Dunkirk Police Department

Norman Geddis Jr., 17, of Lincoln Avenue in Dunkirk was charged with two counts of petit larceny, two counts of third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana on April 18. Around 4:06 a.m., a Dunkirk Police officer was conducting business checks when they located Geddis acting suspicious in the area of Lake Shore Drive East and South Ocelot Street. Through investigation, it was learned that Geddis was allegedly entering vehicles and stealing property throughout the city’s first ward. He was held on $2,000 cask bail.

Chautauqua County

Sheriff’s Office

JAMESTOWN – Latrice M. Nixon (formerly Oneal), 34; and Joshua A. Nixon, 29, both of Jamestown, have been charged with felonies relating to welfare fraud. The 21-month-long investigation concluded on Thursday, when investigators with the Sheriff’s Office and Department of Health and Human Services Program Integrity Unity caught up with the Nixons.

According to reports, Latrice and Joshua Nixon received $4,456.66 in unentitled cash assistance and food stamps during the period of Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014. Allegedly, Latrice and Joshua Nixon were living together with their child, but both adults had filed multiple false applications with DHHS claiming to be living apart. They also allegedly concealed household income.

They are charged as co-defendants with third-degree welfare fraud, third-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps. Additionally, Latrice is charged with three counts and Joshua is charged with two counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.

Latrice and Joshua Nixon were issued appearance tickets directing them to Jamestown City Court on May 26 for their arraignments. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported by calling the hotline at 1-800-388-5365.

RIPLEY – On Sunday at about 6:30 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a suspicious situation on Route 20. Upon investigation, they found a 17-year-old to be in possession of a revolver-styled firearm. The teen was taken into custody and charged with criminal possession of a firearm and will answer the charge in Ripley Town Court.

ELLICOTT – Brandon T. Himes, 19, of Ellicott was charged Sunday with driving while intoxicated, DWI with blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater, unregistered motor vehicle, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely after Deputies stopped a vehicle on Fluvanna Avenue for multiple lane violations.

Investigation reportedly found Himes to be intoxicated. He was taken into custody and after processing was released with traffic tickets.

Gowanda Police Department

Thomas L. Zuppa Jr., 32, of West Seneca voluntarily turned himself in to Gowanda Police on April 8 shortly before 1 p.m. There were two active warrants out for his arrest – one from Buffalo City Court for criminal possession of a weapon, child endangerment and menacing; the other from Alleghany Family Court. He was arrested on these warrants, then turned over to the Buffalo Police Department.

David E. Brisley, 24, of Gowanda allegedly failed to appear in West Seneca City Court and Erie County Family Court for a traffic arrest for aggravated unlicensed operation and other vehicle and traffic violations. After Gowanda Police officers were notified of these warrants, they located Brisley and took him into custody on April 15. He was then turned over to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for processing on their Family Court Warrant.

Brenda R. Jimerson, 43, of Gowanda was stopped on Buffalo Street by patrol on April 15 for an alleged traffic violation. During this stop, a DMV computer check showed that Jimerson’s license was suspended a total of six times on three separate dates. She was taken into custody for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and released with an appearance ticket. She will answer for herself in Collins Town Court.

New York State Police

Robert Lyles, 21, of Peekskill, was charged with driving while intoxicated on April 23. Lyles was pulled over on Vineyard Drive in Dunkirk for a traffic violation, and after failing several standardized field sobriety tests, was placed under arrest. Lyles was transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital, where a blood sample was secured and then transported to Fredonia State Police for processing. Lyles was later issued tickets and released, to appear in Dunkirk Town Court in May.

FALCONER – Brian Lowers, 29, of Kennedy was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of marijuana on Saturday. Troopers allegedly observed a pipe containing burnt marijuana residue in plain sight while interviewing Lowers after stopping him on South Work Street in Falconer for a traffic violation. Subsequent investigation revealed Lowers was allegedly in possession of bags containing over 70 grams of marijuana (an approximately $768 street value), a jar containing a small amount of marijuana, a marijuana cigarette and two additional pipes containing marijuana residue. Lowers was placed under arrest, processed at Jamestown State Police, and released with appearance tickets directing him to appear in Ellicott Town Court later in the month.

STOW – Jashawn Clayborne, 23, of Toledo, Ohio, was arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on Friday. Clayborne was pulled over on I-86 in Stow for speeding, and a subsequent investigation revealed that the vehicle he was driving was a rental, supposed to be returned to the company on March 9. As a result, the vehicle was reported stolen, verified by the Columbus Airport Police Department. Clayborne was placed under arrest and processed at Jamestown State Police, arraigned in the Town of North Harmony Court and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $1,200 cash bail. Clayborne is scheduled to reappear in the North Harmony Town Court in May.

Lakewood-Busti Police Department

On Friday at 9:40 p.m., Lakewood-Busti Police responded with Lakewood and Busti fire departments to the scene of a personal injury motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles on Busti-Stillwater Road between Simmons and Kortwrite roads. Upon arrival, one of the vehicles, a Chevy pickup truck, had rolled multiple times and was resting on its roof in the ditch while the second vehicle, a Toyota van, was heavily damaged but still on the road.

A passenger was found to be pinned in the pickup and had to be extricated from the vehicle. The driver of the pickup fled the scene and was unable to be located after an extensive search of the surrounding area.

The subject pulled from the pickup was severely injured and transported to UPMC Hamot in Erie for treatment. The driver of the van was injured and transported with the other passengers to WCA for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing at this time, as is the search for the driver of the pickup.

Area Police

State Police in Fredonia

RIPLEY – Joe Anousinh, 29, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was pulled over on April 19 and arrested following a stop on Route 5. Following a court hearing, Anousinh pleaded guilty to two counts of disorderly conduct and a parking violation.

ARKWRIGHT – Michael Granata, 24, of Forestville was charged on April 19 with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding after State Police pulled over a vehicle on Route 83 for speeding. While speaking to the driver, Granata, the trooper allegedly smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed a pipe containing burnt marijuana, and Granata was subsequently placed under arrest. He was issued tickets, both returnable to Arkwright Town Court on later date.

FALCONER – Lorie Spontaneo, 54, of Lakewood was charged on April 19 with driving while intoxicated after State Police observed a vehicle on Route 394 that had become disabled after leaving the roadway and striking a bridge. Spontaneo was arrested for DWI after failing several field sobriety tests.

She was transported to the State Police barracks in Jamestown where she provided a breath sample of .11 blood alcohol content. Spontaneo was then processed, issued tickets returnable to Ellicott Town Court, and released.

New York State Police in Jamestown

KIANTONE – Leisa Gates, 55, of Celoron was taken into custody and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana after her vehicle was stopped at a road check on Route 60 on Wednesday. During the investigation Troopers smelled marijuana emanating from inside her vehicle. During the investigation Troopers located a pipe containing marijuana residue, a marijuana cigarette and a small amount of marijuana vegetation. Gates was administered standard field sobriety tests, which she failed. Gates was transported to the SP Jamestown for additional testing by a drug recognition expert from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. Gates was issued tickets and will answer for herself in Kiantone Town Court in May.

KIANTONE – Robert Lindberg, 45, of Jamestown was taken into custody and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Wednesday after his vehicle was stopped at a road check on Route 60. While speaking to Lindberg, the trooper smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle. Lindberg was subsequently arrested after he was found to be in possession of a box containing a gram of marijuana, and released with an appearance ticket returnable to the Kiantone Town Court.

CHERRY CREEK – Enos Hostetler, 20, of Cherry Creek was taken into custody and charged with second-degree harassment following an investigation Wednesday. According to reports, troopers responded to a residence in Cherry Creek because someone had called 911 from the home, then hung up. Investigation allegedly revealed that Hostetler had kicked and struck a female victim, and knocked her into a wall. He was issued an appearance ticket and then left the residence. He will answer for his actions in Cherry Creek Town Court.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

– MAYVILLE – Dennis W. Topliffe, 35, of Mayville was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after Sheriff’s deputies and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force responded to his residence on Tuesday to investigate reports of drug manufacturing. As a result, they allegedly found that Topliffe had in his possession an excess of four ounces of liquid methamphetamine.

Topliffe was located in Sheridan Wednesday and taken into custody. He was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court, then taken to Chautauqua County Jail without bail pending further action by the court.

Authorities continue to ask members of the community to call either 800-344-8702 or 363-0313 whenever they observe narcotics-related activity within their communities.

– A 16-year-old female Silver Creek resident was charged with petit larceny and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail on Friday at about 2 p.m.

According to reports, the girl, a student at BOCES on Fredonia-Stockton Road in Pomfret, had taken another student’s cellular phone without permission. An investigation revealed that the 16-year-old was indeed in possession of the allegedly stolen property.

State Police in Jamestown

– SINCLAIRVILLE – Westley Johnson, 21, of Jamestown was charged on April 15 with unlawful possession of marijuana after State Police pulled over a vehicle on Main Street for an alleged traffic violation.

While speaking with the driver, Johnson, the trooper reportedly smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, a pipe containing burnt marijuana was allegedly located. Johnson was issued tickets returnable to Charlotte Town Court.

– MINA – Brandon Calkins, 29, of Jamestown was charged on April 16 with felony aggravated driving while intoxicated. Calkins was pulled over on I-86 for speeding, and after reportedly failing several field sobriety tests, was placed under arrest.

Calkins was transported to the State Police barracks in Jamestown where he provided a breath sample of .20 blood alcohol content. As Calkins had been convicted of DWI within the preceding 10 years, the charge was upgraded to a felony. He was then processed, arraigned in Sherman Town Court, and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.

– BEMUS POINT – Bradley Baum, 39, of Sherman was charged on April 16 with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation after State Police pulled over a vehicle on I-86 for a loud muffler. While speaking to the driver, Baum, the trooper allegedly smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed a bag containing over 30 grams of marijuana and two marijuana cigarettes. Baum was processed at the State Police barracks in Jamestown, issued traffic tickets and an appearance ticket, and released.

– FINDLEY LAKE – Shannon Anderson was charged on April 18 with aggravated driving while intoxicated after State Police pulled over Anderson on State Route 426 in Findley Lake for traffic violations, and after reportedly failing several field sobriety tests, she was placed under arrest.

Anderson was transported to the State Police barracks in Jamestown where she provided a breath sample of .22 blood alcohol content. She was then processed, issued tickets returnable to Mina Town Court and released to a sober individual.

– KENNEDY – Steven Raynor, 24, of Falconer was charged on April 16 with driving while intoxicated after State Police pulled over Raynor on Daley Hill Road for a traffic violation. After allegedly failing several field sobriety tests, Raynor was placed under arrest.

He was transported to the State Police barracks in Jamestown where he provided a breath sample of .12 blood alcohol content. He was then issued tickets returnable to Poland Town Court.

State Police in Fredonia

– Justin Lupino, 19, of Forestville was charged on April 20 with unlawful possession of marijuana after State Police pulled over a vehicle on Route 20 in Fredonia for a traffic violation.

While speaking to the driver, Lupino, the trooper allegedly smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle, and a probable-cause search reportedly revealed a pipe containing marijuana residue and a bag containing 1.5 grams of marijuana.

He was issued an appearance ticket and a traffic ticket, then released.

Area Police

Operation Safe Stop starts today in Cattaraugus County

LITTLE VALLEY – Cat-taraugus County Sheriff’s deputies will participate in Operation Safe Stop today. Operation Safe Stop is a statewide initiative to protect the lives of children who ride school buses. The Sheriff’s Office will use road patrol and school resource officer deputies to patrol bus routes and ensure the safety of children traveling between buses and their homes.

Since 2012, 35 students have been struck by vehicles whose drivers passed stopped school buses in New York state. A first-time conviction for passing a school bus carries a fine of $250 to $400, up to 30 days in jail and five points on one’s driver’s license. A second conviction within three years will result in a fine of $600 to $750 and up to 180 days in jail. A third conviction within three years will result in a fine of $750 to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

Marked and unmarked vehicles will be put to use in this effort, following buses from multiple school districts. Deputies will work to enforce traffic laws and stop drivers who endanger others during bus route hours. Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb encourages the public to drive safely and responsibly today and all days.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

A 16-year-old female was issued an appearance ticket for disorderly conduct on April 8 shortly before 9 a.m. According to reports, the girl is a student at BOCES on Fredonia-Stockton Road in Pomfret, where, that day, she was approached by administration and informed she would need to serve in-school suspension due to an earlier incident on the school bus. The teen then used vulgar language and created a disturbance, when deputies were called in. She will answer for herself in Pomfret Town Court.

Gowanda Police Department

Brandon T. White, 31, of Gowanda was taken into custody and charged with criminal mischief on March 24 shortly after midnight following an investigation into an earlier incident. Allegedly, White had intentionally broken windows at a residence on Union Street on March 7. He was released on an appearance ticket and will answer for his destructive actions in Collins Town Court.

Daniel C. Powley, 43, of Silver Creek was taken into custody on a warrant on April 7 at about 2:30 a.m. He had previously been arrested by Gowanda Police for unsafe start and third-degree unlicensed operation of a vehicle, but failed to appear in court to answer the charges. Thus, Collins Town Court issued a warrant for his arrest. Erie County Sheriff’s deputies located Powley and turned him over to Gowanda PD. Powley was released after posting $500 bail.

Area Police

French Creek man charged following fatal accident

FRENCH CREEK – A Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office investigation has led to the arrest of a French Creek man following a fatal accident.

An 88-year-old French Creek man was killed Sunday as a result of a car-pedestrian accident. The accident occurred at 8:20 a.m., when George Boozel was attempting to cross the street in the area of 10514 Griffin Road. Boozel was struck by a vehicle driven by N.L. Lombardozzi, 25, also of French Creek. Boozel was killed upon impact.

The Sheriff’s Office announced early Monday that Lombardozzi has been charged with driving while intoxicated and second-degree vehicular manslaughter. He was arraigned and sent to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail or $100,000 property bond.

100-year-old remains discovered in Cherry Creek

By A.J. RAO

Special to the OBSERVER

CHERRY CREEK-Human remains dating back 100 years were found in a gravel pit Friday alongside Route 83 in Cherry Creek.

New York State Police said the owner of the property was digging into a hillside when he observed what appeared to be a skull on the ground. After looking around, he discovered several other bones, including a jaw, part of a spine and a possible femur.

The remains were dated by an anthropologist to be approximately 100 years old with no signs of trauma.

The case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information on this are asked to call State Police at Fredonia at 679-1520.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

ELLERY – Jason R. Reed, 45, of Jamestown was taken into custody and charged with several offenses Monday shortly before 1 a.m. after his vehicle was stopped by deputies on Dutch Hollow Road for an observed traffic violation.

After an investigation it allegedly became clear to deputies that Reed, the operator, was intoxicated; in addition, he was found to be in possession of marijuana. His charges include driving while intoxicated, DWI common law, speed in zone and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was issued traffic tickets and an appearance ticket, answerable in Ellery Town Court. Reed was released to a sober third party.

Chautauqua County Court

MAYVILLE – Acting Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson announced the following pleas and sentences in Chautauqua County Court.

Trenton Grant, 22, of Jamestown, was sentenced by Judge Paul Wojtaszek to a determinate sentence of 10 years in state prison, and five years of post-release supervision after being convicted of first-degree assault.

Alexander Jewell, 24, of Jamestown, was sentenced by Judge Wojtaszek to a determinate sentence of 10 years in state prison, and five years of post-release supervision after being convicted of first-degree assault.

Acting District Attorney Patrick added, “These two sentences are a result of the collaborative efforts of the Jamestown Police Department and the District Attorney’s office. Getting a prison term in double digits is possible only when there is a good solid case built up with good old fashioned police work. I commend the City of Jamestown Police Department for their work on both cases. We are fortunate to see violent crime rates in our area that are lower than average. I hope to see that yearly. I would think a prison term of a decade will help deter other would be criminals from victimizing the people of our county with a violent offense.”

Tyler Moon, 30, of Fredonia, was sentenced by Judge Wojtaszek to a determinate sentence of two and one half years in State Prison, plus five years post-release supervision for one count of third-degree robbery.

Acting District Attorney Patrick added, “This case also evinces the positive effects of a collaborative effort. Both Dunkirk and Fredonia converged on and apprehended this defendant after he presented a note to a teller at a Dunkirk Bank and took money. Working together, the Fredonia PD and the Dunkirk PD nabbed the defendant within an hour of the robbery. I’m fortunate to have law enforcement agencies in this county that are able to get the job done. I commend them for their efforts. When they are successful, my office is successful.”

Area Police

Pedestrian, 88, struck and killed in French Creek

FRENCH CREEK – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office was called to the area of 10514 Griffin Road for a car-pedestrian auto accident.

George Boozel, 88, was attempting to walk across Griffin Road when he was reportedly struck by a west-bound vehicle driven by N.L. Lombardozzi, 25, of French Creek.

Boozel was killed upon impact and an investigation is continuing with charges pending.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

CLYMER – Willis D. Byler, 20, was charged Sunday with driving while intoxicated and DWI per se after deputies located a vehicle parked on the side of Clymer Sherman Road with the operator allegedly asleep in the driver’s seat.

After an investigation it was determined that Byler was reportedly intoxicated and had operated his vehicle while intoxicated. Byler was charged and will answer the charges in Clymer Town Court on a later date.

BROCTON – Daniel M Deppa, 34, was charged Sunday with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI, speed in zone and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle after deputies reportedly observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.

After a brief investigation, Deppa was issued appearance tickets and will appear in Brocton Village Court at a later date to answer the above charges.

HARMONY – Alan K. Miller, 25, of Findley Lake was charged on April 17 with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely and unlawful possession of marijuana after deputies were dispatched to a report of a vehicle striking a house and then fleeing the scene.

Miller was allegedly found to be intoxicated and was taken into custody. After processing Alan K. Miller was released with appearance tickets and will appear in Harmony Town Court at a later date. Deputies were assisted by Lakewood-Busti Police and Panama Fire Department.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

– SILVER CREEK – Quintin P Jones, 37, of Silver Creek was charged with third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation on Wednesday.

Sheriff’s deputies were called to Jones’ residence on April 10, where it was found that Jones fled the scene prior to their arrival.

An arrest warrant was obtained from the Village of Silver Creek Court.

Jones was located at his home on Wednesday and was taken into custody without incident.

Jones was remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail with bail after arraignment.

– RIPLEY – On Saturday at approximately 4 p.m., Chautauqua County deputies responded to an all-terrain vehicle accident in the woods off of East Side Hill Road in the town of Ripley.

Upon arrival, Dotty G. Woollett, 57, appeared to have fallen off the back of the ATV while crossing a creek.

Woollett was transported to Westfield Memorial Hospital by Ripley Fire Department for her minor injuries.

Area Police

State Police in Fredonia

BROCTON – Thomas Majkowski, 40, of Fredonia was charged on April 12 with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment after State Police responded to a violation of an order of protection call.

Investigation revealed that Majkowski approached the victim in a public place, began a verbal altercation and grabbed the victim by her arm, despite a court order directing him to refrain from committing any criminal acts against the victim.

Majkowski was located and taken into custody, arraigned in Portland Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

State Police in Jamestown

SINCLAIRVILLE – Orlando Rosario III. 35, of Buffalo was charged on April 10 with felony driving while intoxicated and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation after Rosario was pulled over on Route 60 for allegedly failing to dim his high beams for oncoming traffic.

After reportedly failing several field sobriety tests, Rosario was placed under arrest. He was transported to the State Police barracks in Jamestown where he provided a breath sample of .14 percent blood alcohol content.

A check of Rosario’s driving record revealed a DWI conviction in 2014 so the charge was upgraded to a felony, and as Rosario’s driving privileges in New York were revoked because of the DWI conviction, he was also charged with felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation

He was processed, arraigned and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Gerry Town Court on a later date.

JAMESTOWN – Damien Jackson, 18, of Jamestown and a 17-year-old female passenger were charged on April 10 with unlawful possession of marijuana after Police pulled over a vehicle in the Tops parking lot on Washington Street for multiple traffic violations.

Upon speaking to the occupants, the troopers allegedly smelled marijuana emanating from the inside of the vehicle. A bag containing 9 grams of marijuana was reportedly found on the person of a 17-year-old female passenger, and a grinder containing marijuana residue was located inside the vehicle, operated by Jackson.

Both were issued appearance tickets for Jamestown City Court and released.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

ARKWRIGHT – James Bielat Sr., 62, of Fredonia was charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree criminal harassment after deputies were called for a report of an altercation. After an investigation, deputies allegedly found that Bielat had hit another individual in the face, and took him into custody. He was arraigned and committed to Chautauqua County Jail without bail. He will answer charges in court at a later date.

WESTFIELD – Bren-da L. Horr, 36, of South Gale Street was charged with second-degree menacing, fourth-degree criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment after an altercation that allegedly took place April 7 at about 4:30 p.m. According to reports, deputies responded to Horr’s address upon receiving word that she had held a butcher knife to another person’s throat, struck that person and damaged property. She was taken into custody after an investigation, then arraigned in Westfield Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail. She will answer to the charges in court at a later date.

HANOVER – Tanya M. Boyd, 37, of Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to dim high beams after deputies stopped her vehicle Friday at about 1 a.m. on Routes 5 and 20. During an investigation, a small quantity of marijuana was found. Boyd was released with citations and will return to court to answer for herself.

JAMESTOWN – Jay Campbell, 48, of Jamestown was charged with several offenses relating to welfare fraud on Friday shortly before noon. Allegedly, Campbell had filed a HEAP application that contained false information, resulting in $450 of unentitled HEAP benefits being paid to him. His charges include first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, petit larceny and fifth-degree welfare fraud. Campbell is scheduled to appear in Jamestown City Court on May 5 for arraignment on the charges. This arrest concludes a joint investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the DHHS Program Integrity Unit. Instances of suspected welfare fraud may be reported to the hotline at 1-800-388-5365.

HANOVER – Frank W. Kiley III, 42, of Angola has been charged with second-degree criminal possession of stolen property and second-degree criminal mischief after an incident regarding a missing excavator. Allegedly, deputies received a report that an excavator had been stolen from a job site on Routes 5 and 20 on March 28. The excavator was located and returned to the owner the next day. Deputies investigating the matter concluded that Kiley had allegedly taken the piece of heavy equipment from the original job site and moved it to another location in the town, without having the owner’s permission. Kiley turned himself in to Hanover Town Court on April 7.

Erie County Sheriff’s Office seeks witnesses for fatal crash

in Colden

BUFFALO – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports the Crash Investigation Unit is investigating a fatal crash on Center Road in the town of Colden that occurred Tuesday at approximately 2:10 p.m.

Deputies initially responded to Center Road, between Blanchard and Partridge roads, for reports of an accident with injuries. Upon arrival, deputies observed a damaged vehicle in a driveway and another vehicle in a roadside ditch.

The driver of the vehicle in the ditch exited the vehicle by himself and was found by deputies seated on the opposite side of the road. The driver was initially transported via ambulance to South Buffalo Mercy Hospital and later transferred to Erie County Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The front passenger, a female in her late teens, was extricated from the vehicle and flown to ECMC with multiple injuries and was listed in critical condition. The rear passenger, Chauncy Kloiber, 28, of Wales, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the second vehicle did not sustain any injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Crash Investigation Unit and the sheriff’s office is requesting that anyone with information about the incident, or may have observed other vehicles in the area around 2 p.m., or with home security recordings showing the road contact the Crash Investigation Unit immediately at 858-3270.

Erie County Sheriff’s Office

SPRINGVILLE – Patrick Wright, 53, of Brant was charged with driving while intoxicated and moving from a lane unsafely Sunday at about 1:50 a.m., after a deputy stopped Wright’s vehicle on West Main Street for crossing over the fog line several times. Wright then allegedly failed field sobriety tests and was taken into custody. He was issued tickets and will answer for himself in Springville Village Court.

COLLINS – Kenneth Tyger, 69, of Collins was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday at about 2:20 p.m., after he allegedly put his car in a ditch. According to reports, a deputy investigated a vehicle in a ditch on Wilson Road, and found that it was registered to Tyger. The deputy then located Tyger at his residence, a short distance away. Tyger then allegedly failed field sobriety tests and registered a blood alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit. He will answer for himself in Collins Town Court April 27.

Illegally parked car results in two arrests for narcotics, warrants

BUFFALO – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports deputies assigned to the Rath Patrol arrested a couple on several charges after an investigation into an illegally parked car near the Rath Building.

On Friday afternoon, deputies began investigating a vehicle illegally parked on Pearl Street. The occupants provided the deputies with names, but those later proved to be of other individuals. Deputies determined the occupants were wanted individuals and were taken into custody.

The individuals were identified as Richard Crull, 32, of Forestville and Kellie Gray, 31, of Buffalo. Crull had two warrants out of the city of Buffalo and Gray also had a bench warrant out of Buffalo.

While Deputies inventoried the vehicle, they discovered several Carisoprodol pills, a controlled medication, not in an original container. Each subject was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and possessing a controlled substance not in its original container. Additionally, Crull and Gray were both charged with false personation. Crull was also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Both defendants were transported to the Erie County Holding Center where Crull is being held on $2,500 bail and Gray is being held on $3,500 bail.

Area Police

New York State Police

• ELLICOTT – Christopher Harris, 21, of Bradford, Pa., was taken into custody Friday on a charge of fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

State Police responded to a request to assist the Ellicott Police Department on a traffic stop at Kwik Fill on Route 60 in Jamestown. The troopers smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle, therefore the occupants and vehicle were subsequently searched. Harris was then placed under arrest after 44.25 grams of marijuana was found on his person (a street value of close to $500).

Harris was transported to Jamestown State Police, where he was processed for fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, arraigned in the Town of Ellicott Court, and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail.

• FALCONER – Tyler Manelick, 19, of Jamestown was pulled over by New York State Police Saturday for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, police allegedly smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a small amount of marijuana vegetation and three partially smoked marijuana cigarettes. Manelick was then arrested on the charge of unlawful possession of marijuana, issued an appearance and a traffic ticket and was subsequently released.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

HARMONY – Randy D. Lawergren, 59, of Harmony was charged on April 6 with two counts of second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct after the Sheriff’s Office was called to 5777 Button Valley Road to assist a social worker with a welfare check.

Upon arrival, Lawergren allegedly began threatening the social worker and attempted to physically attack him, at which time a deputy took the subject into custody for harassment. The subject then reportedly began threatening to kill the deputy and continued to make threats to kill all involved while yelling, screaming and swearing.

He was committed to the Chautauqua County Jail with bail set at $1,500.

ASHVILLE – Jacob R. Chamberlain, 18, of Lakewood was charged on April 9 with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to signal turn after deputies stopped a vehicle for an observed traffic violation on Linden Street.

Chamberlain was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

He was released with citations directing him to appear in North Harmony Town Court at a later date.

JAMESTOWN – On April 9, a 17-year-old driver male driver was reportedly pulled over on State Route 430 for driving without any lights after sunset.

While speaking to the driver, the trooper allegedly smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed a total of 24 grams of marijuana vegetation, devices used to smoke marijuana and three separate forms of concentrated cannabis.

The driver was charged and transported to the State Police barracks in James-town where he was processed for three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The driver was then released with appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Jamestown City Court on a later date to answer the charges.

Jillian J. Messere, 35, of Silver Creek was recently charged following an investigation of money missing from The Olympia Sports Store on Vineyard Drive in Dunkirk. After an investigation, it was reportedly found that Messere stole money from the store while she was employed there. Messere was issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny and will appear in court at a later date and time.

Area police

Buffalo man, 44, arrested for multiple felonies

Patrick Michalak, 44, of Buffalo was taken into custody on Thursday with charges of third-degree insurance fraud and 39 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.

An investigation revealed that Michalak allegedly filed for unemployment 39 times, despite the fact that he was employed. This resulted in him illegally collecting just under $4,000 in unemployment funds.

Michalak was processed at the New York State Police barracks in Fredonia and released with appearance tickets returnable to Dunkirk City Court. He is scheduled to appear in court on a later date to answer the charges.

Dunkirk man allegedly stole from highway garage

SHERIDAN?- David Roach, 58, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on Wednesday.

New York State Police allegedly observed video footage of Roach stealing items from the Town of Sheridan Highway Department and placing them in his personal vehicle.

Roach was issued a ticket to appear in Sheridan Town Court at a later date.

New York State Police

• SHERIDAN – Jeffrey Rich, 57, of Sheridan was taken into custody on Friday. Rich was pulled over on Route 20 for an alleged traffic violation, where he then failed several field sobriety tests. When Rich was transported to the Fredonia Police Department, he allegedly provided a breath sample of .11. Rich was charged with driving while intoxicated and transported to the State Police barracks in Fredonia where he was processed, issued tickets returnable to Sheridan Town Court and released to a sober individual.

• GERRY – Amanda Darling, 20, of Gerry was being interviewed in her vehicle in a Tops parking lot in Jamestown Friday (for reasons regarding an unrelated investigation) when troopers allegedly smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Darling was arrested after a partially smoked marijuana cigarette was allegedly located on the ashtray of the vehicle. Darling was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Jamestown City Court on a later date to answer the charge.

Area police

Fredonia Police Department

Brett M. Nadolinski, 22, of Fredonia was issued an appearance ticket for violating the sewer ordinance on April 1.

Brandon T. Zebrowski, 20, of Jamestown was held for allegedly violating the sewer ordinance on April 2.

Kelvin A. Munoz, 24, of Fredonia was held for alleged disorderly conduct and resisting arrest on April 2.

Gayang Ayol, 24, of Fredonia was held for alleged disorderly conduct and fourth-degree criminal mischief on April 2.

Omari D. Mitchell, 22, of Fredonia was issued an appearance ticket for disorderly conduct on April 2.

Akeem A. Bulob, 23, of Fredonia was issued an appearance ticket for violating the noise ordinance on April 2.

Kareem M. Brown, 21, of Fredonia was issued an appearance ticket for violating the noise ordinance on April 2.

Keni Y. Ciraulo, 36, of Dunkirk was stopped on April 3. At the traffic stop it was allegedly discovered that Ciraulo was driving while intoxicated, and was charged with failing to keep right, failing to use designated lane, DWI and DWI per se. Ciraulo was issues tickets and released on her own recognizance.

Connie A. Glasier, 66, of Fredonia was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident on April 4 and was issued a traffic ticket.

Dunkirk Police Department

Deandrew Gilbert Jr., 22, of Dunkirk was stopped for allegedly failing to obey a traffic control device. At the traffic stop Gilbert was also charged with being an unlicensed driver of an uninsured vehicle on March 31.

Tatiana Alvarez-Maldonado, 20, of Dunkirk was stopped for allegedly driving with a broken window on her vehicle on April 1. When stopped, it was also alleged that Alvarez-Maldonado was an unlicensed operator.

Fernando Figuero-Burgos, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with speeding and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Steven A. Raynor, 36, of Dunkirk was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument on April 2.

Luis Vasquez, 27, of Dunkirk was charged with disorderly conduct on April 2.

Zachary A. Plumley, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with allegedly driving with an obstructed view and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on April 3.

Joseph M. Wicks, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with disorderly conduct and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument on April 5.

Brandon M. Tate, 18, of Dunkirk was charged with criminal contempt, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment on April 5.

Julio Echevarria-Cosme, 21, of Dunkirk was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property on April 5.

Dontasia Buchanan, 18, of Dunkirk was charged with fourth-degree harassment on April 5.

Katherine Z. Gasdik, 29, of Fredonia was charged with allegedly driving with no headlights and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on April 5.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

MINA – Ellis F. Delahoy, 68, of Lakewood was charged with first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a minor Thursday at about 1:30 p.m. after the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Child Protective Services. An investigation was completed and an arrest warrant was obtained for Delahoy and he was allegedly taken into custody at his residence without incident. He was arraigned in Mina Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail with no bail. Further information about the victim is unavailable, as his or her identity is protected.

New York State Police Jamestown

RANDOLPH – Joseph Novak, 22, of Randolph was taken into custody by troopers Friday.

According to reports, a felony warrant had been issued by Jamestown City Court, and when troopers went to Novak’s residence to collect him, he tried to evade capture by jumping out a window and running away – though he didn’t get far.

After a brief foot chase, Novak was apprehended and additionally charged with resisting arrest, then transported to State Police Jamestown where he was processed.

Troopers then took him to Jamestown City Police Department to be held pending arraignment.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

• SHERIDAN – Matthew R. Greenough, 27, of Sheridan was allegedly involved in an altercation Monday at about 7 p.m. According to reports, deputies were called to the scene, and upon arrival ascertained that Greenough had punched two other individuals and destroyed property that was not his. He was taken into custody and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and two counts of second-degree harassment. He was arraigned in Sheridan Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail on $2,500 bail.

Erie County Sheriff’s Office

• BRANT – Collin Davis, 25, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was charged with driving while intoxicated on Friday at about 11 p.m. after deputies responded to calls about an intoxicated driver. Davis was located and deputies administered standard field sobriety tests, which Davis allegedly failed. He was taken into custody and transported to the North Collins Substation for further testing. A chemical test indicated Davis’ blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit. He was then taken to the Erie County Holding Center pending his arraignment.

• BRANT – Jason Suchocki, 36, of Cheektowaga was charged with several offenses after deputies responded to an erratic driver on Route 20 on Sunday shortly before 10 p.m. Suchocki, who was identified as the driver, was located in a parking lot. Deputies noticed signs of impairment by drugs, and administered field sobriety tests, which Suchocki allegedly failed. A records check also allegedly revealed that Suchocki’s license was restricted; he was required to use an interlock device, and was not. Suchocki was taken to Erie County Medical Center, where, according to reports, it was confirmed that he was impaired by drugs. He was taken into custody and charged with felony driving while intoxicated due to a prior conviction, failure to have a mandated interlock device, operating a vehicle without insurance, and two other traffic infractions. He was then taken to the Erie County Holding Center on $500 bail.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

PANAMA – Thomas Bascom, 28, of Jamestown was charged with trespassing, driving an uninsured vehicle and improper license plates Monday at about 7:15 after deputies found him allegedly trespassing at Panama Central School on North Street. According to reports, Bas-com was driving his vehicle on a grassy area without permission from the school. He will answer charges in Harmony Town Court.

SINCLAIRVILLE – John Catanese, 63, of Cassadaga was involved in a personal injury motor vehicle accident at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday on Charlotte Hill Road. According to reports, Catanese had lost control of his vehicle due to tire failure and struck a utility pole. He was transported by Sinclairville Fire Rescue to Brooks Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

SILVER CREEK – Dylan A. Perry, 19, of Silver Creek was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday after an incident on Hanover Road. According to reports, deputies had visited the residence to do a warrant check, necessitating an investigation that led to taking Perry into custody. He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail on $1,000 bail.

GREENHURST – Michael J. Bartok, 41, of Greenhurst was taken into custody Thursday at about 7:30 p.m. and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. According to reports, Bartok had harassed and damaged the property of another individual. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and deputies found him at a Jamestown business. Bartok was arraigned in Ellery Town Court and was taken to Chautauqua County Jail.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

BROCTON – Justin M. Swartz, 36, of Westfield was charged Saturday with third-degree assault after deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute assault, in a parking lot, at 2 W.Main St..

A victim was allegedly located laying in a parking lot at 2 W. Main St. The village of Brocton Fire Rescue responded and transported the victim to Westfield Memorial Hospital.

Swartz was arraigned in front of Village of Brocton Justice James Craig, and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail with bail set at $1,000 cash/$2,000 property. The investigation is continuing.

State Police in Jamestown

JAMESTOWN – Michael Pace-Segura, 19, of Jamestown was charged on March 27 with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after State Police pulled over a vehicle on North Main Street for a traffic violation.

While speaking to the driver, Pace-Segura, the trooper reportedly smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle allegedly revealed a plastic container with concentrated THC wax and a glass smoking chamber containing THC wax residue.

He was taken into custody and released with an appearance ticket directing him to appear in Jamestown City Court on a later date.

JAMESTOWN – Paul Thrasher, 54, of Jamestown was picked up on a warrant on March 28 after State Police received an extraditable warrant from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

Thrasher was reportedly located at his residence and taken into custody. He was then arraigned and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail pending an extradition hearing.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

SHERIDAN – Barbara Jones, 64, of Silver Creek was charged with multiple offenses March 26 shortly before 9 p.m.

According to reports, she was traveling southbound on Newell Road and pulled out in front of another vehicle travelling eastbound on Route 39, causing a collision. Deputies responded to the scene and took Jones into custody after an investigation.

She was charged with failure to yield the right of way, driving while intoxicated and DWI per se (blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher).

The occupants of the other vehicle sustained apparently minor injuries and declined medical assistance.

Jones was issued tickets and will answer the charges in Sheridan Town Court.

GERRY – Erica R. Sanderson, 27, of Westfield was taken into custody March 26 at about 2:30 a.m. following an incident on Route 60.

Allegedly, deputies had received a complaint of a vehicle driving erratically and responded to the scene to find Sanderson committing several traffic violations.

It is further alleged that Sanderson was intoxicated.

She was charged with failure to keep right, driving across hazard markings, failure to stop at a stop sign, driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI per se.

She was issued tickets and will appear in Gerry Town Court at a later date.

MAYVILLE – Torry R. Kenny, 22, of Mayville was charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and possession of marijuana after an incident on South Erie Street Wednesday at about 9:30 p.m.

Allegedly, deputies responded to a complaint of a disorderly male, and found Kenny to be in possession of a hypodermic needle and several bags of marijuana.

He was taken into custody and will answer for himself in Chautauqua Town Court.

BROCTON – Roy Ramey Jr., 30, of Brocton and a 16-year-old male youth, also of Brocton, were charged with third-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal mischief Wednesday after deputies responded to an East Main Street address for reports of an assault just after 8 p.m.

When they arrived on scene, deputies reportedly found an assault victim who needed medical attention and whose glasses had been broken.

Both Ramey Jr. and the teenager were issued tickets and will answer charges in Brocton Village Court.

CHARLOTTE – Christopher E. Biscup, 42, of Sinclairville was taken into custody and charged with second-degree harassment after deputies investigated reports of an altercation between two individuals Tuesday at about 3:15 p.m.

Biscup will answer for himself in Charlotte Town Court.

ELLICOTT – Travis D. Centi, 23, of Conewango Valley was charged with several offenses after deputies reportedly observed him commit traffic violations on Route 430 Thursday just before 2 a.m.

After stopping Centi’s vehicle and interviewing him, deputies allegedly determined he was intoxicated.

Centi was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated common law, DWI per se, failure to signal lane change, failure to keep right, and moving from lane unsafely.

Centi was released to a sober party and will answer charges in Ellicott Town Court.

Area Police

Teen threatens police officer with knife at JHS

By A.J. RAO

Special to the OBSERVER

JAMESTOWN – A 13-year-old male allegedly threatened a New York State Police officer with a pocketknife Friday outside of Jamestown High School.

The incident began shortly before noon when the teen attempted to fight two other students on the school’s east side parking lot near Foote Avenue.

Jamestown police said a staff member tried to intervene, but was ignored.

Shortly afterward, an off-duty and plain clothes investigator with the New York State Police, who was parked at the school in an unmarked vehicle, approached the 13-year-old and identified himself as a police officer.

The teen allegedly displayed a pocketknife.

“Even after (the investigator) identified himself as a police officer, (the 13-year-old) became disorderly and threatening,” said Captain Robert F. Samuelson, division commander of the Jamestown Police Department.

The investigator reportedly directed the teen to drop the knife and later restrained him. Jamestown police assisted at the scene.

No injuries were reported.

The teen, whose name was not released, faces multiple Family Court charges including menacing and weapons possession. He was turned over to a parent.

Buffalo woman injured in area crash

VILLENOVA – On Friday at 05:40 a.m., Chautauqua County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to a one vehicle personal injury accident in the Town of Villenova.

Driver of vehicle, Ruth Cleary, 49, of Buffalo, was traveling south bound on South Dayton-Silver Creek Road and went off the roadway striking a road sign then a tree. Cleary was transported to Lakeshore Hospital by South Dayton Ambulance for injuries.

Area police

Sinclairville man charged with sexually abusing child in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE – A Sinclairville man is facing charges after he allegedly sexually abused a child.

Louis W. Higgs Jr., 46, of 2735 Thornton Road, was charged following a complaint from Child Protective Services of alleged sexual abuse occurring in the town of Charlotte.

An investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office ensued, leading to an arrest warrant for Higgs Jr. on Thursday.

Higgs Jr. was charged with first-degree sexual conduct against a child, second-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

He was arraigned in Charlotte Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash or $100,000 property bond.

Police release pedestrian’s name in Jamestown fatal accident

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown police have identified the victim of a fatal accident in the city.

Margaret I. Thorn, 69, of Jamestown died at WCA Hospital on Wednesday following a car-pedestrian accident.

According to police, Thorn was crossing West Third Street at Lakin Avenue when an eastbound vehicle struck her.

The investigation is continuing, but police do not expect to file charges.

The Jamestown Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department Accident Reconstruction Team.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office

NEW ALBION – Lacey L. Stevens, 27, of Lawtons was taken into custody and charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content .18 percent or higher), DWI, speeding, failure to keep right and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle after an incident on Route 353 Sunday at about 12:30 p.m. Allegedly, Stevens’ vehicle was stopped by deputies because she was seen weaving and speeding, and an investigation was conducted. She will answer for her actions in New Albion Town Court.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

• SILVER CREEK – Kenneth L. Nolan Jr., 48, of Silver Creek was charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely and refusal to submit to a chemical test after deputies stopped his vehicle on Christy Street for erratic driving on Tuesday shortly after 7 p.m. He was taken to Chautauqua County Jail on $1,000 bail.

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