Area police
Sherman man found allegedly growing marijuana
OBSERVER Staff Report
CHAUTAUQUA – A 56-year-old Sherman man was handed charges after police say he was growing marijuana on his property.
According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, around 4:30 p.m., deputies responded to Lyons Road in the town of Chautauqua for an investigation. Upon arrival and further investigation, it was found by deputies that Eugene Newby was allegedly growing marijuana on his property. Several potted marijuana plants were reportedly seized by deputies.
Newby was charged with unlawfully growing the plant known as cannabis without a license and fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana. He will appear in court at a later date and time.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SHERMAN – Edwin E. Hannold Jr., 40, of Sherman was taken into custody Friday around 5:30 p.m. and charged with felony driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and other traffic violations.
Allegedly, Hannold was driving an all-terrain vehicle on Park Street with no helmet and no registration for the vehicle.
Reports say that after he was stopped and an investigation took place, deputies found Hannold to be intoxicated.
As he had two prior DWI arrests to his name, this most recent incident is considered a Class D felony.
He was arraigned in Sherman Town Court and remanded to the Chau-tauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
CHAUTAUQUA – Ann Smith, 52, of Mayville Sherman Road, Mayville, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and speeding on Sunday.
Around 4:15 p.m., deputies stopped Smith on Route 430 for allegedly speeding. Following an investigation, Smith was allegedly determined to be intoxicated.
Smith will appear in Chautauqua Town Court.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
MAYVILLE – Ronald D. Miller, Jr., 23, of Mayville was taken into custody Sunday, Aug. 9 at 2:40 a.m. and charged with inadequate exhaust, felony driving while intoxicated, and driving while intoxicated per se. Miller’s vehicle was stopped on S. Erie Street when deputies noticed it had a loud exhaust. Upon investigation, they allegedly found Miller to be intoxicated. As a record check showed that Miller had a prior DWI conviction in the past 10 years, this arrest was a felony. He was released with tickets and will appear in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date to answer these charges.
POMFRET – Felix J. Figueroa-Torres, 28, of Jamestown was taken into custody Tuesday shortly before 5 a.m. and charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and third degree aggravated unlicensed operation. His vehicle was stopped on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret during a traffic stop, leading deputies to discover these alleged crimes. He will answer these charges in Pomfret Town Court at a future date.
RIPLEY – Haley Reslink, 19, of Ripley was traveling east on Northeast-Sherman Road Thursday and slowed to pull into a driveway. At that time, Katelynn Kenny, 22, of Mayville was also traveling east on Northeast-Sherman Road, and did not notice that Reslink had slowed down. Kenny ran her vehicle into the rear of Reslink’s vehicle. Reslink was transported to Hamot Hospital by the South Ripley Fire Department for non-life-threatening injuries. Kenny was transported to Westfield Hospital as a cautionary measure. No charges were filed.
Area Police
Car-pedestrian accident in Fredonia
OBSERVER Staff Report
An accident involving a car and a pedestrian occurred early Thursday evening on Temple Street at Church Street in the village of Fredonia.
According to the Fredonia Police Department, the female pedestrian appeared to have not been transported to the hospital. No charges were filed as of Thursday night.
The accident occurred around 5:25 p.m.
No further information was available Thursday night.
Area police
New York State Police
Meghan McClelland, 22, of Mendon was charged on Aug. 21 with unlawful possession of marijuana after State Police stopped a vehicle on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret for an inadequate stop light and muffler.
While interviewing the operator, McClelland, an odor of burnt marijuana was reportedly detected. Further investigation revealed she was in possession of marijuana.
McClelland was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pomfret Town Court.
ELLINGTON – Tyler W. Schrader, 19, of Napoli was charged on Aug. 22 with driving while intoxicated and speeding after he was pulled over for speeding on Route 62 at about 12:45 a.m. Troopers allegedly noticed an odor of alcohol and administered field sobriety tests.
Schrader was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to the Jamestown barracks, where a blood alcohol content of .09 percent was obtained. He is to appear in Ellington Town Court.
KENNEDY – William G. Swanson, 40, of Kennedy was charged on Aug. 23 with assaulting a police officer, fourth-degree criminal mischief, second-degree harassment, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest after State Police responded to a residence for a report of a violent domestic dispute.
When troopers arrived on the scene, Swanson, who had allegedly just assaulted a family member, was in the residence, breaking it up. As a trooper approached the residence, Swanson reportedly charged out of the door and attempted to punch the officer.
After a struggle, Swanson was taken into custody.
Bail was set at $10,000 and Swanson was sent to Chautauqua County Jail.
Dunkirk Police
Juan Serrano-Lafon-taine, 27, of Dove Street was charged on a warrant with third-degree rape Monday.
Kirk Babcock, 26, of Central Avenue was charged with third-degree assault on Monday.
Aliza Hooten, 24, of Woodrow Avenue was charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Tuesday.
Fredonia Police
Merritt Wolcott, 24, of East Main Road, Portland, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, fourth-degree criminal mischief and unauthorized use of motor vehicle on Friday.
Kelsey Sullivan, 20, of Central Avenue was charged with second-degree criminal impersonation on Sunday.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
NORTH HARMONY – Karl E. Pedersen, 33, of Columbus, Ohio, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, and other lane violations Friday at 11:17 p.m. following an incident on Morley Road. Pedersen will answer these charges in North Harmony Town Court at a later date.
CHAUTAUQUA – Brandin J. Bolinger, 23, of Westfield was taken into custody Saturday shortly before 11 p.m., when deputies allegedly observed him driving with only one operational headlight on North Erie Street. After an ensuing traffic stop, deputies allegedly discovered a small quantity of marijuana. Bolinger was charged with inadequate headlights and unlawful possession of marijuana, for which he will appear in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date.
PORTLAND – Lynsey R. Allen, 22, of Brocton was taken into custody Saturday at 2:21 a.m. after deputies observed her allegedly make an improper left turn on Webster Road. Following an investigation, Allen was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, making an improper left turn and moving from a lane unsafely. She was released with traffic citations and will appear in Portland Town Court at a later date.
MAYVILLE – Dylan T. Graziano, 23, of Mayville was taken into custody Sunday at 11:18 p.m. after he allegedly committed burglary at the Chautauqua Harbor House Restaurant. According to reports, video cameras captured Graziano pulling the front doors of the building off their hinges, then stealing food items. After he was recognized by an off-duty sheriff’s deputy walking down Route 394, Graziano was positively identified by responding deputies and charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree felony criminal mischief and petit larceny. He was arraigned in the Chautauqua Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 property bond.
IRVING – Ivan M. Waller, 51, of Angola was taken into custody Sunday at 10:35 p.m. after sheriff’s deputies allegedly found him operating a vehicle in an intoxicated state. According to reports, Waller had been called by a relative who had just been charged with driving while intoxicated. The relative wanted Waller to drive his or her car home. Waller drove his personal vehicle to the scene on Alleghany Road in Irving; however, when he arrived, deputies allegedly found that Waller, too, had been consuming alcohol, and conducted an investigation into the matter. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se having .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content and refusal of a pre-screen breath test. Waller will appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date to answer these charges. Reports did not include whether a third relative was then called to the scene to transport both vehicles.
HANOVER – Maverick C. Henderson, 27, of Buffalo was taken into custody Sunday just after 10 p.m. After Henderson allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign on Alleghany Road in Hanover, he was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and failure to stop at a stop sign. He will answer these charges in Hanover Town Court at a later date.
MAYVILLE – Marcia I. Brown, 51, of Dunkirk was taken into custody Monday at 10 a.m. for several felonies relating to welfare fraud. The combined efforts of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Integrity Unity led to Brown’s apprehension after she allegedly defrauded the welfare system. According to reports, Brown concealed employment income and unemployment benefit income from social services and filed four separate false applications with social services which resulted in obtaining benefits she was not entitled to. She received $7,166.06 in unentitled cash assistance and $2,945 in unentitled food stamps, totaling $10,111.06. Brown has been charged with third-degree welfare fraud, misuse of food stamps, third-degree grand larceny and four counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. She will answer these charges in Jamestown City Court. Citizens are reminded to report welfare fraud by calling 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463.
RIPLEY – Max P. Hubbard, 18, of Ripley was taken into custody Monday following an investigation stemming from a July 19 burglary, at which time Hubbard allegedly entered a garage on Burton Avenue and took a vehicle not belonging to him, allegedly doing extensive damage to the vehicle in the process of the joyride. The arrest warrant, signed by the Ripley town judge, was executed on South State Street, where Hubbard was taken into custody without incident. Charges include three counts of third-degree burglary, three counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief. He was sent to the Chautauqua County Jail and will answer these charges in court at a later date.
HANOVER – Bethany L. Huff, 25, of Gowanda was taken into custody Tuesday just after midnight and charged with driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. Allegedly, Huff failed to stop at a red light at Routes 5 and 20. Since two passengers in Huff’s vehicle were under the age of 16, this crime is a felony under Leandra’s Law. Huff was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and committed to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
POMFRET – Wayne D. Clemens, 48, of Fredonia was charged with several offenses after he was stopped by deputies on Webster Road on Sunday just a few minutes before 5 p.m.
A deputy began an investigation when he noticed the trailer Clemens was towing had no registration plates, at which time he allegedly found Clemens to be intoxicated. Clemens was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se having .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content, refusal of a pre-screen breath test and unregistered trailer. He was processed and released, having been given citations directing him to appear in Pomfret Town Court.
Area police
Man jailed after allegedly choking ex-girlfriend
OBSERVER Staff Report
MAYVILLE – A 45-year-old Mayville man was committed to the Chau-tauqua County Jail Sunday after police say he struck his ex-girlfriend in the face and choked her to a point that she could not breathe for an extended period of time.
According to the Chau-tauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute at a South Erie Street address around 12:40 a.m. The victim reported that her estranged boyfriend, Wil-liam Osthagen Jr. of Jackson Street, came to her apartment to remove some of his personal belongings. The situation escalated into a domestic dispute in which Osthagen allegedly committed the previously described acts, in addition to destroying her phone.
Deputies reportedly located Osthagen at the victim’s apartment and arrested him without incident. He was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation (a class A misdemeanor) and second-degree harassment.
Osthagen was arraigned in Stockton Town Court and committed to the county jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.
Prior to being committed to jail, deputies allegedly found Osthagen to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. He was subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana.
Late-night party leads to multiple arrests
WESTFIELD – Nicholas P. Presley, 22, of Fredonia; Storm C. George, 19, of Westfield; Ryan E. Seaburg, 21, of Westfield; Aron L. Sikes, 23, of Fredonia; Chad S. Jaynes, 23, of Cherry Creek; and an unnamed 18-year-old female of Dunkirk were each ticketed following a report of a loud party and disorderly subjects on Aug. 3 at 3:05 a.m.
After multiple warnings from police throughout the night to cease the noise, Pelsey, George, Seaburg, Sikes and Jaynes allegedly continued with the disorderly behavior and were charged with disorderly conduct.
Jaynes received an additional charge of resisting arrest after he reportedly attempted to flee on foot.
The unnamed 18-year-old Dunkirk female was charged with underage possession of alcohol.
All subjects will appear in Westfield Village Court at a later date.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – Elsie L. Eslinger, 33, of Silver Creek was charged Thursday at 11:40 a.m. with endangering the welfare of a child.
According to police, deputies responded to a call reporting that children were standing on the roof of a residence.
Eslinger is due to appear in Silver Creek Village Court at a later date.
RIPLEY – A 17-year-old male Ripley youth was charged Friday with third-degree burglary and third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after an alleged incident that happened in July.
The youth reportedly entered a garage on Butron Avenue unlawfully and allegedly took a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission.
He was arraigned in Ripley Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
MAYVILLE – Richard C. Hammond, 59, of Mayville, was charged Saturday with driving while intoxicated, DWI with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher and failure to keep right after deputies allegedly observed a traffic infraction on South Erie Street around 2:20 a.m.
Hammond was identified as the operator and was allegedly found to be intoxicated.
He was issued tickets and released to appear in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date.
CASSADAGA – Ben-jamin Grimm, 36, of Water-man Road, Stockton, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and failure to keep right on Aug. 18.
Around 8:55 p.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Frisbee Road for allegedly failing to keep right. Upon investigation, the driver, Grimm, was allegedly found to be intoxicated.
He will appear in Stockton Town Court.
Jeremy Rivera, 21, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and improper pass on Saturday.
Around 2:20 a.m., deputies allegedly observed a vehicle make an illegal pass of another vehicle on Water Street in the village of Fredonia. Deputies stopped this vehicle and identified the driver as Rivera.
Upon investigation, Rivera was alleged to have been intoxicated. Rivera also had a suspended New York state driver’s license.
He will appear in Fredonia Village Court.
ELLERY – Nicholas Stott, 24, of Third Street, Forestville, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and following too closely on Saturday.
Around 10:15 p.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for allegedly following another vehicle too closely on Route 430. The driver was identified as Stott and upon investigation, he was alleged to have been intoxicated.
Stott will appear in Ellery Town Court.
Kyle Magierski, 19, of Prospect Street, Forestville, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and crossed hazard markings on Sunday.
Around 2:45 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on East Main Street in the village of Fredonia for allegedly crossing over the white fog line of the roadway multiple times. Deputies identified the driver as Magierski and upon investigation, he was alleged to have been intoxicated.
Magierski will appear in Fredonia Village Court.
NORTH HARMONY – Jason Carlson, 42, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI per se, failure to keep right and move from lane unsafely on Sunday.
Around 12:05 a.m., deputies responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 86. Upon arrival, deputies reportedly located the vehicle off the roadway in the grass. The operator of the vehicle, Carlson, was apparently located nearby walking down I-86.
After an investigation, it was determined that Carlson crossed the center line and struck a cement barrier. The vehicle reportedly ricocheted off the barrier and traveled across both lanes before coming to rest in the grass.
The investigation also determined that Carlson allegedly operated his vehicle while intoxicated.
Carlson will appear in North Harmony Town Court.
State Police in Fredonia
PORTLAND – Sebas-tian Lindstrom, 34, of Westfield was charged on Aug. 19 after State Police were advised by a New York State Parole Officer that a criminal warrant was issued for Lindstrom for violating his parole.
Lindstrom reportedly violated his parole by being picked up for petit larceny. He was currently serving parole for third-degree criminal mischief and fourth-degree grand larceny.
Lindstrom was taken into custody on Lake Avenue on the criminal warrant and transported to the Chautauqua County Jail.
Westfield Police Department
WESTFIELD – Robert E. Harris, 20, of Westfield was charged on Aug. 18 with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance by ultimate user’s original container after Westfield Police observed three suspicious subjects on East Main Street in the village.
After an investigation, police allegedly found Harris to be in possession of a controlled substance outside of the original container.
Harris will appear in Westfield Village Court at a later date.
Lakewood-Busti Police Department
LAKEWOOD – Rea-quan M.A. Mosley, 19, of Dunkirk was charged on Thursday with petit larceny after Lakewood-Busti Police responded to the Lakewood Walmart for a reported shoplifting incident.
Mosley allegedly selected a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt valuing $32.90 and passed the last point of sale without paying for the items.
Mosley was issued an appearance ticket for Busti Town Court at a later date.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
Terry L. Thomas, 57, of Jamestown was taken into custody Thursday at about 2:30 a.m. after officers received reports of a vehicle complaint north bound on Route 60 in Pomfret. Reports say that upon stopping Thomas, he was found to be operating the vehicle with more than 10 suspensions on his license. He was charged with moving from lane unsafely, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He will appear in Pomfret Town Court at a later date.
MAYVILLE – Michele A. Ross, 46, of Kennedy was taken into custody Friday at about 10:45 a.m. after being charged with welfare fraud. After a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit, it was discovered that Ross received $682 in food stamps by allegedly fraudulent means. According to reports, Ross did not notify DHHS that she was earning an income, and that she filed a false application with DHHS on July 14, 2014, failing to list all of her child support income. She has been charged with first degree offering a false instrument for filing, fifth-degree welfare fraud, petit larceny and misuse of food stamps. She will answer these charges in Jamestown City Court at a later date. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens to report suspected welfare fraud by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip 1-800-782-7463.
Area police
Dunkirk Police
Tkeyah Holmes, 20, Jillian Matthews, 19, and two 16-year-old youths, all of Jamestown, were charged with disorderly conduct on Tuesday. One of the 16-year-old youths was also charged with underage possession of alcohol.
Brandon Vangiesen, 24, of Townsend Street was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Thursday.
Area Police
Three charged in Silver Creek altercation
SILVER CREEK – Three area males were charged after a physical altercation early Wednesday in the village.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an assault in progress just after midnight. Upon further investigation, it is alleged that Patrick J. Kelly, 17, of Silver Creek, Ande J. Kemp, 20, of Silver Creek, and Joshua D. Heimerl, 18, of Cassadaga, participated in a physical altercation involving a male victim. Kelly, Kemp, and Heimerl were all charged with second-degree harassment and released with appearance tickets.
They will be in the village court at a later date and time.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
JAMESTOWN – Julie K. Stutzman, 38, of Jamestown, was charged with 10 felonies after a long investigation, thanks to the collaboration of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit.
It is alleged between Jan. 1, 2011 and June 30, 2013, Stutzman received $9,719.20 in daycare assistance that she secured by fraudulent means. Reports say that Stutzman filed eight separate false applications with social services, failing to acknowledge that the father of one of her children was indeed living in the household. If this individual’s income were to have been accounted for, Stutzman would not have qualified for benefits. Her charges include third-degree welfare fraud, third-degree grand larceny, and eight counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. Jamestown City Court will see Stutzman answer these charges at a later date.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens to report welfare fraud by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463.
Dunkirk Police
Bryan Ramos, 22, of East Sixth Street was charged with third-degree robbery and second-degree obstructing governmental administration on Aug. 13.
Dayquan Stewart, 26, of Lake Shore Drive East was charged with second-degree harassment on Aug. 14.
Elizabeth Fores, 48, of West Fourth Street was charged with second-degree harassment on Sunday.
Jacob Kaczor, 43, of Lake Shore Drive East was charged with third-degree assault on Sunday.
Carlos Arroyo-Rivera, 21, of Central Avenue was charged with second-degree obstruction and unlawful possession of marijuana on Monday.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Lee N. Lookenhouse, 33, of Jamestown, was taken into custody on a warrant issued on July 20 by Hanover Town Court for petit larceny. The warrant stems from an incident at a business on Route 5, when he allegedly took a variety of products without paying for them. Lookenhouse was received directly from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and was taken to Sheridan Town Court for arraignment. He was sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail and will appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.
FORESTVILLE – Stephen R. Rogers, 47, of Forestville, was charged Tuesday with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon after deputies were called to a residence on Creek Road for a report of a physical altercation involving weapons. Deputies located Rogers and after a investigation allegedly found him to be in possession of brass knuckles. Rogers was taken into custody and arraigned in Hanover Town Court. He was sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond. He will appear in court again at a later date.
CASSADAGA – Michael H. Gilbert, 45, of Cassadaga, was charged Monday with third-degree assault after an alleged incident at his residence. He was issued tickets and will appear in Charlotte Town Court at a later date.
Dunkirk Police
Jeremiah Toliver, 36, of Lincoln Avenue was charged Aug. 6 with second-degree criminal contempt.
Jesus Bautista-Lopez, 22, of Appleton was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or greater on Aug. 7.
Jocelyn Lash, 34, of Howard Street, Fredonia, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or greater on Aug. 7.
Jonathan Reyes-Medina, 24, of West Second Street was charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration, third-degree criminal trespass, obstructing traffic and resisting arrest on Aug. 7. Reyes-Medina was also charged with petit larceny in a separate incident on the same day.
Richard Balzer, 52, with a last-known address of West Sixth Street, was charged with second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct on Aug. 7.
Caley Harper, 21, of Swede Road was charged with second-degree harassment on Aug. 9.
Amber Harrison-Zrimek, 38, of Silver Creek was charged with second-degree harassment on Aug. 11.
Jessie Melendez, 30, of Lincoln Avenue, Juan Resto Jr., 29, of Lake Shore Drive West and Claribel Padilla, 31, of Townsend Street were charged with second-degree harassment on Aug. 12.
Fredonia Police
William Riley, 20, and Zachary Shoenfelt, 20, both of Brigham Road were charged with petit larceny on Aug. 11.
Tito Acevedo, 35, of South Roberts Road, Dunkirk, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt on Aug. 12.
State Police
at Fredonia
Shawn Abram, 54, of Dunkirk was taken into custody Wednesday on a bench warrant or second-degree criminal contempt for a violation of probation. Abram was arraigned in Pomfret Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond.
Area police
Gowanda resident, 27, charged with gang assault
Beau E. John, 27, has been charged with first-degree gang assault, child endangerment and second-degree criminal trespass after an incident that occurred July 29 around 6 p.m. at a Chestnut Street residence. Police were informed that John, in concert with two other males, had entered the residence without permission and assaulted the resident, causing serious physical injuries. The victim was hospitalized as a result.
This alleged assault was perpetrated in the presence of the victim’s 4-year-old child. John and his associates fled the scene prior to the patrol’s arrival, but an investigation into the matter resulted in John being taken into custody Aug. 5 at 9:06 p.m. He was arraigned in Persia Town Court and sent to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated.
Gowanda Police
Shannon E. Blasak, 27, of Gowanda, was charged July 30 at 9:30 a.m. with second-degree harassment and taken into custody after police responded to a disturbance at a Palmer Street residence, where they were notified that Blasak had allegedly become angry with a 6-year-old child, striking the youth on the back of the head. She was released on an appearance ticket and will appear at a later date in the Persia Town Court.
According to police, Nicholas O. Castellano, 26, of Little Valley was taken into custody July 31 at 3:29 p.m. and charged with a warrant arrest. Previously, Castellano had been arrested by Gowanda Police for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. When Castellano allegedly failed to appear for a Persia Town Court appearance, a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Persia Town Court. On July 30, Castellano was released from Cattaraugus County Jail on an unrelated matter, at which time he was turned over to Gowanda Police for the warrant. He was arraigned in Persia Town Court and was released on his own recognizance.
Ashley D. Page, 31, of Gowanda, was taken into custody Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. and charged with a warrant arrest. Previously, Page had been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and operating an all-terrain vehicle without a helmet on Aldrich Street. When Page allegedly failed to appear in court to answer these earlier charges, a warrant for her arrest was issued by Persia Town Court. On Aug. 5, after being arraigned in Persia Town Court and posting $250 bail, she was released.
Eric K. Pierce, 31, of Gowanda, was charged Aug. 10 at 7:50 p.m. with third-degree menacing, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree harassment and trespassing after police patrols responded to a multiple-dwelling residence on Commercial Street, where they found Pierce, who reportedly did not have permission to be there.
Reports also say that Pierce threatened a resident with personal injury, damaged a door by kicking it in and threatened the resident with a gun, though no gun was found. Pierce was arraigned in the Persia Town Court and was then sent to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.
Rebecca L. Kennedy, 21, of Gowanda, was taken into custody Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. and charged with petit larceny.
Allegedly, Kennedy stole $8.11 worth of merchandise from her Buffalo Street place of employment, which was captured on the business’s security cameras. She was released on an appearance ticket and will appear at a later date in Collins Town Court.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office
CHAUTAUQUA – Barry V. Mason, 23, of Sinclairville reportedly made several lane violations Friday before he was pulled over on Hartfield-Centralia Road by sheriff’s deputies at 3:29 a.m. Following an investigation, he was taken into custody and charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content greater than .18 percent, DWI, felony aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to keep right. Mason was released with traffic tickets and will appear in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date and time.
HANOVER – Marcus A. Maloney, 48, of Bemus Point, allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign on Alleghany Road Sunday at 10:34 p.m. After an investigation, sheriff’s deputies took Maloney into custody, charging him with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to stop at a stop sign and parking on pavement. He was released with traffic citations and will appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date and time.
DEWITTVILLE – According the deputies, Jeremy Strickland, 31, of Jamestown, was in the act of repairing a personal watercraft Monday at 12:55 p.m. at Bayberry Landing when a spark ignited gas fumes. Strickland suffered second-degree burns to his face and forearms and the watercraft sustained minor damage to the engine bay. Strickland extinguished the flames with a handheld fire extinguisher. He was transported to WCA Hospital by the Dewittville Fire Department. No charges were filed.
State Police in Fredonia
IRVING – Lori Urbanczyk, 31, of Cheektowaga was charged on Sunday with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with .08 of 1 percent or more alcohol in blood and moving from lane unsafely after State Police stopped a vehicle on Routes 5 and 20 for moving from the lane unsafely.
The operator, Urbanczyk, allegedly failed standard field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DWI. Urbanczyk was transported to the Fredonia barracks for processing, where she was found to have a .11 percent blood alcohol content.
All tickets are returnable to Hanover Town Court on Sept. 10.
Dylan Sugden, 20, of Fredonia was charged on Saturday with fourth-degree criminal mischief with the arrest stemming from a complaint at Tops Market on Vineyard Drive, in the Town of Dunkirk. Investigation revealed that as Sugden was leaving the store, he had kicked over some chlorine for pools, breaking and spilling five of them.
Sugden was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Dunkirk Town Court on Aug. 24.
Dylan Sugden, 20, of Fredonia was charged on Friday with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21 and unlawful possession of marijuana after State Police had responded to a complaint of a possible underage party on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret. Sugden was allegedly found to have an open 12 pack of beer and was allegedly in possession of marijuana.
Sugden was issued appearance tickets returnable to Pomfret Town Court.
State Police in Jamestown
Jared S. Higbee, 36, of Jamestown was charged on Saturday with driving while intoxicated and failure to signal after a traffic stop for allegedly failing to signal a turn on Buffalo Street in Jamestown. Field sobriety tests were administered, after which Higbee was charged with DWI and transported to the Jamestown barracks for processing where a blood alcohol content of .14 percent was obtained. Higbee was issued tickets returnable to Jamestown City Court and was released to a third party.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
PORTLAND – A 17-year-old youth of Woodcrest Avenue was charged Saturday with second-degree harassment.
Around 3:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the report of a disorderly person on Woodcrest Avenue. After an investigation, it was determined the male youth struck another male subject.
He was issued an appearance ticket for Portland Town Court.
Area police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Matthew R. Gritzke, no age given, of Silver Creek, was charged Saturday with driving while intoxicated, operating with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or above, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to keep right, uninspected motor vehicle, suspended registration and operating without insurance after a traffic stop on Alleghany Road around 1 a.m. He was issued tickets and will appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.
CHAUTAUQUA – Brandon M. Dorman, 28, of Mayville, was charged Saturday with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 or above, failure to keep right and failure to maintain a lane after a traffic stop on Route 394 around 2:40 a.m. He was issued tickets and will appear in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date.
FALCONER – Alan D. Feeney, 55, of Falconer was charged Friday with second-degree unlawful imprisonment and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration after deputies responded to his residence on East Everett Street around 9:35 p.m. Feeney allegedly failed to comply with orders to open the residence to allow for a well-being check of the occupants in the residence. Deputies could also allegedly hear the voice of a female subject in the residence stating that Feeney would not let her answer the door. Deputies were able to gain entry into the residence, where Feeney was located and taken into custody. He was arraigned in the Ellicott Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
Area police
Gowanda man charged in assault on 6 year old
Roberto L. Alejandro, 36, of Gowanda was charged Tuesday with endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree assault after New York State Troopers based out of Machias responded to an incident in the town of Yorkshire.
An investigation revealed a 6-year-old child was allegedly grabbed by her neck and thrown to the ground, causing bruising and abrasions.
The investigation by the Machias Bureau of Criminal Investigation revealed Alejandro had reportedly committed the assault.
Alejandro was located and charged prior to being arraigned at Machias Town Court and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $10,000 cash/$20,000 bond.
Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force
CHAUTAUQUA – John V. Noel III, 43, of Mayville, was charged Tuesday with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine and second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies stopped Noel for a traffic violation. Following his arraignment, a search warrant was executed on 7246 Beaujean Road at about 1:40 p.m. by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force.
During the execution of the search warrant, the task force found quantities of methamphetamine and a methamphetamine lab. After processing the items found, Noel was charged on the above violations. He will be arraigned at a later date with further action of the court to follow.
Fredonia Police
Donald Wilson Jr., 26, of Orchard Street was charged with disorderly conduct on Saturday.
A 17-year-old youth of South Roberts Road, Dunkirk, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana on Monday.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
Sara J. Walker, 32, of Sinclairville, was charged Monday with misuse of food stamps over $1,000 and fourth-degree grand larceny after a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unit. Walker allegedly failed to notify DHHS that her husband was working and receiving income. As a result, Walker received $1,176.00 in food stamp benefits that she was not entitled to. Walker will appear in Jamestown City Court at a later date. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365 or We-Tip 1-800-782-7463.
Juan A. Cordova-Perez, 29, of Fredonia, was charged Saturday with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or higher, DWI and speed not reasonable and prudent after a motorcycle was allegedly observed traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 60 in Dunkirk around 8:40 p.m. Fredonia Police, New York State Police and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office assisted on the call and the motorcycle was located in a restaurant parking lot on Route 60 in Fredonia. Cordova-Perez was identified as the operator and after an investigation by the sheriff’s office was taken into custody. Cordova-Perez will appear in Dunkirk City Court at a later date.
HANOVER – Edwin R. Diaz-Garcia, 32, of Buffalo, was charged Sunday with felony driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law, DWI and suspended registration after a traffic stop on Alleghany Road around 10:15 p.m. Deputies allegedly observed a vehicle with a suspended registration and identified Diaz-Garcia as the operator. After an investigation, deputies took Diaz-Garcia into custody. Due to there being two children under the age of 16 in the vehicle, Diaz Garcia was charged under Leandra’s Law. He was arraigned in Stockton Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.
Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force
LITTLE VALLEY – Autumn M. White, 18, of Steamburg was charged on Aug. 11 with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance after an investigation conducted by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. The charges stem from an incident where White reportedly sold prescription pills to another person in the village of Little Valley. White was arraigned in Little Valley Town Court and sent to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force is made up of members of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Salamanca Police Department and Gowanda Police Department.
Area Police
State Police in Fredonia
STOCKTON – Thom-as Brill, 52, of Fredonia was charged on Aug. 8 with driving while intoxicated: previous conviction designated offense within 10 years, operating a motor vehicle with .08 of 1 percent or more alcohol: previous conviction designated offense within 10 years, aggravated DWI: blood alcohol .18 percent of or more with prior conviction within 10 years and moving from lane unsafely after State Police stopped a vehicle on Route 60 in the town of Stockton for moving from the lane unsafely.
While interviewing the operator, Brill, a strong odor of alcohol was allegedly detected.
After reportedly failing standard field sobriety tests, Brill was arrested for DWI and transported to the Fredonia barracks for processing. Brill was processed and found to have a BAC of .18 percent.
He is to appear in Stockton Town Court on Aug. 20.
KENNEDY – Blaydon F. Niles, 23, of Falconer was charged on Aug. 5 with fourth-degree criminal mischief after State Police responded to the Office Bar after receiving a report of a man damaging the front window of the bar by punching a hole in it. The suspect was later identified as Niles. Niles was located at his residence and transported to the Jamestown barracks where he was treated by EMS for superficial cuts to his hand and forearm.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
ELLERY – Allison J. Howe, 36, of Lakewood, was charged Sunday with driving while intoxicated common law, DWI with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent, failure to maintain a lane, moving from lane unsafely and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle after a traffic stop on Interstate 86 around 9:30 p.m. After a brief investigation it was allegedly found that Howe was intoxicated. Howe was taken into custody and issued appearance tickets for Ellery Town Court.
Area police
More information on Friday’s rescue
OBSERVER Staff report
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office released more information about the rescue performed Friday night in the Van Buren area.
The Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit responded to the call of an overturned catamaran in the area of Van Buren Point around 8:15 p.m. The vessel, operated by Robert Wilson, 68, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was reported last seen one to two miles off shore and possibly overturned. The marine unit conducted a search and located Wilson several miles off shore sitting on top of his boat around 8:30 p.m.
He was safely rescued and transported to the Dunkirk Harbor where he was medically checked and turned over to family members.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Dunkirk Fire Department, Alstar Ambulance and the U.S. Border Patrol.
The sheriff’s office reminds boaters that everyone on board any vessel including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards must have a proper personal flotation device (life jacket) on board the vessel. It is also recommended to make a “float plan” to advise friends and family of the details of your trip, safety equipment and boat description. Be safe and enjoy the water.
No one injured in fully-involved boat fire
ELLERY – Six passengers were evacuated from a boat just in time before fire engulfed the vessel.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Navigation Patrol came upon a vessel with smoke protruding from the haul Saturday around 11:45 a.m. while on routine patrol of Chautauqua Lake in the Bemus Bay area.
Upon arrival of scene, deputies could see heavy smoke and flames coming from the back of the vessel, owned and operated by Roger S. Guy, 61, of Wiloughby, Ohio. Deputies had all six occupants exit the vessel onto a nearby pontoon boat. None of the six occupants sustained injuries.
Soon after, the fire became a fully-involved. The Bemus Point Fire Department was dispatched to scene and extinguished the fire.
The vessel was towed onto shore at Long Point State Park. The Chautauqua County HAZMAT Team was then dispatched to scene due to leaking fuel from the damaged vessel.
Officers spoke to Guy and determined the cause of fire appeared to be electrical in nature.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
PORTLAND – Craig D. Fellinger, 58, of Fredonia, was charged Friday with felony driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation and operating a vehicle without an interlock device after a traffic stop on Route 5 around 5:40 p.m. Fellinger was allegedly seen passing cars in a no-passing zone and after an investigation was allegedly found to be intoxicated. A check found Fellinger’s driving privileges had been revoked by New York state. He was arraigned in Westfield Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond.
Area police
Dunkirk Police
Robert Davis, 22, of Ripley was charged with passing a red light on Monday after a two-vehicle, right-angle accident on Central Avenue at Fourth Street on Monday around 2:30 p.m.
Ralph Dolce, 49, of West Second Street was charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child on Tuesday.
Fredonia Police
Amanda Cuthbert, 27, of Silver Creek was charged with petit larceny on a bench warrant on Tuesday.
Nikiya Summers, 20, of Stockbridge, Georgia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Tuesday.
Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
LITTLE VALLEY – Crystal L. Henhawk, 29, of Gowanda, was charged Monday with third-degree welfare fraud, third-degree grand larceny and first-degree offering false instrument for filing after she was accused by a member of her household of failing to report her husband as a part of the household on her social security benefits application.
According deputies, Henhawk received $3,792 in SNAP food stamp benefits she was not entitled to between June and December 2014. She was issued an appearance ticket for Olean City Court.
Area Police
Jamestown man found with 300 bags of heroin
JAMESTOWN – A routine traffic stop in the city Wednesday led to the seizure of more than 300 bags of heroin and a Jamestown man in custody.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., Jamestown police pulled over a vehicle on Newton Avenue after the driver allegedly failed to signal a turn. A backseat passenger, identified as 37-year-old Larry D. Johnson, reportedly fled from the vehicle after it stopped and ran through several backyards.
He was later apprehended and allegedly found with 300 bags or doses of heroin, which weighed more than 87 grams.
Johnson was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and obstructing governmental administration. He was transported to the city jail, arraigned and later committed to Chautauqua County Jail.
Anyone with information on the illegal sales or trafficking of narcotics is asked to contact the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force anonymous tip line at 483-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.
Dunkirk Police warn of scam
The Dunkirk Police Department is reminding residents to be wary of scams being initiated by phone or mail.
The latest scams have reportedly involved subjects calling residents claiming they are either a family member or some official (e.g. police, emergency room, etc.) and that the family member is outside the country and has been arrested, involved in an accident or is otherwise in need of money.
The caller usually has some background, including the alleged family member’s name. The caller can be convincing and stresses the importance of getting the money to them quickly by Western Union or Money Gram.
Police advise not to send any funds unless the identity and accuracy of the caller and/or incident can be verified. A simple call to the alleged family member in need or another relative can be all it takes to verify. Police also caution that once funds are sent, it is usually very difficult, if not impossible to recover, especially if the funds are sent out of the country.
This is just one of many scams being perpetrated. Others use mail, email and social media and can involve lottery winnings, insurance claims and employment opportunities, just to name a few.
Police recommend that no funds be sent unless the recipient can verify the correspondence is legitimate. When in doubt, residents are encouraged to call Dunkirk Police at 366-2266.
Southern Tier Drug Task Force
JAMESTOWN – Lindsey L. Mason, 28, of Jamestown was charged on Wednesday with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance on an outstanding arrest warrant following her alleged sale of heroin to agents of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. Mason was taken to Ellicott Town Court prior to being sent to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail, pending further action of the court. Additional charges against Mason are expected at a later date.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
SILVER CREEK – Shawn E. Hurley, 31, of Sheridan, and Emily J. Steinwachs, 23, of Cassadaga, were charged July 29 with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after deputies responded to a grocery store for a report of a disorderly person around 8 p.m. When deputies arrived on scene, the subject, who was later identified as Hurley was outside talking to his friend, Steinwachs. Through an investigation, both Hurley and Steinwachs were allegedly found to be in possession of a small quantity of heroin. Hurley and Steinwachs were both taken into custody and later released with appearance tickets for Silver Creek Village Court.
LAKEWOOD – The Chautauqua County Sheriff Deputies of the Navigation Patrol responded Wednesday to a navigation complaint of a vessel fire at Lakewood Rod and Gun Club dock on Chautauqua Lake around 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers did see a vessel fully involved in flames at dock. Deputies assisted Lakewood Fire Department as needed. They spoke with the owner and operator of the vessel, Dalton J. Burgett, 63, of Bemus Point, about details of incident. Burgett stated he smelled smoke coming from inside the cabin area. He investigated and saw smoke coming from the electrical panel. Burgett secured the vessel at Lakewood Rod and Gun Club dock. Soon after, the vessel caught fire and became fully involved. None of the occupants on the vessel were injured. No other property damaged was reported.
Michael Hernandez-Flores, 24, of Dunkirk was charged Aug. 1 with third-degree assault after deputies responded to Central Avenue in Dunkirk around 10 p.m. It is alleged Hernandez-Flores struck another subject in the face causing them physical injury. Hernandez-Flores was issued an appearance ticket for Dunkirk City Court.
Area Police
Local musician involved in crash
SHERIDAN – A Silver Creek man who has had some success as a country musician, was charged with driving while ability impaired of drugs following a rollover accident early Wednesday morning.
According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, Shawn Wilder, 28, was traveling on Route 5 around 1:30 a.m. in the town of Sheridan when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a guard rail.
Wilder was evaluated at the scene and signed off for no medical treatment. Deputies said after interviewing Wilder they believed he was operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs. Upon searching the vehicle, deputies allegedly discovered Suboxone within the vehicle.
Wilder was charged with DWAI and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
He was later released with an appearance ticket for Sheridan Town Court at a later date.
Wilder was the 2009 Chautauqua Lake Idol winner. After winning the competition, he spent some time in Nashville and in 2010 was the featured artist for Red Apple/Kwik Fill’s Driving America Tour and Sweepstakes. His CD “The Beginning” was made available at about 300 company-owned stores located in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
He has also performed throughout Western New York at various venues.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
WESTFIELD – Grant M. Pearsoll, 66, of Sherman, was charged Tuesday with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person and second-degree harassment after deputies received a complaint of abuse to a male victim on July 1. It was reported that a male having a mental disability was physically abused. Pearsoll was issued appearance tickets and will appear in Westfield Town Court.
State Police Speed Week crackdown starts
The New York State Police will conduct a week-long enforcement initiative to crack down on speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. The Speed Week campaign runs today through Tuesday.
During this summer’s “Speed Week,” troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow troopers to more easily identify motorists who are violating laws while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
Area police
Dunkirk Police
A 16-year-old youth of Lincoln Avenue was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property on July 30.
Daniel Klee, 51, of Leopard Street was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property on July 30.
Felichia Silva, 23, of South Beaver Street was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief on Friday.
Melissa Huch, 30, of South Roberts Road was charged with unlicensed operation after a two-vehicle, left-turn accident at the intersection of Roberts Road and Lake Shore Drive East Monday around 8:45 a.m.
According to an accident report, both drivers stated they were distracted by a dog running loose in the street at the time of the accident.
Fredonia Police
Nancy Rodriguez-Roca, 23, of Lincoln Avenue, Dunkirk, was charged with petit larceny on July 30.
Michael Douglas, 31, of Central Avenue was charged with second-degree obstruction of a governmental administration, false personation, fugitive from justice and unlicensed operator on Monday.
Area Police
State Police in Fredonia
STOCKTON – Patrick Franovich, 26, of Dunkirk was charged Thursday with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, second-degree criminal impersonation, speeding and failure to notify DMV of address change after State Police stopped a motorist for traveling 46 mph in a 30 mph zone on Maple Avenue.
The operator, who did not have identification on him, identified himself as Mario Franovich, 31. An in-car DMV photo system check allegedly revealed a picture that did not match the operator of the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed the operator to be Patrick Franovich. It was determined he had used his brother’s name to attempt to avoid being arrested for the above charges.
Patrick was taken into custody and was arraigned in Charlotte Town Court.
He was sent to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash/$4,000 bond and is to appear in Stockton Town Court on Aug. 17.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
HANOVER – Benjamin J. Goldstein, 20, of Amherst, was charged Sunday with failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign and unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop on Alleghany Road around 6 p.m. In addition, passengers Deqwante Q. Jones, 17, and Thomas M. Maggio, 20, both of Buffalo, were also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Goldstein was identified as the driver and all were allegedly found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. All were given tickets to appear in Hanover Town Court.
HANOVER – Amber Harrison, 38, of Silver Creek, was charged Sunday with second-degree harassment following a report of an altercation on Angell Road around 8:30 p.m. Investigation found Harrison allegedly struck another individual in the face several times, causing minor injuries. Harrison was issued a ticket to appear in Hanover Town Court.
Area Police
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office
CHAUTAUQUA – Jonathan Vega-Rivera, 23, of Jamestown, was charged Tuesday with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment after he allegedly followed and harassed another subject leaving Family Court on Route 394.
Vega-Rivera allegedly violated an order of protection, and has a previous conviction in the last five years for criminal contempt, making the charge a class E felony.
A warrant was issued for Vega-Rivera and on Wednesday, the Jamestown Police Department located him and turned him over to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. Vega-Rivera was arraigned in the Chautauqua Town Court and sent to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.
CHAUTAUQUA – Kelsey Raynor, 28, of Reed Street, Sinclairville, was charged with second-degree harassment on Thursday.
Around 3:30 p.m., Raynor allegedly chased another individual with her motor vehicle through a field off Beech Hill Road. The other individual was also in a vehicle at the time of the incident.
She was issued an appearance ticket for Chautauqua Town Court.
WESTFIELD – Kevin J. Mundy, 48, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was charged Friday with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator, unregistered motor vehicle and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon after a traffic stop on Route 5 around 4:30 p.m.
The operator allegedly identified himself as Mundy and a check showed his New York driving privileges were suspended. Mundy was also found to be in possession of an illegal chuka stick, also known as nunchuks.
Deputies also allegedly found that a passenger, Justin A. Steiner, 26, of Erie, was in possession of marijuana. Steiner was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Both Mundy and Steiner were released with tickets to appear in Westfield Town Court.
FORESTVILLE – An 18-year-old Forestville man was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child on Friday.
The suspect had allegedly been exchanging inappropriate images and messages via social media with two underage females in May. He was issued an appearance ticket for Hanover Town Court.
NORTH HARMONY – Kelcie Brown, 20, of Jamestown was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and speed in zone on Saturday.
Around 2 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle for allegedly speeding on Route 394. Investigation found the operator of the vehicle, Brown, had a suspended New York state driver’s license from a prior alcohol-related driving offense.
Brown was later released to appear in North Harmony Town Court.
STOCKTON – Timothy Ward, 32, of Cassadaga was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater and move from lane unsafely on Saturday.
At about 12:45 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle on Maple Avenue for an alleged traffic violation. The operator was identified as Ward and investigation found him to be allegedly intoxicated.
Ward was released with traffic tickets returnable to Stockton Town Court.
Area police
Sheriff’s save kayaker
Pennsylvania man was rescued in the Van Buren Bay area in the town of Pomfret Friday.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a boater in distress around 8:20 p.m. Upon arriving on the scene, they observed one subject about one mile off shore in the water without a life jacket on.
The subject, identified as Andrew Amsler, 21, of Evans City, Pa., allegedly got caught up in rough waters and his kayak overturned, but he was able to cling to the craft.
Deputies were able to keep Amsler in sight from the shore while a Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Navigation Boat/WET Rescue was en-route to the scene. Due to the high waves in the area of the bay, deputies from shore guided the navigation boat to the subject.
Deputies on the navigation boat were able to successfully locate the subject, but as they approached, Amsler let go of the kayak and went under the water. One of the deputies on the navigation boat jumped into the water and was able to secure the subject onto the boat.
Amsler was transported to the Dunkirk Harbor, where he was released to his family.
Due to Amsler not wearing a life jacket, he was issued a ticket for having no personal flotation device while on the water. He will appear in Pomfret Town Court at a later date and time.
16-year-old female dies in Fairmount Avenue accident
LAKEWOOD – A 16-year-old girl was killed in an accident at 9:01 p.m. Thursday at 270 Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, near the Tim Horton’s location in the T.J. Maxx/Petsmart plaza.
Police report Jose A. Rosa Jr., 17, of Jamestown was driving a vehicle that made an illegal left turn into the Tim Hortons parking lot in front of oncoming traffic. Daniel Hultin Jr., the driver of the oncoming vehicle, was unable to avoid contact with Rosa’s vehicle and hit Rosa’s vehicle at a right angle on the passenger side door. The 16-year-old was a passenger in Rosa’s vehicle. She sustained serious injuries from the accident and was later pronounced dead at WCA Hospital.
Hultin was interviewed and released at the scene. Charges are pending against Rosa.
The Lakewood-Busti Police Department and Lakewood Fire Department were assisted by the Celoron Fire Department, the Ellicott Police Department and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department’s Accident Reconstruction Team.
Area Police
Woman drowns, 2 children rescued in Evans
OBSERVER Staff Report
EVANS – A 51-year-old Buffalo woman reportedly drowned, while two children were rescued in Lake Erie just off Wendt Beach Thursday evening in the town of Evans.
According to the Evans Police Department, around 7 p.m., officers responded to a report of two children and a parent in possible distress in the water. Upon arrival, police determined the mother of one of the children went into the water in an attempt to rescue the children. A 10-year-old girl was reportedly able to maneuver her way to shore on her own, while the second child and the parent were still missing in the lake, approximately 100 yards out from the shore.
Evans Police Lt. Bradley DiMartino reportedly spotted the head of a person in the water where the missing two were last seen. DiMartino swam out to the person who was drowning – a female, age 11 – and was able to grab her and pull her to safety. He was assisted by Officer Jeffrey DeVinney, who brought her to shore.
Mary Creighton, the mother of the rescued 11-year-old, was reportedly found deceased about an hour later by emergency personnel just east of the scene.
Police attribute the tragic incident to the dangerous conditions on the lake, with waves between 5 and 6 feet in height.
Assisting agencies included the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, Hamburg Town Police Department’s water rescue unit, U.S. Coast Guard and Evans Center, Lake Erie Beach, Highland, North Evans and Lakeview fire companies.
Possible drug overdose in Fredonia
OBSERVER Staff Report
Authorities are investigating a possible drug overdose that resulted in the loss of a young woman’s life.
Fredonia Police Chief Bradley Meyers recently confirmed a person was carried out of the Green Acres Apartments on Wisteria Drive in a body bag shortly after 2 p.m. on July 23. Police suspect the female individual died of an apparent drug overdose.
A news release on the incident is expected in the near future, pending the results of an autopsy, Meyers noted.
Pomfret crash involves tractor
OBSERVER Staff Report
An accident in the town of Pomfret early Friday afternoon reportedly involved a tractor and a vehicle.
First responders were called out to Van Buren Road around 1 p.m., according to the New York State Police in Fredonia. Dyllan Tieszak, 20, of Fredonia reportedly tried going around the tractor – driven by Shane Woollett, 34, of Portland – when his brakes failed, causing Tieszak’s vehicle to clip the left-rear corner of the tractor.
Woollett was transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital by Alstar Ambulance for minor injuries.
The Fredonia Fire Department assisted. No charges were filed.