Ripley fire deemed ‘suspicious’

RIPLEY — A fire that broke out at 3 Loomis St. in Ripley early Thursday has been deemed “suspicious” in nature.

Members of the Ripley Fire Department were alerted to the blaze around 2:30 a.m. In a message posted to Facebook, the department said the fire was quickly knocked down.

The property was the scene of a previous fire and, as a result, was not occupied.

Crews remained on Loomis Street until about 6:15 a.m.

Members of the county’s Fire Investigation Team were later summoned to the scene. “We believe the cause of this fire to be suspicious and are continuing our investigation,” Chautauqua County Undersheriff Rich Telford said. “There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.”

The fire department also thanked its mutual aid.

“Thank you to South Ripley, Westfield, Sherman, Crescent and Fuller Hose from North East for your help,” the Ripley Fire Department said on Facebook. “In addition, crews responded to two EMS calls during the fire and an additional EMS call shortly before 9 a.m.”

NEW YORK STATE POLICE

¯ ALLEGANY — Andrew J. Greinert, 31, of Gowanda, was charged with petit larceny. Troopers investigated a reported shoplifting complaint at Walmart in the town of Allegany in which Greinert allegedly took $297.97 worth of merchandise. Greinert is scheduled to appear in Allegany Town Court later.

¯ ALLEGANY — Scott A. Meacham, 42, of Jamestown, was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Troopers investigated a crash Oct. 5 on Interstate 86 in the town of Allegany. It was learned that Meacham was allegedly operating the vehicle while impaired. He is scheduled to appear in court later.

¯ SHERMAN — Joshua Anderson, 39, of Erie, Pa., was charged with petit larceny. Troopers responded Sunday to a Sherman residence for a reported stolen ATV. An investigation found that Anderson allegedly removed the ATV from the property, and both Anderson and the ATV were located by the Pennsylvania State Police. Anderson turned himself in to troopers at the police barracks in Jamestown. He is scheduled to appear in Sherman Town Court later.

¯ Fidel Olmo, 36, of Fredonia, was charged with first-degree criminal contempt, third-degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief. Troopers responded Jan. 10 for a reported domestic dispute in Fredonia. An investigation found that Olmo allegedly broke through a door and kicked a woman, causing her to fall and knock a nearby child. When the woman attempted to call 911, Olmo hung up and threw the phone. Olmo then allegedly struck the woman, causing a bruise to her forehead. Olmo, who was in violation of an order of protection, was taken into custody the following day after he was seen walking down the road. He is scheduled to appear in Pomfret Town Court later.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

¯ CARROLL — Diana Means, 56, of Jamestown, was taken into custody following a traffic stop at 11:05 a.m. Thursday on West Main Street in the town of Carroll. It was learned that Means was wanted on an active warrant out of Warren County in Pennsylvania. She was transported to Chautauqua County Jail for centralized arraignment.