State Police release Memorial Day stats

A special traffic enforcement by the New York State Police over the Memorial Day week resulted in 8,900 tickets being issued. Last year’s initiative, by comparison, resulted in 13,693 tickets and 225 arrests for motorists caught driving while intoxicated.

This year’s campaign began May 22 and ran through May 26 in locations across the state. Patrols were beefed up due to the expected increase in vehicle traffic during the typically bustling holiday weekend.

Sobriety checkpoints were established to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers, the New York State Police said in a news release. The initiative was funded by the governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

In the Western New York region, troopers made 13 driving while intoxicated arrests in addition to issuing 178 tickets for speeding, six for distracted driving and 25 for child restraint/seat belt violations.

Statewide, there were 203 arrests for DWI and 457 crashes that injured 11 people. Troopers also responded to two fatal crashes during the weekend.

As part of the enforcement, troopers also targeted drivers speeding and aggressive drivers across the state.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

¯ POLAND — Gabriel J. Boglev, 19, of Hamburg, was charged with resisting arrest, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, driving while ability impaired by drugs, moving from lane unsafely and speed not reasonable and prudent.

Deputies responded May 23 at 12:32 a.m. to a crash on Route 394. A vehicle was found in the ditch, with the operator identified as Boglev. During an investigation, Boglev allegedly disturbed neighboring residences and became combative with deputies.

She was transported to UPMC Chautauqua for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and is scheduled to appear in Poland Town Court later.

New York State Police

¯ NAPOLI — Sally Lawson, 63, of Bemus Point, was charged with five counts of second-degree criminal contempt and five counts of second-degree aggravated harassment.

Troopers received a call in Napoli for a report of an order of protection violation. An investigation found that Lawson allegedly called the victim multiple times and left threatening voicemails, violating the stay-away order. Lawson was processed and released with tickets to in Napoli Town Court later.

≤ SOUTH DAYTON — On May 22, Troopers charged Joshua R. Lemk, 22, of Gowanda, with driving while intoxicated, false personation, second-degree obstructing governmental administration degree, and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation (felony).

Troopers conducted a traffic stop of a red SUV on Maple Street. During the investigation, a strong odor of alcohol was detected. Initially, Lemk allegedly provided troopers with a false name, but they were able to discover his real name. A DMV report revealed that Lemk had a suspended license and an active warrant out of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office. Troopers administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests on Lemk, who subsequently failed them and was taken into custody. He provided a breath sample of .14% blood alcohol content and was issued appearance tickets and later turned over to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.