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Area Police

Fredonia man charged with burglary in Westfield

WESTFIELD – Jeffrey Switzer, 32, of Fredonia was allegedly involved in a burglary in progress Tuesday at about 9:15 p.m. A caller reported hearing a barking dog and saw a male entering her home through a window; she left the residence and called 911. When Sheriff’s deputies and Westfield Police arrived at 8343 Route 5, they reportedly found Switzer in a bedroom with items from the house in bags. He was taken into custody by deputies and arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court, then taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of $30,000 cash or $60,000 property bail.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

MAYVILLE – Brandon L. Cessna, 36, of Mayville was taken into custody Wednesday at about 2:15 a.m. after an incident on Chautauqua Street. According to reports, Cessna had been speeding, and when deputies stopped his vehicle to investigate, they found him to be intoxicated. His charges include speed in zone, driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI per se.

HANOVER – Lucas T. Fremont, 22, of Hamburg was taken into custody Sunday at about 1:40 a.m. Allegedly, Fremont had been speeding on Routes 5 and 20 and was stopped by deputies. Upon investigation, it was found that Fremont was intoxicated, reports say. His charges include speed in zone, driving while intoxicated and DWI per se. He will answer these in Hanover Town Court.

Area Police

Cattaraugus County Court

LITTLE VALLEY – Lori Pettit Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, reported the following activity in Cattaraugus County Court on Monday:

  • Indigo Vantino, 22, of Gowanda entered a plea of guilty to fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance to satisfy a pending indictment. The incident occurred on or about Sept. 25, 2015, in the village of Gowanda, when the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance with intent to sell it. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 27, 2017.
  • Beau E. John, 28, of Gowanda was sentenced to three years probation for his conviction of third-degree assault. The incident occurred on or about July 29, 2015, in the town of Persia, when the defendant, with intent to cause physical injury to another person, caused such injury to such person or to a third person.
  • Randall S. Crocker, 35, of Ashville was sentenced to 1 1/3-4 years, his license was revoked and an ignition interlock device was ordered for one year for his conviction of driving while intoxicated. The incident occurred on or about Aug. 15, 2015, in the town of Randolph, when the defendant operated a motor vehicle with a BAC .18 percent.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

PANAMA – Scott A. Dickerson, 48, of Panama, was taken into custody Monday around 3 p.m. and charged with second-degree menacing and trespassing. According to reports, deputies responded to complaints of a disorderly person on Goshen Road; through an investigation they determined that Dickerson had come onto the property of another person and used a metal chain to menace two people. Dickerson was located at his residence. He was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

CARROLL – Jesse S. McIntyer, 35, of Jamestown, was taken into custody Saturday just before midnight. According to reports, McIntyer was stopped by deputies on Route 62 for a traffic violation, and upon investigation, McIntyer was found to be intoxicated. A records check showed McIntyer to have a prior conviction for driving while intoxicated within the past 10 years, making this charge a felony. In addition to felony DWI, he was charged with aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or higher and failure to keep right. McIntyer will answer charges in Carroll Town Court.

FRENCH CREEK – James R. Hanson, 35, of Jamestown was taken into custody Sunday at about 3:35 a.m. and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after deputies were called to a resort on Old Road for reports of an intoxicated and disorderly male. After arriving and identifying Hanson, deputies investigated and found Hanson to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine. He will answer the charge in French Creek Town Court.

Area Police

Gowanda Police Department

Ashley J. Slocum, 29, of Perry Street, was charged with disorderly conduct, aggravated harassment, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest on Sept. 13. The event occurred on Commercial Street in a parking lot at 4:10 a.m.. When officers arrived they observed Slocum allegedly chasing a male, pushing him and attempting to hit him as well as yelling. She allegedly refused to calm down by officer’s requests and was put under arrest. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance to appear in Persia Town Court at a later date.

Thomas Gawor, 63, of Torrance Street, was charged with second degree aggravated unlicensed operation after a patrol pulled him over for a traffic stop on Sept. 14 at 4:44 p.m. During the computer check, the officer noticed his license was suspended or revoked six times from November of 1998 to March of 2014 for failure to pay child support and four driving while intoxicated convictions. Gawor was released and will appear in Persia Town Court at a later date.

Wesley A. Warrior, 56, of Allen Street, was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation after he allegedly failed to properly signal a turn on Sept. 15 at 6:45 p.m. During the traffic stop, the computer check found that Warrior’s license was revoked on Dec. 4, 2007 for a driving while intoxicated conviction. Warrior was released and will appear in Persia Town Court at a later date.

Zackery J. Raichlin, 27, of North Water Street, was issued for a warrant of his arrest after previously being arrested for aggravated unlicensed operation, unlawful possession of marijuana and traffic infraction. On Sept. 18, Raichlin was arrested and arraigned in Persia Town Court. He was released on his own recognizance to reappear at a later date.

Kristen S. Hahn, 26, of Commercial Street, was arrested after a warrant was issued on Sept. 18. Hahn failed to appear in court to answer her misdemeanor offense. She was released after posting bail of $300 and will reappear to the Collins Town Court at a later date.

Vicki M. Brewer, 64, of Commercial Street, was charged with passing a check with insufficient funds. Brewer paid her bill at Shop and Save with a check, but after the funds were insufficient, Shop and Save and patrol allegedly made numerous efforts to contact Brewer. On Sept. 21 at 4 p.m., Brewer was located and arrested. Brewer was released on an appearance ticket for Collins Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

CHERRY CREEK – Douglas J. Fairbanks, 51, of Forestville was taken into custody Sunday at about 1:20 a.m. after deputies stopped his vehicle on Main Street for alleged traffic violations. He was reportedly found to be intoxicated as a result of the investigation. His charges include driving while intoxicated, DWI per se having .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content, speed in zone, failure to keep right and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was processed, released with citations and will return to Cherry Creek Town Court.

Daniel A. Baka, 58, of Cleveland, Ohio, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Sunday at 12:10 a.m. Deputies investigating a trespass complaint at a residence on Route 5 in Pomfret found Baka on the property in his vehicle, asleep. When Baka got out of the vehicle, a marijuana pipe fell to the ground. Further investigation allegedly found Baka in possession of a small amount of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket.

RIPLEY – Joseph A. Gentile Jr., 19, of Victor was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speed not reasonable on Saturday at about 9:45 p.m. Allegedly, deputies came across Gentile Jr.’s vehicle in a ditch on Brockway Road and after an investigation, found him to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana. Gentile Jr. was taken into custody and issued tickets.

HANOVER – Frank Alessi Sr., 74, and Philip J. Taver, 24, both of Silver Creek, were reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident Sunday shortly after 1 p.m. According to reports, Alessi Sr.’s vehicle turned left onto Blanding Road from Hanford Road and into the oncoming traffic, hitting Taver’s vehicle head on. Taver was stopped at the stop sign. A passenger in his vehicle, Cathleen Taver, was transported to Lake Shore Hospital for minor injuries by Silver Creek EMS.

SILVER CREEK – John L. Robson, 57, of Ontario, Canada, was taken into custody Sunday at 4:45 p.m. and charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI – blood alcohol content greater than .18 percent, failure to keep right and driving across hazard markings. Deputies stopped his vehicle after observing him make several traffic violations. After an investigation, deputies deemed him to be intoxicated. He was arraigned in Silver Creek Village Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

New York State Police

CHERRY CREEK – Paul Giambrone II, 30, of Gowanda, was taken into custody by troopers Sunday and charged with felony driving while intoxicated and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

Giambrone II was stopped on Center Street after patrol observed multiple traffic violations, and after failing several standard field sobriety tests, Giambrone II was placed under arrest. He was transported to Jamestown, where he provided a breath sample of .17 percent blood alcohol content. Also, his driving record revealed two DWI convictions within the preceding 10 years, so the charge was upgraded to a felony, and since his driving privileges in New York had been revoked due to the convictions, he was additionally charged with the felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Giambrone II was then processed, issued tickets, arraigned in Charlotte Town Court and committed to Chautauqua County Jail.

Area police

Stockton man arrested twice in one week

It appears as though James F. Beers, 44, of Stockton didn’t learn his lesson Sept. 17, when he was taken into custody by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office; deputies picked him up again five days later.

Beers first drew the attention of the deputies last Saturday, when his vehicle was stopped in the town of Pomfret for allegedly driving without a valid license. But, further investigation showed Beers to be in possession of an open container of alcohol and a controlled substance, reports say. He was issued traffic tickets and appearance tickets for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, controlled substance in non-original container, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, operating a motor vehicle without interlock device and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. For those charges, Beers will go to Pomfret Town Court and answer to the judge.

Then, just a few short nights later, Beers was allegedly found intoxicated in his vehicle – which was parked in the driving lane of Hartfield-Stockton Road at about 8 p.m. Thursday. Beers was, once again, identified as the driver, and following an investigation, deputies ascertained that he was intoxicated and took him into custody. His more recent charges include felony driving while intoxicated (previous DWI in the past 10 years), aggravated DWI (blood alcohol content .18 percent or greater), felony aggravated unlicensed operation, parked on pavement, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marijuana. That second date with a judge will be in Chautauqua Town Court.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

POLAND – Devan Huntington, 22, of Randolph was involved in a motor vehicle accident Thursday at about 7:40 p.m. on Route 394.

According to reports, Huntington was traveling westbound and had crossed the center line, sideswiping a vehicle driven by Dylan Caldwell, 22, of Cherry Creek. A passenger in Caldwell’s vehicle, Kristen Smith, 21, of Randolph, sustained minor injuries and was transported to WCA Hospital by Kennedy Fire Rescue.

Huntington was issued traffic citations and will answer for the charges of failure to keep right and unsafe lane change in Poland Town Court.

BROCTON – Fredrick S. Brown, 31, of Brocton, was charged with petit larceny Friday at 5:30 a.m. after workers at the Country Fair allegedly observed Brown putting unpurchased items in his shorts’ pocket.

Brown will appear in Brocton Village Court at a later date.

ASHVILLE – Cassie M. Moore, 29, of Jamestown and Robert A. Hallett, 31, of Falconer, were given multiple charges after a traffic violation turned into much more on Saturday at around 11:50 p.m.

Officers pulled over their vehicle on Route 474 in the town of Harmony. Hallett, the passenger, allegedly had an open container of alcohol and a quantity of marijuana.

Moore, the operator, was subsequently charged with possession of marijuana and also allegedly possessed multiple prescription narcotic pills and various drug paraphernalia, all while a 9-year-old was present in the vehicle.

Moore’s charges include three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful possession of marijuana, and speed in zone.

Hallett was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Area Police

Police: fatal Amish buggy crash caused by vehicle driver falling asleep

OBSERVER Staff Report

HARMONY – A crash that took the life of an Amish man was caused by a vehicle driver who allegedly fell asleep at the wheel.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Peggy J. Miles of Panama was traveling on Weeks Road in the town of Harmony when she reportedly fell asleep and rear-ended an Amish buggy with multiple occupants.

The operator of the buggy, Henry Koffman Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene. Passenger Rachel Koffman of Panama and another youth occupant were flown to UPMC Hamot for their injuries by Starflight. Two more youths were transported to UPMC Hamot by ambulance.

The county’s accident reconstruction team was called out to process the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to use extra caution when sharing the roadway with Amish buggys.

Jamestown woman sentenced on fraud charge

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced Friday that Alicia Wilson, 37, of Jamestown, who was convicted of access device fraud, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $28,508.44.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Grisanti, who handled the case, stated that Wilson, an in-home health care aid, applied for credit cards in the names of the elderly couple she cared for. The defendant used the credit cards online and at local retail establishments in Jamestown and Erie, Pennsylvania, and withdrew cash from local banks. Losses suffered by Bank of America, Capital One and Citizen’s Bank totaled more than $25,000.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service under the direction of Inspector in Charge Shelly Binkowski.

Chautauqua Sheriff

  • Daniel P. Klee, 54, of Dunkirk was charged with failure to notify change of address/information for sex offender registry, a Class D felony, Thursday after he was served with an arrest warrant.

Deputies had obtained the warrant, and Klee was arrested by Dunkirk Police. Allegedly, Klee had failed to report his residency location since May; he is a level 3 sex offender. Dunkirk Police turned Klee over to the Sheriff’s Office, and he was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court. Bail was set at $20,000 cash or $40,000 property bond.

Area Police

New York State Police

FALCONER – David Hanley, 38, of Jamestown was taken into custody and charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated on Sept. 14 after troopers stopped his vehicle on Falconer Street for an observed traffic violation.

According to reports, after failing several sobriety tests, Hanley provided a breath sample of .21 percent blood alcohol content.

He was issued tickets returnable to Ellicott Town Court and released.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

HANOVER – Mary-ann Michalczyk, 76, of West Seneca was reportedly involved in a personal injury accident Sunday at about 12:30 p.m. on Routes 5 and 20. Allegedly, Michalczyk was westbound, turning left into Burger King, and did not see a vehicle driven by Patrick White, 68, also of West Seneca, traveling east. Michalczyk turned in front of White, resulting in an accident. Michalczyk was transported to Lake Shore Hospital for minor injuries. No charges were filed.

KIANTONE – Terry L. Neidert, 55, of Jamestown was charged with second-degree criminal contempt and failure to use a turn signal Sunday at about 2:15 a.m., after an incident on Manchester Road. Allegedly, Neidert had committed a traffic violation, and upon further investigation, deputies found a valid court order of protection requiring Neidert to stay away from a passenger in his vehicle. He was taken into custody. Neidert is scheduled to answer his charges in Kiantone Town Court.

SHERIDAN – Irene F. Mangus, 28, of Forestville was taken into custody Sunday at about 11:30 p.m. and charged with several offenses. Allegedly, deputies observed Mangus’ vehicle make several lane violations on Route 39. After stopping her vehicle, deputies investigated and determined that she was intoxicated. Mangus was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content .18 percent or greater), DWI and failure to keep right. She will answer for herself in Sheridan Town Court.

SHERIDAN – Gena M. Eberhardt, 23, of Silver Creek was taken into custody Sunday at about 2 a.m. after deputies allegedly watched her make several lane violations on Route 20, stopped her vehicle to investigate and found Eberhardt to be intoxicated. Her charges include driving while intoxicated, DWI per se and failure to keep right. She will answer for herself in Sheridan Town Court.

Chautauqua County Court

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

Edgardo L. Hernandez, 56, of Jamestown was sentenced Monday by Supreme Court Judge Paul Wojtaszek on one count to a determinate sentence of four years in state prison plus three years of post-release supervision, after being convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Russell Bartlett, 38, of Bemus Point was sentenced Monday by Wojtaszek on one count to an indeterminate sentence of two to four years in state prison, after being convicted of second-degree attempted assault.

Anthony Spitale, 20, of Jamestown was sentenced Monday by Wojtaszek on one count to a determinate sentence of three years in state prison plus one and one-half years of post-release supervision, after being convicted of second-degree assault.

Cattaraugus County Court

LITTLE VALLEY – Lori Pettit Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, reported the following activity in Cattaraugus County Court :

Jessica L. Silverheels, 36, of Gowanda entered a plea of guilty to an indictment that charges her with fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. The incident occurred on or about Aug. 7, 2014 in the town of Persia, when the defendant knowingly and unlawfully sold a narcotic drug. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 7.

Michael Peck, 26, of Gowanda was sentenced to five years of probation for his conviction to fourth-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance. The incident occurred on or about Feb. 23 in the town of Persia, when the defendant knowingly and unlawfully attempted to sell a narcotic preparation.

New York State Police

Sunendra Persaud, 36, of Sherman was taken into custody by troopers Monday and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was stopped on Clymer-Sherman Road for traffic violations, allegedly. Troopers smelled marijuana, and Persaud surrendered a bag containing fifteen grams of marijuana, according to reports. Troopers additionally searched his vehicle but found no other evidence. Persaud was issued a traffic ticket and an appearance ticket, then released. He will answer for himself in Sherman Town Court.

SHERMAN – On Sept. 11, troopers took into custody Marty Troyer, 25, of Panama and Robert Yoder, 22, of Clymer. According to reports, troopers responded to Alder Bottom Road regarding an alleged assault. Investigation revealed that during an argument between Troyer, Yoder and the victim, the victim was held in a headlock and struck multiple times, suffering visible injuries. When the victim called 911 from a cell phone, Troyer removed the phone from the victim’s possession and threw it in the woods, preventing further contact with 911. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries by a local ambulance. Yoder was arrested at the scene and Troyer was arrested later in the evening at a private residence.

Troyer was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and third-degree assault, and Yoder was charged with third-degree assault. Yoder and Troyer were processed at SP Jamestown, issued appearance tickets and released. Yoder and Troyer are scheduled to return to Sherman Town Court later this month to answer charges.

Area Police

Brawl still under investigation

OBSERVER Staff Report

Dunkirk Police are still investigating the cause and determining the charges regarding a 10- to 15-person brawl on Maple Avenue in Dunkirk on Sunday night.

Around 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dunkirk Police were called to a fight that had broken out on Maple Avenue. According to Sgt. Mark Gruber, officers came onto the scene of a brawl with dozens of bystanders watching.

“We have no idea behind what caused all of this yet; that’s what we’re still investigating,” Gruber said. “When we got there, there was a vehicle stopped in the street, and traffic was backed up.”

It’s taking a while to get the facts straight, in large part because of the number of people involved, and the lack of a clear-cut reason yet as to why these events unfolded. Until then, the answers, charges and arrests are anyone’s guess.

According to Gruber, no weapons were involved. Officers were on the scene for about an hour, and were assisted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Fredonia Police Department.

Identity thief caught in Dunkirk

OBSERVER Staff Report

This summer, one Home Depot customer thought he would fix up his digs on someone else’s dime.

On July 27, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a stolen credit card had been used several times at the Dunkirk Home Depot. After an investigation, deputies determined that the fraudulent Mr. Fix-it was John Tenamore, 35, of Dunkirk. According to reports, Tenamore had used the card nine times, racking up $2,818.16 in sundry charges.

On Sept. 12, an arrest warrant was signed by town of Dunkirk Justice Hubbard. On Monday, Tenamore was arraigned in Dunkirk City Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail with bail set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 property bond.

His charges include first-degree identity theft, nine counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and nine counts of third-degree forgery.

At this time, the items on Tenamore’s shopping list (as well as his honey-do list) are unknown. However, many would agree that adding a little curb appeal to one’s house is not worth spending time in the big house.

Area Police

Dunkirk Police Department

  • Carlos J. Perez-Lugo, 28, of Dunkirk was charged with driving while using a cell phone and unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle on Sept. 10.
  • Emily Melendez, 21, of Dunkirk was charged with endangering the welfare of a child on Sept. 7.
  • Brooke E. Gordon, 19, of Dunkirk was charged with endangering the welfare of a child on Sept. 11.
  • Skyler M. Irish, 25, of Cassadaga was charged with petit larceny on Sept. 12.
  • Gualberto Gonzales, 39, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on Sept. 13.
  • Dylan Howard, 20, of Fredonia was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Sept. 13.
  • Emily R. Mays, 20, of Dunkirk was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree criminal impersonation. On Sept. 13.
  • Savannah D. Jackson, 20, of Lawsons, was picked up on a bench warrant for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, impersonation, trespassing and unlawful possession of marijuana on Sept. 13.
  • Rolando Rivera-Santos, 41, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on Sept. 14.
  • Eric R. Acevedo, 32, of Dunkirk was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Sept. 14.

Area police

Who’s on second? Oh, wait…

CASSADAGA – A good drive in sports is more times than not related to a line drive in baseball or a swing in golf.

However, at Cassadaga Valley Central School on Saturday, it meant something much different.

Danny T. Thorp, 61, of Cassadaga, was charged with driving while intoxicated after he was allegedly caught operating a vehicle on the baseball fields. Thorp’s objective was reportedly to get to the parking lot – which was across the diamonds – to watch the football game.

Thorp was arrested and released to appear in Gerry Town Court at a later date.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

HANOVER – Jacob A. Lockett, 20, of Irving, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment after an altercation on Monday.

Lockett allegedly damaged property and pushed an individual to the ground in the presence of a child. A warrant was served on him Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

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

WESTFIELD – Brian H. Leamer, 35, of Concord Road, Erie, Pennsylvania, was handed multiple charges after his vehicle allegedly went off the road and damaged property on Route 5 at 7:24 p.m. Those charges include driving while intoxicated, driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more, DWI – Leandra’s Law, move from lane unsafely, failure to keep right and leaving the scene of a property damage incident.

At the time of the incident, it was allegedly discovered that Leamer had two minors in the vehicle with him.

Leamer was taken into custody and released with appearance tickets. He will appear in Westfield Town Court at a later date.

Fredonia Police

Paul S. Germain, 21, of Fredonia was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for open container on Sept. 10.

Colt D. Agnew, 19, of Fredonia was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for violating a sewer ordinance on Sept. 10.

Randy J. Rivera-Nunez, 35, of Fredonia was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration on Sept. 15. He was held with bail set at $500.

Dunkirk Police

Melvin M. Rodriguez-Rivera, 41, of Fredonia was charged with first-offense driving while intoxicated and failure to yield at a stop sign on Sept. 3.

Jocelyn L. Lash, 35, of Fredonia was charged with driving while intoxicated on Sept. 7.

Shelby Espersan, 20, of Forestville was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and possession of methamphetamine manufacturing materials on Sept. 8.

Jonathan Linger was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance on Sept. 8. Linger’s preliminary hearing was waived, and he is being held for grand jury as of Sept. 13.

Gail A. Korzeniewski, 58, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on Sept. 10.

Bryant A. Collins, 44, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on Sept. 10.

Area Police

Assistance sought in stolen Sherman town safe

SHERMAN – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance regarding a stolen municipal safe.

According to deputies, on Thursday at around midnight, unknown person(s) broke into the Sherman Town Court/Sherman Town Offices. A large safe was stolen which contained a small quantity of cash. More importantly, the safe contained extremely important town records, particularly the cemetery records. Officials said it is extremely important that these cemetery records are recovered.

Anyone with information concerning this burglary is requested to contact We Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463) or contact Investigator Boland directly at 716-753-4925. WeTip is a non-profit corporation dedicated to taking anonymous tips from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. WeTip allows citizens from all over the nation to anonymously call crime information into one central headquarters, which is manned by live operators. WeTip will immediately link this information to local law enforcement agencies where the crime occurred. WeTip offers rewards up to $1,000 when the anonymous tip leads to an arrest and conviction. Rewards are paid anonymously through postmasters to protect the identity of the caller. In addition to the potential WeTip reward money, additional reward money may be available.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

  • FALCONER – On Sept. 15, at about 10:01 p.m., Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one-vehicle accident on Hartson Road in the Town of Poland.

Upon arrival and through further investigation, it was found that Austin Muntz, 20, of Kennedy was traveling southbound on Hartson Road when he allegedly swerved to avoid hitting a deer. Muntz left the roadway and entered the ditch on the west side of the road. His vehicle then proceeded through the ditch, striking conveyor wheels used for marking the end of a driveway before coming to a rest.

Muntz was treated at the scene for minor, non life threatening injuries.

Area police

Ellery accident damages county construction vehicle

ELLERY – An accident on Pickard Road Thursday morning extensively damaged a Chautauqua County Highway Department machine.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies report Steve Penhollow, 49, of Sinclairville was traveling eastbound around 8:10 a.m. and due to dust in the air and the sun on the horizon, did not see the county’s Gradall Road Building Machine parked in a shaded area in the eastbound lane. Penhollow struck the Gradall, causing extensive damage to the Penhollow vehicle.

No one sustained any injuries as a result of the accident and there was no report of any charges.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

Tyler T. Shear, 21, of Forestville was taken into custody at about 3:45 p.m. Thursday, after deputies served a Chautauqua County Court arrest warrant for third-degree burglary.

Shear had been located at a residence on Lord Street in the city of Dunkirk, and was taken into custody without incident. He has been committed to Chautauqua County Jail.

Fredonia Police Department

Josue Baez, 28, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree attempted burglary on Sept. 1.

Nicholas Dispenza, 30, of Silver Creek was charged with petit larceny on Sept. 1.

Anthony R. Lazzoro, 19, of Buffalo was charged with open container, underage possession of alcohol, littering and using permitting of Fake ID on Sept. 3.

Sharlene A. Downey, 26, of Sinclairville was charged with open container on Sept. 3.

Nicholas Utley, 28, of Warhaw, NC was charged with two counts of second-degree harassment on Sept. 4.

Katie M. Layer, 20, of Fredonia was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for open container, littering and underage possession of alcohol on Sept. 4.

Jodi J. Messere, 37, of Dunkirk was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for with petit larceny on Sept. 5.

Jason Jakubowski, 40, of Fredonia was charged with and had his vehicle impounded for driving an unregistered motor vehicle, driving with no insurance and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on Sept. 7.

Tina L. Quiles, 44, of Dunkirk was charged with and issued a traffic ticket for driving with a suspended registration on Sept. 8.

Jessica L. Goodwin, 31, of Dunkirk was picked up on an arrest warrant on Sept. 8 for two counts of trespassing.

Dalton M. Drennan, 18, of Rochester was charged with and issued three appearance tickets for open container, littering and underage possession of alcohol on Sept. 11.

Alissa N. Smith, 25, of Fredonia was charged and issued an appearance ticket for second-degree harassment on Sept. 12.

Lauren M. Krulisky, 19, of Niagara Falls was charged with and issued an appearance and traffic ticket for littering and possession of a fake license on Sept. 13.

Brandon G. Eddy, 21, of Fredonia was charged with driving while using a cell phone and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on Sept. 14. Eddy was released on $250 bail and issued a traffic ticket.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

RIPLEY – Brandon L. Murphy, 21, of Ripley was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon on Sept. 13.

At about 5:30 p.m., Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with Westfield Police, responded to a fight call on S. State St. in Ripley for several subjects fighting in the street.

Upon arrival, all parties were separated. Deputies interviewed a subject at the scene who was identified as Murphy. Murphy was found to have in his possession a switchblade-style knife and was issued an appearance ticket for fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Murphy will appear in court at a later date and time.

Gowanda Police Department

Dennis G. Mitchell, 27, of Broadway Road in Gowanda, was charged with third-degree unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine, a Class D Felony, on Sept. 5 in Gowanda. As part of the Gowanda Police Department and Southern Tier Regional Task Force’s ongoing investigations into illegal narcotic sales in the village, members of the STRTF, Gowanda PD, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police executed a search warrant at 34 Broadway Road on Sept. 5. The search warrant was executed regarding an investigation into the manufacturing and sale of methamphetamine in the village.

During the execution of the warrant, officers found an active meth lab found inside of the residence. The NYSP Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team responded to the scene and assisted the officers in collecting evidence and disposing of hazardous materials.

Mitchell was arraigned in Persia Town Court and remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $20,000 cash or $30,000 property bond.

A 16-year-old female employee of Shop and Save was charged Saturday with fourth-degree grand larceny after an investigation allegedly found that she had taken approximately $1,600 from the registers over a period of time. She was arraigned in Collins Town Court and released on her own recognizance to return at a later date to answer for the alleged theft. Her name is being withheld due to her age.

A 17-year-old male was charged Sept. 1 with third-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal mischief after police investigated reports of a disturbance at an East Main Street residence. Allegedly, the teen had been involved in a verbal altercation with a female, which escalated into physical violence when he punched a hole in the wall, threatened the female, and swung his fist at her, missing his mark. He was taken into custody, then released with an appearance ticket. He will answer charges in Collins Town Court. His name is being withheld due to his age.

Casey L. Bley, 19, of Gowanda was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, probation violation and warrant arrest Sept. 2. Bley was arrested previously by Gowanda Police and convicted of a burglary, according to reports, and was placed on probation by the court. Erie County Probation Officers contacted patrol and requested assistance taking Bley into custody once more, as he had violated his probation on numerous occasions and also had failed to report to probation as mandated by his court sentencing. Patrol responded, and together with the Erie County Probation Officers, confronted Bley. Allegedly, Bley had on him a small quantity of methamphetamine. A computer check also revealed an active warrant from Hamburg Town Court for his failure to appear in court after an arrest for petit larceny. Bley was taken into custody for all of these offenses and arraigned in Collins Town Court for the drug charge. Then he was taken to Erie County Jail in lieu of $4,000 bail. Hamburg Town Court will arrange for Bley to answer for his warrant in their court, and the Erie County Probation Department will process Bley on its warrant for his probation violation.

Leiondie R. Mohawk, 32, of Gowanda was taken into custody on a warrant arrest Sept. 3. According to reports, Mohawk had been arrested previously for petit larceny, which was handled by North Collins Town Court. When Mohawk failed to show up there, a warrant for her arrest was issued. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office encountered Mohawk and took her into custody on this warrant, then turned her over to the Gowanda PD. North Collins Town Court was contacted, and under its direction, Mohawk was released on an appearance ticket to return later.

Karrie L. Halftown, 32, of Irving was charged with failure to use designated lane and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation Sept. 3 after patrol stopped her vehicle on Buffalo Street. Patrol had seen her allegedly strike a curb. A records check showed that Halftown’s license had been suspended in 2011 for an unsatisfied judgment and again in 2012 for an insurance lapse. She was taken into custody, then released with an appearance ticket answerable in Collins Town Court.

Sierra D. Seneca, 20, of Salamanca was charged with driving with tinted windows and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on Sept. 4 after patrol stopped Seneca for allegedly operating a vehicle with illegally tinted windows. During the traffic stop, the DMV computer check revealed that Seneca’s license was suspended on June 19, 2016 for her failure to appear in Albion Town Court for a traffic violation. Seneca was taken into custody and later released with an appearance ticket to appear in Collins Town Court on a later date.

Area Police

Lock up and look out: burglaries reported in Hanover, Pomfret

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating burglaries into open barns and vehicles. These burglaries have occurred in the southern part of Hanover and in the central part of Pomfret. Some of the items that have been taken include power tools and garden equipment.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind county citizens to be vigilant in observing suspicious vehicles and people in the area and requests that vehicles and buildings be secured if possible. If you have seen anything suspicious in the above mentioned areas, contact the Criminal Investigation Division of the Sheriff’s Office at 753-4231.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

CELORON – Erin L. Flagella, 32, of Celoron was charged with several offenses Sunday at about 3:20 a.m. following an incident on W. Livingston Avenue. According to reports, deputies on patrol stopped Flagella’s vehicle for an observed traffic violation, and after an investigation, determined that she was intoxicated. Flagella was taken into custody. Her charges include driving while intoxicated, DWI per se having .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content and failure to yield the right of way. She was processed, released with citations, and is due back in Ellicott Town Court.

HANOVER – Jason M. Dolce, 31, of Hanover was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief Sunday at about 5:10 p.m. According to reports, deputies responded to a report of an altercation, and after investigating, found that Dolce had damaged another party’s vehicle. He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and released with a citation.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

  • MAYVILLE – On Wednesday around 11:53 p.m., deputies responded to an address on Lakeview Avenue in the village of Mayville for a report of a person attempting to gain entry into a residence.

Upon arrival, deputies located Michael J. Trippy, 29, of Mayville inside the residence.

Trippy did not have permission to be in the residence and was taken into custody. He was charged with second-degree criminal trespass and arraigned in the Chautauqua Town Court.

He was remanded to Chautauqua County Jail in lieu of bail.

  • CHAUTAUQUA – On Thursday around 12:30 a.m., deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 394 in the town of Chautauqua.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Rachel Y. Farnham, 25, of Mayville. Upon investigation, it was determined that Farnham was westbound on Route 394 when she came to a curve in the roadway at a high rate of speed. Farnham lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and strike a utility pole.

Further investigation found Farnham to be allegedly intoxicated. Farnham was taken into custody and later released with tickets for speed not reasonable and prudent, failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated, and DWI per se.

She will appear in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Chautauqua Fire Department.

Area police

Unstable man surrenders in Evans standoff

EVANS – Evans Police dealt with an emergency situation on Lake Shore Road around 2:45 p.m. Saturday.

Lake Shore Road was closed between Herr Road and Lake Erie Beach Fire Hall. The incident reportedly involved a male subject who appeared to be having a possible mental health issue. It was reported that weapons were involved.

Officers were able to get the subject to surrender without incident.

Lake Shore Road was reopened at 4:15 p.m. Lake Erie Beach Volunteer Fire Company assisted in closing the roadway.

The investigation is being continued by the Evans Detective Bureau.

Man found dead in his vehicle

YORKSHIRE – On Friday at 2:35 p.m., New York State Police at Machias responded to Route 16 in the town of Yorkshire for the report of a deceased male in a parked vehicle.

Brian M. Woods, 53, of Delevan was in his 1994 GMC pickup when troopers arrived. An autopsy reportedly revealed that Woods suffered from a medical condition that was the cause of his death.

Minor injuries in Stockton rollover

STOCKTON – Two Brocton residents sustained minor injuries after a rollover crash on Route 380 in the town around 3 p.m. Friday.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies report Paul Dunn III of Brocton was northbound when the vehicle he was operating apparently had a malfunction. The vehicle left the road and struck a utility pole, causing it to break. The vehicle then overturned.

Dunn and his passenger, Valerie Coburn, also of Brocton, were evaluated at the scene, with neither party being transported to the hospital. No charges were filed.

New York State Police

BEMUS POINT – On Saturday, troopers arrested Amy Anderson, 30, of Bemus Point for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

Anderson was pulled over on Route 430 in Bemus Point for an alleged traffic violation, and after checking her license, troopers verified that it had been suspended four times and has been expired since 2013. The Jamestown Police Department also had two active warrants out for Anderson for petit larceny.

Anderson was placed under arrest, issued several traffic tickets, and transported to the Jamestown Police Department due to the outstanding warrants. Anderson is scheduled to appear in Ellery Town Court later in the month to answer the traffic charges.

Area Police

Police warn of threatening scam

The New York State Police is currently investigating several complaints of a telephone scam in which the caller threatens to harm a loved one if the receiver of the call does not send them money.

This common scam involves unknown individuals calling the scam victim and advising that their loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident or has been kidnapped. The calls are threatening in nature and usually involve the caller demanding that money be sent to an area outside of the United States or the person involved will be arrested or harmed.

Officials stress that any member of the public who receives one of these scam calls or who has been victimized should call and report the incident to their local policing agency.

Jamestown man pleads guilty to gun charge

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced Friday that Raymond VanBuskirk, 44, of Jamestown, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2016, the defendant moved two rifles, one shotgun, and over 1,000 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition from his home to another location for safekeeping. VanBuskirk retained a third rifle at his home, which was recovered by federal agents on June 29. The defendant has a prior New York State felony conviction for sale of a controlled substance and was prohibited from legally possessing of firearms and ammunition.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. before Chief Judge Geraci.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

JAMESTOWN – William L. Bennett, 33, of Jamestown was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI .08 percent or higher blood alcohol content and speed in zone Tuesday shortly after 11 p.m. According to reports, deputies stopped Bennett’s motorcycle on Foote Avenue for traveling at a high rate of speed. Investigation allegedly revealed that he was intoxicated and he was taken into custody. Bennett will answer for his actions in Jamestown City Court.

Area police

Three injured in buggy accident

SHERMAN – Three occupants of an Amish buggy have been taken to a Pennsylvania hospital after an accident this morning.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, the buggy was traveling on Clymer-Sherman Road when the occupants were spooked by a passing vehicle. The horse ran out of control off the road, where the buggy and horse became separated from each other. Three Amish occupants in the buggy suffered injuries as the buggy rolled. They were treated by Sherman volunteer firefighters and taken to UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pa.

The investigation is ongoing. Deputies are reminding motorists to use caution and reduce speeds when approaching and overtaking horses and buggies on area roads.

Juveniles involved in Middle Road car crash

Two juveniles had Dunkirk Police call on them on Aug. 31 after the 15-year-old crashed a car into 73 Middle Road.

The owner of the house, who placed the call, observed the two subjects walking east on Middle Road and overheard one of them saying, “We are going to get my mom.”

The vehicle owner was identified via New York state registration and the address was found, with the two juveniles in front of said address. The parents of both the driver and passenger, ages 15 and 14, were called.

No injuries were reported and the vehicle was removed. Damage was done to a No parking Anytime sign.

The names of the two juveniles were not released due to their ages.

Dunkirk Police

  • Chris A. Thomas, 61, of Irving was charged with failure to keep right on Sept. 3 after she was traveling south on Maple Avenue when she crashed into a telephone pole. Thomas was reportedly trying to change radio stations when she dropped her cigarette, bent down to get it and struck the pole.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

CHAUTAUQUA – Thomas E. Crissman, 55, of Copley, Ohio, was taken into custody Wednesday at about 12:30 a.m. and charged with several offenses. Deputies stopped his vehicle on Route 394 for crossing over the center line of the roadway.

Upon investigation, Crissman was allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was charged with failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated and DWI per se, and will answer these in Chautauqua Town Court.

Chautauqua County Court

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

  • DeJuan T. Stafford of Jamestown was sentenced on Aug. 22 by Supreme Court Judge Paul Wojtaszek on one count to a determinate sentence of three years in state prison plus three years of post-release supervision, after being convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and on one count to a determinate sentence of two years in state prison plus two years post-release supervision after being convicted of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
  • Edward E. Leeper of Jamestown was sentenced on Aug. 29 by Supreme Court Judge Paul Wojtaszek on one count to an indeterminate sentence of one and one-half to three years in state prison after being convicted of second-degree attempted strangulation and a final and permanent order of protection in favor of the victim was issued.

Christopher Woods of Forestville was sentenced on Aug. 29 by Supreme Court Judge Paul Wojtaszek on one count to an indeterminate sentence of one and to three years in state prison, after being convicted of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Area Police

New York State Police

CLYMER – On Tuesday, troopers arrested Martin Winkler, 62, for disorderly conduct.

Troopers responded to a residence in Clymer for a report of a disturbance, revealing that Winkler was allegedly harassing his tenants to the point the police had to be called. Throughout the investigation, Winkler reportedly remained hostile and uncooperative despite multiple requests to cease his disruptive behavior, and was placed under arrest after he struck a trooper with a set of keys.

Winkler was transported to the Jamestown barracks, issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Clymer Town Court to answer the charge.

RANDOLPH – On Monday, troopers arrested Renee Mighells, 28, of Randolph, for petit larceny.

Mighells was in the Dollar General store in Randolph when she was allegedly observed by the staff putting a bottle of soap into her purse. She then reportedly purchased other items without paying for the soap in her purse.

Mighells was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Randolph Town Court.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

POLAND – David S. Johnson Jr., 63, of Kennedy was reportedly involved in a personal injury automobile accident on Route 394 Tuesday at about 2:40 p.m.

Investigation allegedly showed that Johnson Jr. was traveling east on Route 394 when he started coughing uncontrollably, causing him to pass out. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a National Grid pole head on, causing it to shear in half. Live wires came down, both across the road and on top of several vehicles parked in a driveway. Johnson Jr.’s vehicle then traveled another 100 yards through a lawn before hitting a tree head on.

The victim was wearing his seatbelt, saving him from life-threatening injuries. The victim did suffer a severely fractured nose and was transported by Kennedy Rescue to WCA Hospital. Route 394 was shut down for several hours while National Grid restored power to approximately 20 customers. Charges are pending further investigation into the incident.

Area Police

Teen pleads not guilty in death of Salamanca man

LITTLE VALLEY – Cyrus Spruce, 19, of Little Valley, was arraigned Tuesday in Cattaraugus County Court and entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment that charges him with second-degree manslaughter, a class C felony; first-degree assault, a class B felony; criminally negligent homicide, a class E felony; first-degree reckless endangerment, a class D felony; and leaving the scene of a serious personal injury incident, a class D felony.

It is alleged by the prosecution that on May 21 or May 22 in the Town of Red House, the defendant, with criminal negligence, recklessly caused the death of another person. The matter has been adjourned for motions.

Spruce allegedly drove his van into two parked cars and a pedestrian who later died on the decommissioned section of Old State Route 17 in the town.

Watson M. Cooper, 23, of Salamanca, later died after being transported to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

FRENCH CREEK – Charles A. Hamilton, 41, of Clymer was charged with several offenses Sunday at about 11:30 p.m. after an incident on French Creek-Mina Road.

According to reports, Hamilton’s vehicle was stopped by deputies for observed traffic violations, and upon further investigation, they found Hamilton to be intoxicated.

He was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to signal a turn and refusing a pre-breath test.

He will answer for himself in French Creek Town Court.

PORTLAND – Mich-ael Marczynski, 18, of Portland was charged with petit larceny and second-degree criminal trespassing Thursday at about 1 p.m.

Allegedly, Marczynski had taken two fuel cells that used to be attached to a semi truck from a property on Webster Road without the owner’s permission.

Marczynski was issued appearance tickets and will answer the charges in Portland Town Court.

Cattaraugus County Court

LITTLE VALLEY – Lori Pettit Rieman, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, reported the following activity in Cattaraugus County Court on Tuesday:

  • Jeffrey Zink, 35, of South Dayton, entered a plea of guilty to fourth-degree criminal mischief to satisfy a pending indictment.

The incident occurred on or about October 2015, in the village of South Dayton, when the defendant intentionally damaged property. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 5.

Area Police

Firefighters find water at fire call

OBSERVER Staff Report

WESTFIELD – The Westfield Fire Department was called to 165 South Gale St. in Westfield around 3:15 p.m. Monday, but what they found was unexpected.

According to Spokesperson Tom Tarpley the call for a structure fire was actually a basement full of water.

“The hot water heater had started smoking. … So there was no fire and no injuries,” he told the OBSERVER.

The fire department removed the water from the basement instead of using it to put out flames as they usually do. Tarpley reported there was some water damage and the family has to relocate until it is addressed.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

FORESTVILLE – Torry R. Kenny, 23, of Forestville was charged Sunday with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment after an incident at his home around 3:40 p.m. Kenny allegedly threw a female to the ground during an argument and took her phone when she tried to call 911. He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail on $1,000 bail.

MINA – The Findley Lake Fire Department and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies responded Sunday to an accident with minor injury on French Creek Mina Road. Mark T. Winschel, 60, of Erie, Pa., was attempting to go through the intersection with Bailey Hill Road when he collided with a vehicle driven by Mary-Louise Seekings, 46, of Clymer. Winschel was issued a ticket for failure to yield the right of way. Seekings was released after being treated on the scene for an apparently minor injury.

IRVING – Enrique L. Serrano, 39, of Buffalo, was charged Monday with speeding, unlicensed operation, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, refusal to submit to a breath test and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated after a traffic stop around 1:10 a.m. A check found Serrano’s license had been suspended and he appeared to be intoxicated. It was also found Serrano had an active warrant from Erie County. He was arraigned in Hanover Town Court and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail on $4,000 bail or $8,000 property bond.

Area Police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

NORTH HARMONY – Kenneth D. Kellogg, 71, of Silver Creek was charged with failure to yield the right of way on Saturday at about 9:20 a.m.

According to reports, deputies responded to a personal injury accident on Route 394. Allegedly, Kellogg pulled into the path of another motorist, Richard F. Cole, and the vehicles collided.

Cole was treated at the scene and taken to WCA Hospital for minor injuries, as was Kellogg’s passenger, Diana M. Kellogg.

Kenneth Kellogg was not injured, and will answer his charge in North Harmony Town Court.

CHAUTAUQUA – Martin L. Wenzel, 29, of Mayville was allegedly observed by deputies walking into traffic Thursday shortly before midnight on Route 430.

Deputies checked Wenzel’s wellbeing, at which time he identified himself. While speaking with him, deputies identified hypodermic needles sticking out of Wenzel’s pocket, and further investigation allegedly found him to be in possession of Fentanyl and hypodermic needles, with no prescription or reason to possess either. Wenzel was charged with seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance and criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument.

He will answer for himself in Chautauqua Town Court.

New York State Police

RANDOLPH – Zachary Walters, 25, of Randolph was charged with felony driving while intoxicated Friday. According to reports, he drove his vehicle east on Coldspring Street, exited the roadway, then damaged a lawn, a fence and trees before coming to rest. The passenger was treated by EMS for minor injuries and released.

Walters was transported to WCA Hospital in Jamestown for non-life threatening injuries and later released to the custody of the troopers. A check of Walters’ driving record revealed a DWI conviction in 2015 so the DWI charge was upgraded to a felony. Walters was processed at SP Jamestown, issued tickets returnable to Cold Spring Town Court and released.

RANDOLPH – Elijah Feaster, 22, of Buffalo was taken into custody Thursday for a warrant charging him with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Feaster was allegedly involved in a domestic incident being investigated by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office when the deputies discovered he was the subject of an outstanding warrant. Feaster was turned over to troopers, arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court and taken to Chautauqua County Jail.

Area police

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

MAYVILLE?- James B. Erickson, 50, of Bacheller Hill Road in Stockton, was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while toxicated per se, and speed in zone on Saturday at 8:15 p.m.

Deputies allegedly noticed a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed in the village of Mayville at South Erie Street, then determined Erickson as intoxicated.

Erickson will appear Chautauqua Town Court at a later date.

Jason E. Selig, 46, of Colt Road in Brocton, was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and failure to keep right on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Selig’s vehicle was reportedly heading eastbound on Route 430 when it crossed the center line and ended up in the ditch on the opposite side. After officers investigated Selig, he was taken into custody and later released on traffic tickets.

Selig will appear in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date.

Area Police

Jamestown man charged in weapon possession

CHARLOTTE – A Jamestown man is facing charges after he was found to be in possession of a 9mm pistol with a defaced serial number.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies report Travis R. Terry was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon on Aug. 20, which had a defaced serial number. Chautauqua County Crime Scene Investigators were able to restore the defaced serial numbers and the pistol was run through a national registry and found to be stolen from Pennsylvania. On Thursday, a warrant for criminal possession of stolen property was signed by the town of Charlotte justice.

Terry was found at a residence in the city of Jamestown and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

STOCKTON – William J. Bean, 32, of Olean was taken into custody Saturday shortly before 9 p.m. According to reports, deputies stopped Bean’s vehicle on James Road for inadequate headlights. Following an investigation, Bean was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. A check of his driving record indicated he was operating with a suspended driver’s license and operating a vehicle that had a suspended registration. Bean was issued tickets and will appear in the Stockton Town Court.

Area police

Clymer man charged after holding man at gunpoint

FRENCH CREEK – A Clymer man is being held after a car accident on Wednesday evening led the individual to hold two men at gun point.

At 8:20 p.m., Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies responded to Marks Corners Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident with a male pointing a shot gun at another person. Upon arrival, deputies found Nathan T. Babcock, 34, of Clymer, waving and pointing a shot gun toward individuals involved in the accident. Babcock was order to drop the weapon and was taken into custody without incident.

After a brief investigation, it was found Babcock was chasing after a vehicle and caused an accident. He became upset and got a shotgun out of his vehicle and hit two males in the face with it, and then fired one round into the air. Babcock held the males at gunpoint until deputies arrived. He was charged with second-degree assault, three counts of second-degree menacing and second-degree harassment; arraigned and remanded to Chautauqua County Jail on $15,000 cash bail/$30,000 property bond.

Jeremy M. Cross, 23, of Corry, Pennsylvania, was the operator of the other vehicle and was allegedly found to be operating it in an intoxicated state. Cross was also taken into custody, charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content level of .18 percent or higher; and issued an appearance ticket to appear in court on a later date.

Ankle-bracelet removal spurs arrest

  • Darrly J. Bray, 37, of Brocton was charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree criminal trespass on Aug. 26. Dunkirk Police assisted New York State Parole with picking up Bray at 177 Liberty St., Fredonia. Bray was on parole and had intentionally removed his ankle bracelet and staying at the Liberty Street location.

Fredonia Police

  • Erin E. Hannon, 19, of Centereach, was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation on Aug. 25.
  • Conrad J. Rathbun, 18, of Fredonia was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for open container, littering, and unlawful possession of alcohol on Aug. 26.
  • Colden A. George, 18, of Fredonia was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for open container, littering, and unlawful possession of alcohol on Aug. 26.
  • Daniel E. Norris, 20, of Hilton, was charged with third-degree assault on Aug. 26. Bail was set at $500.
  • Kathleen J. Schrader, 20, of Clarence Center, was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for underage possession of alcohol on Aug. 27.
  • Marisa M. Bagley, 18, of Fredonia was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for open container, littering, and unlawful possession of alcohol on Aug. 26.
  • Calston C. Wade, 20, of New York, was charged with and issued an appearance ticket for unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle on Aug. 28. Wade was driving through a parking lot when he struck a vehicle in the front right passenger side bumper area. When he backed up, he struck two more vehicles, causing damage to the backs of both.

Dunkirk Police

  • Walter S. Duprey, 32, of Dunkirk was picked up on a bench warrant for charges of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration on Aug. 25.
  • Ashley Hanrahan, 28, of Cherry Creek was picked up on a bench warrant for criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child on Aug. 25.
  • Samuel O. Cuyler, 28, of Dunkirk was charged with second-degree harassment and criminal obstruction of breathing on Aug. 27.
  • Alexander Cieplinski Jr., 24, of Dunkirk was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on Aug. 27.
  • Gileyla S. Arroyo, 22, of Rochester was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on Aug. 29.
  • Sean E. Kelly, 16, of Silver Creek was charged Aug. 29 with petit larceny.
  • John R. Tenamore, 35, of Dunkirk was charged with petit larceny on Aug. 30.
  • Robert D. Zimmerman, 60, of Dunkirk was charged with trespassing on Aug. 30.
  • Samuel L. Cuyler, 28, of Dunkirk was charged Aug. 31 with harassment.
  • Julio E. Montanez, 22, of Dunkirk was charged with third-degree assault on Aug. 31.

Area Police

Bicyclist facing several charges

SILVER CREEK – David A. Brill Jr., 36, of Silver Creek was charged with several offenses Tuesday at about 11:20 p.m. after an incident on Central Avenue.

According to reports, Brill Jr. was yelling and swearing at two victims who were in a vehicle. Brill Jr. then allegedly struck the vehicle with his bicycle, climbed onto the hood of the vehicle and began to punch the windows, eventually causing damage to the vehicle. His actions were all in the presence of two small children who were also in the vehicle.

Brill Jr. was located a short time later riding his bicycle and was taken into custody. His charges include fourth-degree criminal mischief, two counts of second-degree harassment and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned in Silver Creek Village Court and sent to Chautauqua County Jail on bail.

WESTFIELD – Brianna K. Jaynes, 21, of Westfield was taken into custody and charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property Tuesday at about 8 a.m.

This arrest stems from an incident that occurred on June 21, when Jaynes was found in possession of a Husqvarna lawn mower that had been reported stolen. She was issued an appearance ticket and will answer for herself in Westfield Town Court.

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