of Jamestown, was sentenced to 1 year in jail for criminal contempt 2nd consecutive with 90 days in jail for second-degree criminal trespass.
- Michael J. Trippy, 27, of East Main Street, Westfield, was sentenced to 5 years probation, a $1,000 fine, 1 year driver’s license revocation and 60 months ignition interlock device for felony driving while intoxicated.
Area Police
Motorist advisory issued for vehicle accidents involving bears
BUFFALO – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard has reported a vehicle accident involving a bear and issued an advisory to motorists involved in wildlife accidents – especially bears.
Sheriff Howard details, “In the past week, my deputies responded to a call involving a motorist striking a bear. This incident, along with the bear sights in Alden, Lancaster and West Seneca, indicate a growing bear population and an increased chance of some kind of interaction and I want everyone to remain safe.”
“Any accident involving wildlife such as deer and bear is a serious event,” warns Sheriff Howard, “and I want our motorists to know what to do when involved in these types of accidents – particularly with bears.”
The Erie County Sheriff Traffic Bureau Guidelines include:
1. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries.
2. Call 911.
3. Stay in the vehicle unless there is a fire.
4. Do not approach the animal for any reason.
5. Wait for law enforcement to arrive to check the condition of the animal struck.
Sheriff Howard urges, “I want our motoring public to follow these simple guidelines when involved in a vehicle accident with our wildlife and to remember that these are wild animals that are not accustomed to human contact or proximity. Its first reaction is to defend itself especially when injured.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – David Thompson, 25, and John Rutherford, 31, both of Depew, were charged with one count each of public urination on Sunday afternoon.
Around 12:45 p.m., several town of Hanover residents reported observing Thompson and Rutherford urinating beside a business on Routes 5 and 20.
The two will appear in Hanover Town Court.
Area Police
Bus catches fire, no injuries reported
OBSERVER Staff Report
PORTLAND – A Megabus en route to Buffalo caught fire early Wednesday morning. All 21 passengers escaped without injury.
According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, the county fire investigation team responded to the eastbound lanes of the Thruway for the report of a bus fire at 7:46 a.m.
Through an investigation, it was determined the Megabus sustained a rear driver’s side tire blowout. During the course of exiting the road, the rear tire overheated and combusted, starting the fire. The driver was able to safely exit the road.
New York State Police at the scene say all on board were able to get out of the bus unharmed before flames engulfed the vehicle. The bus was a total loss. Westfield Fire Department, Ripley Fire Department, Fredonia Fire Department and the county HAZMAT Team also responded to the scene.
Coach USA, the Paramus, N.J., based owner of Megabus, says the bus was traveling from Cincinnati to Buffalo. The right lane of the Thruway between Westfield and Dunkirk was closed while the accident was cleaned up.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
Juan A. Ortiz, 30, of Antelope Street in Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Wednesday. At 2 a.m., deputies found Ortiz to be allegedly in possession of a quantity of marijuana on Route 5 in the town of Dunkirk. He was released to appear in Dunkirk Town Court at a later date.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Kacie Johnson, 21, of West Seneca was charged with possession of an open container in a motor vehicle Sunday. At 2:07 p.m., deputies were on patrol in Sunset Bay. John-son allegedly had an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. She was released to ap-pear in Hanover Town Court.
CHAUTAUQUA -Kelley Nephew, 53, of Go-wanda was charged with failure to keep right and driving while intoxicated n Sunday. Deputies stopped Nephew’s vehicle on Route 394 for allegedly crossing over the center line of the roadway at 3:44 a.m. She was release to appear in Chautauqua Town Court.
BEMUS POINT – Daniel Freeburg, 39, of Un-ion City, Pa., was charged with speeding, driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI and unlawful possession of marijuana Sunday. Depu-ties stopped Freeburg’s vehicle on Main Street for allegedly speeding at 2 a.m. During the traffic stop, Free-burg was allegedly found to be intoxicated and to be in alleged possession of a small quantity of marijuana. He was released to appear in Ellery Town Court.
SILVER CREEK – Robert J. Mangus Jr., 33, of Fredonia was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and not wearing a seatbelt on Monday. At 8:53 a.m., deputies stopped Mangus for allegedly not wearing a seatbelt on Washington Street. A check of his li-cense found it was suspended and he was also found in alleged possession of a switchblade knife. He was arraigned in Silver Creek Village Court and released on his own recognizance.
New York State Police at Jamestown
RANDOLPH – On Fri-day, State Police arrested Philip Baxter, 51, of James-town after an investigation into a report of damage to property.
Baxter was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after driving across a lawn, causing damage. Baxter was processed at the Jamestown barracks and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Randolph Court.
CHAUTAUQUA – On Sunday, State Police arrested Ronald C. Schneider, 67, of Mayville after the vehicle he was driving was observed swerving over the center line of State 394.
Schneider was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and transported to Jamestown barracks for processing where a blood alcohol level of .12 percent was obtained.
He was issued tickets for driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right returnable to the Town of Chautauqua Court. He was released to a third party.
Area Police
Shots fired into home, shooter sought
JAMESTOWN – Jamestown Police are currently seeking a shooter who allegedly fired shots into a home. Police responded to the 100 block of West Seventh Street shortly after 11:30 p.m., Friday after receiving several calls of gunshots in the area.
Police found 12 rounds had been fired into the home with a large caliber firearm. At the time, five people were inside the home but no injuries were reported. Police did recover shell casings and other evidence believed to be related to the incident.
Anyone who has information on the shooting is asked to call police at 483-7537 or can leave an anonymous tip at 483-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.
Man surrenders to police after brief standoff
STOCKTON – A Stockton man was arrested after allegedly trying to elude arrest on Friday. According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Timothy J. Banach, 55, of Cassadaga Stockton Road was taken into custody on two felony driving while intoxicated Chautauqua County Court warrants.
Deputies observed Banach allegedly in a vehicle on Stockton Cassadaga Road around 7 p.m., who was known to have outstanding felony warrants. The male driver drove into a yard off the road where Banach exited the vehicle and allegedly attempted to elude arrest. Sheriff’s K9 Drago was brought out and after a brief standoff, Banach finally surrendered to Drago. Banach was taken to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail. Further charges may be pending.
Route 39 crash sends two drivers to hospital
HANOVER – A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 39 and Hanover Road sent two drivers to the hospital on Wednesday. According to Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Sandra L. Benkelman, 72, of South Dayton had entered the intersection and struck a vehicle on Route 39 being operated by James G. Kirkham, 50, of West Falls.
Both drivers were taken by Forestville Fire Department to Lake Shore Hospital for minor injuries. Benkelman was charged with failure to yield the right of way and having the driver’s view obstructed. She will appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.
Dirt bike crash sends one to hospital
NORTH COLLINS – A 22-year-old man was flown to Erie County Medical Center as a result of a dirt bike crash Friday. According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew R. Fageol of North Collins was riding his bike on private property off of Ketchum Road shortly before 7 p.m.
According to police, Fageol was riding on a trail along a creek and in an effort to avoid striking a tree, he lost control of his bike. He traveled over a 30 foot embankment coming to rest in the creek bed. Fageol is listed in fair condition.
Area police
Area Police
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY COURT — MAYVILLE — Garry Pinkney, 25, of the Bronx, was sentenced Thursday by Chautauqua ...
Area police
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Jamestown man charged in child’s death
Area Police
JAMESTOWN POLICE - Alvin J. Jusino, 29, of Jamestown was charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest and ...
Area police
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Area Police
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