Hostage released, suspect in custody in Collins incident

COLLINS — A hostage has been released and a suspect is in custody after an incident near Versailles on Plank Road on Tuesday evening.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., troopers out of the State Police at Collins arrived at a collision on State Route 438. The operator of one of the vehicles brandished a weapon and took a hostage. Multiple law enforcement agencies established a perimeter.

State Route 438 was closed until during the incident that involved hostage negotiators at the scene. At 6:25 p.m., the hostage was released in good health.

Around 7:14 p.m., the suspect was in custody without incident, police said.

Pair sought in attempted theft of bank deposits

By Eric Tichy

etichy@post-journal.com

JAMESTOWN — Jamestown police are looking for a couple of sticky bandits who were recently left empty handed.

Police are asking the public’s help in identifying two people who they believe attempted to use a “sticky trap device” in an effort to steal bank deposits — and likely not for the first time either. The attempt, which occurred early Saturday at Lake Shore Savings Bank in Jamestown, ultimately failed, police stated in a news release.

The department on Tuesday released a photograph taken from surveillance video showing the pair, believed to be a man and woman. Bank employees found the device upon opening the 115 E. Fourth St. location on Saturday and contacted authorities.

“The device was designed to be used as a fishing-type instrument and when deployed into the drop box, would attach itself to a deposit bag, allowing the thieves to retrieve the deposit,” JPD said in its news release. “The device, however, failed and the device became stuck in the drop box and no deposits or funds were reported as stolen.”

Previous attempts, utilizing similar “sticky trap” devices, were also unsuccessful at two banks this spring. Investigators believe all three attempts may be connected “due to nature and design of device,” Capt. Robert Samuelson said.

If found, those responsible face attempted grand larceny charges as well as possible federal charges.

Anyone with information regarding the attempted thefts is asked to call JPD at 483-7537 or the anonymous tip line at 483-Tips (8477).

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office

¯ ELLERY — Corbin A. Kates, 19, of Jamestown, was charged with driving while intoxicated, speed in 55mph zone, improper plates, displayed forged certificate of inspection, unlicensed operator, refusal to take roadside breath test, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, operating without insurance and unregistered motor vehicle. Deputies stopped a vehicle at 12:55 a.m. Monday on Ellery-Centralia Road in the town of Ellery for speeding. An investigation found that Kates was allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated as well as driving with switched plates, no insurance and displayed a fictitious inspection sticker. Kates is scheduled to appear in Ellery Town Court later.

New York State Police Department

KENNEDY — A road rage incident has led to charges against a Orlando, Fla., resident.

State Police in Jamestown charged Angelina Medina Ramos, 27, with fourth-degree criminal mischief on Monday. Troopers responded to the eastbound lane of Interstate 86 in Kennedy for a report of a road rage incident. An investigation revealed that both vehicles were traveling east on I-86 and stopped near the Exit 14 off ramp, at which point Medina Ramos approached the caller’s vehicle and struck it with her hand, causing damage.

Ramos was placed under arrest, transported to Jamestown and processed. Medina Ramos is scheduled to be in the town of Poland Court on a later date.

¯ GERRY — State Police at Jamestown charged Joshua Crawford, 43, of Buffalo, for driving while intoxicated – Leandra’s Law after Crawford was pulled over on June 5 on Route 60 for speeding. Crawford allegedly failed several field sobriety tests. Crawford was taken to the State Police at Jamestown barracks, where he allegedly refused to submit to a chemical test. Crawford will be in Gerry Town Court later. The child that was in Crawford’s vehicle at the time of his arrest was turned over to a sober individual.

¯ JAMESTOWN — State Police at Jamestown charged Samuel Mason, 67, of Jamestown with felony aggravated driving while intoxicated. Mason was pulled over June 4 for a seatbelt violation on Washington Street in Jamestown and after allegedly failing several field sobriety tests, was taken to the State Police at Jamestown barracks, where he reportedly provided a breath sample of .18. A check of Mason’s driving record revealed a DWI conviction within the preceding 10 years, upgrading the charge to a felony. Mason will be in Jamestown City Court later.

Westfield Police Department

¯ Kevin J. Kelley, 58, of Westdfield, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree criminal trespass. Officers responded at 1:03 p.m. June 3 to Route 20 for a reported unwanted person. It was learned that Kelley allegedly entered a residence without permission and then fled on foot. Kelley was located nearby and later transported to Chautauqua County Jail for centralized arraignment. Kelley is scheduled to appear in Westfield Town Court later.