Stories from

OV Murphy, 57, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: DWI -- previous conviction; aggravated DWI -- previous conviction; DWI -- with a child passenger under age 16; back seat child passenger with inappropriate restraint; and endangering the welfare of a child. Murphy was arrested at 9:36 p.m. on July 31 on Ross Street in Batavia. Police were called to Northwside Meadows apartments for the report of people arguing in a vehicle. Police located the vehicle traveling on Ross Street. An investigation allegedly revealed that Murphy was intoxicated and had two children under age 15 in the vehicle with him. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Alisha Adara Soule, 20, of Route 237, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. At about 9:30 p.m. on July 26, Batavia Police were dispatched to a residence on Tracy Avenue in the city for a reported family distrubance which became physical. A subsequent investigation determined that Soule had allegedly struck a family member during a verbal altercation prior to leaving the residence. She turned herself in and was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 9 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia PoliceOfficer Arick Perkins, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Jacob L. Hernandez, 21, of Warren Acres Lane, Taylorsville, NC, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 3:09 a.m., July 23, on Jackson Street, Batavia, following an investigation into a damaged window. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket, and ordered to appear in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Matthew Lutey, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Gregory S. Yark, 52, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal contempt, and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On the morning of July 29, while on patrol, Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis noticed Yark riding his bicycle into a driveway of a residence on Roosevelt Avenue. The residence in question was that of a person who had a full stay-away order of protection from Yark, barring him from being on the property. Yark allegedly entered the garage, sat down to enjoy a smoke, making himself right at home. He was arrested at 8:45 a.m. and allegedly found to be in possession of two hypodermic needles. He was jailed in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bound and was due in City Court Aug. 1. Officer Davis was assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Elizabeth Michelle Grattan, 26, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and unsafe backing. Following an investigation in the Town of Alabama, Grattan was arrested for allegedly operating a motor vehicle with the owner's consent. On Aug. 1, between 12:30 and 2 a.m., she allegedly took the vehicle from a residence on Judge Road in Alabama without permission. While doing so, she allegedly damaged the person's mailbox. She was released on an appearance ticket for Aug. 23 in Alabama Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Lee A. Baxter, 32, no address provided, was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on July 26 on Central Avenue in Batavia for allegedly violating an order of protection in place for a person on Central Avenue. He is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. Baxter is due in City Court on Wednesday (Aug. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Matthew C. Olcott, 37, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. At 9:30 a.m. on July 27, during a Probation home search conducted by Probation officers Williams, Buchholz and Heale, the defendant was allegedly found to be in possession of a crack pipe with residue. Probation Officer Williams contacted Batavia PD for further investigation. Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis assisted Probation in the arrest of Olcott, who was jailed in lieu of $15,000 cash bail. During this investigation, Olcott's girlfriend, 30-year-old Sara Elliott, was arrested for allegedly being in possession of marijuana. She was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 9 in City Court. Officer Davis was assisted in both cases by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Thomas T. Bennett, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree contempt. At 4:35 p.m., July 28, on Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, Bennett allegedly had contact with, and went on the property of, a party protected by a stay-away order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 4 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Tierance J. Davis, 29, of Hundremark Road, Elba, is charged with failure to appear. Davis was arrested July 28 on an arrest warrant for allegedly failing to pay a parking ticket after is was issued on Jan. 6, 2013. Davis posted the unpaid fine and was released from custody. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Joseph W. Freeman, 32, Platten Road, Lyndonville, was taken into custody from Orleans County Jail on July 26 on a bench warrant issued out of Batavia City Court. He posted bail and was issued an appearance ticket for this afternoon in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Mathew P. Parker, 26, of West Avenue, Medina, was arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to pay a fine issued because of an incident on May 24, 2015. He was released and is due to return of City Court on Wednesday (Aug. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

John Anthony Hertz, 32, of Mechanic Street, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 11:02 p.m. on Aug. 1, following the investigation of a cehck-the-welfare complaint, Hertz was arrested for allegedly unlawfully possessing marijuana. He allegedly hid a small amount of marijuana and a glass smoking pipe in his yard prior to police arriving. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Elba Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Cassie

Dibs

Photos and information from Volunteers for Animals:

The Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter are in need of nice barn homes for a couple of kitties.

"Cassie" is a beautiful calico that is sweet and friendly on her own terms, but like all of us, she has her moments. She came to us with a litter of kittens and was quite scared. She has really come around but would probably do best with some independent time on her own.

"Dibs" is a beautiful orange and white long-haired guy that was rescued by some very nice people.

He came in quite skinny, dirty and sick. He is doing much better, but again, is use to the outdoors and would be happier in that setting.

Both Cassie and Dibs are tested, vaccinated and spayed/neutered. There is NO adoption fee for either kitty.

If you can give either of these kitties a nice home, please:

• Stop in at the shelter, located at 3841 W. Main St. Road, Town of Batavia, during adoption hours (Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Friday -- 1 to 3 p.m.; Wednesday -- 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.; Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Thursday.);
• Or email us at info@vol4animals.org

Thanks.

Submitted photo (of some previous contestants and their handlers at the starting line) and press release:

Do you have a speedy Dachshund? That’s what Batavia Downs officials are wondering as they have announced registration opening for the Genesee Feeds 2016 dachshund (wiener) dog races to be held on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 28.

The wiener races that begin approximately 4:15 p.m. are the final event on its annual Family Fun Day at the Races at America’s oldest lighted harness racetrack.

All entered dogs receive a doggie gift bag courtesy of Genesee Feeds. The owners of all heat winners receive gaming free play, and the top three in the championship race, receive Clubhouse buffet certificates and free play for the gaming floor.

The winner’s total prize package including the gaming free play is valued at $200.

Dashing Dachshund owners wishing to participate should call Batavia Downs’ Wiener Dog Race coordinator Arna Tygart at 585-343-3750, ext. 6437, and leave a message. Staff will call back to confirm. The races are limited to the first 80 dogs that register. 

A car vs. motorcycle accident is reported in the area of Ellicott Street Road near Shepard Road. Town of Batavia fire command asks for traffic to be shut down at Ellicott Street Road and Batavia Stafford Townline Road. Mercy medics are also responding. No word on injuries.

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: Eastbound traffic on Ellicott Street Road is being diverted at Cedar Street.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: This accident did not involve a motorcycle. According to Town of Batavia Fire Chief Dan Coffey, it was a collision between a car and a "dump-style" agricultural vehicle and there were serious injuries. One person was transported via ambulance to UMMC. A small amount of hydraulic fluid was spilled as a result of the accident; thus it included a haz-mat incidence response.

UPDATE 6:44 p.m.: According to a just-issued press release from the State Police, this was a fatal accident. There were no other injuries. Route 63 between Shepard Road and Batavia Stafford Townline Road will be closed till 8 p.m. The investigation is ongoing.

UPDATE 8:28 p.m.: State Police just notified local media that family notifications have been completed; however, the name of the deceased has not yet been released. Route 63 is still closed.

Submitted photos and information:

Lost Dog. Found today on East Main Street in Batavia. Female, approximately 30 pounds. Very friendly, at some point had puppies. No tags so she is at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Press release:

National Night Out will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Birchwood Village Apartments in Batavia.

The City of Batavia Police Department along with other police agencies nationwide will take time to celebrate positive community relations with neighbors and citizens during this event.

Locally, it is being coordinated by the city's Youth Bureau, with donations provided by Target, BJ's Wholesale Club, and the Batavia Police Benevolent Association.

Everyone is welcome. The complex is located at Pearl Street and Dewey Avenue in the City.

"The Batavia Police are fortunate to serve a community that strongly supports the mission of safety and well-being of all citizens," says the press release.

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, approved by Sgt. John L. Baiocco:

A 17-year-old female who lives on South Street in Le Roy was arrested July 29 for allegedly possessing marijuana while at the Darius Rucker concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. She is due in Darien Town Court on Aug. 16 to answer the charge.

Ricky On Lei, 27, of South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of 10,000-plus unstamped cigarettes, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Lei was arrested at 7:34 p.m. on July 31 at 7238 Alleghany Road, Alabama, after a traffic stop. Lei allegedly was in possession of more than 10,000 untaxed cigarettes at the time. Allegedly, he was also operating the vehicle with a suspended driver's license and failed to stop at a stop sign. He was arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and put in jail in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond. He is due in Alabama court on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Summer Anne Bliss, 22, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 10:30 a.m. on July 28 on Overlook Drive for allegedly punching a person in the head during a verbal altercation that turned physical. Bliss was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released. She is due in Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

Mark Christopher Hanna, 36, of Lenox Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Hanna was stopped at 9:06 a.m. on July 30 on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford for a speeding violation. It was determined after an interview that Hanna was allegedly in possession of a quantity of marijuana. He was arrested on the charge, processed and released on an appearance ticket for Aug. 18 in Town of Stafford Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office announced 10 more arrests -- all for marijuana possession -- at the G-Eazy concert at Darien Lake Performing Art Center July 29. All were issued appearance tickets for Aug. 16 in Darien Town Court.

• Casie Nuernberger, 22, of Fenton Street, Buffalo
• Brandon S. Konstanty, 23, of Burch Road, Ransomville
• Joshua W. Rodrigquez, 27, Todd Avenue, Jamestown
• Cody B. Hayes, 18, of Mason Avenue, Rochester
• Justin P. Rathbun, 19, of Willowood Drive, Rochester
• Joseph C. Stiglmeier, 24, of Harding Road, Williamsville
• Matthew J. Soos, 19, of Creekview Drive, Hamburg
• Christian M. Craven, 20, of Vliet Boulevard, Cohoes
• Fletcher J. Ace, 18, of County Road, 17, Belfast
• A 17-year-old of Hall Road in Elma

For the previous report on arrests at this G-Eazy concert click here.

A man was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC following a serious-injury accident this afternoon on Angling Road in Pembroke.

A small car and a truck carrying black-top material for road paving collided shortly after 4:30 p.m.

There was heavy debris all over the roadway and East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton said it was apparent as soon as he arrived on scene that this was a severe-injury accident.

He called for assistance from Corfu Fire Department, which provided heavy extrication at the scene.

"The dash of the small vehicle was literally laying in the chest of the patient," Newton said.

The male driver of the car was unconscious when Mercy medics arrived, but they were able to stabilize him and he regained consciousness before being taken to the hospital, Newton said.

The driver of the truck claimed no injuries.

Angling Road was closed at Route 33 and at West Avenue.

State Police are investigating the accident.

(Submitted photo of Jake Oberg.)

Press release:

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, will be heading to Warsaw this October. 

The Batavia walk will take place at the Genesee County Nursing Home, located at 278 Bank St., Batavia, on Satruday, Sept. 24. On-line registration is available now at alz.org/WNY. On-site registration and check-in, basket and 50/50 raffles, and refreshments will be available from 9 to 10 a.m. with a brief opening ceremony to launch the Walk at 10.

The walks are organized by the local Alzheimer’s Association and are a vital source of funding for local services and resources. The walks also provide funding for research into a disease that “kills more people than breast and prostate cancers combined,” and touches almost 250,000 people across the greater Buffalo Niagara region.

“My grandpa died of Alzheimer’s...and I walk with my mom because I don’t think anyone else should lose their grandpa to this disease,” said Jake Oberg. 

The 11-year-old has been taking part in the event since before he could walk. Additionally, he has raised more than $7,000 with a lemonade stand and baked goods sale to support his Walk team, which has also earned him some special incentives.

In addition to fundraising participants, the Walks rely on hundreds of volunteers and the support of corporate sponsors like Elderwood. Eighty-five percent of residents in skilled care facilities exhibit at least some form of dementia including Alzheimer’s.

“Understanding firsthand the personal and health care ramifications of dementia, Elderwood has a long-standing history of supporting the Alzheimer’s Association through its Walk to end this disease,” said Elderwood Director of Business Development Anna Bojarczuk-Foy. “Finding a cure is one of the single most important goals in extending and improving the lives of the elderly in our communities.”

“Northtown Automotive is very proud to continue to support the mission set forth by the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter. We understand the importance of supporting our community and have done so for over 45 years,” said Northtown Auto Group Chief Marketing Officer Mike Ahern. “Doing our part to support the Walk is a way for our organization to make a difference to thousands and thousands of WNY families who know the impact of this disease. We are confident these efforts will one day find a cure."

Additional corporate sponsors include the law firm of Cellino and Barnes, WDCX Radio and Tim Hortons. 

For more information or to register call 1-800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/WNY.

(Submitted photos.)

Press release:

Eugene Jankowski Jr. of Batavia finished in 8th place in the Tactical Division and 20th place overall at the 2016 Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) Challenge on July 23-24 at Peacemaker National Training Center in Gerrardstown, W. Va.

Jankowski is a retired Batavia City police officer and current president of the Batavia City Council.

Competitors used semiautomatic rifles with magnified optics in various shooting positions to complete 14 tough courses of fire over two days. Each course of fire required shooting multiple steel targets of different sizes at distances of 165 to 600 yards with a 90-second-maximum time limit. Shooters were tested on marksmanship as well as their ability to overcome physical and mental stress.

The Precision Rifle Series is a rifle sports competition series utilizing the most recognized and reputable long range rifle matches in the nation based on individual effort. To learn more about PRS http://www.precisionrifleseries.com/

Brian John Flynn, 18, of North Road, Freedom, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and permitting unlicensed operator. Flynn was arrested at 11:58 p.m. on July 26 on Alleghany Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop near Vision Parkway. An investigation revealed that Flynn allegedly allowed an unlicensed 15-year-old to operate the vehicle. There were three people inside the vehicle under the age of 17 at the time of the stop and the vehicle was apparently taken without the registered owner's knowledge. An investigation is continuing and more charges are possible. Flynn is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Aug. 23 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Brandon J. Henley, 23, of Buffalo, was arrested at 1:32 p.m. on July 28 following a traffic stop for speeding on Route 77 in Corfu. Corfu Village Police Officer Michael Petritz initiated a traffic stop for speeding (48 mph in a 35-mph zone) and upon interviewing the driver and passenger, Officer Petritz allegedly detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The passenger admitted to possessing the marijuana cigarettes found in the vehicle. Henley was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 1 for the Village of Corfu Court.

The following person was arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Heart concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 27:

Rahquan D. Daughtry, 24, of Clinton Avenue, Rochester, was arrested for second-degree harassment after allegedly grabbing a security guard by the throat. Daughtry is set to appear in Darien Town Court at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9. 

This information was provided by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello.

Press release:

On July 20, uniformed members of the City of Batavia Police Department along with members from the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force (comprised of members from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Police Department and City of Batavia Police Department), the Genesee County Probation Department and uniformed members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office conducted a N.E.T. -- Neighborhood Enforcement Team -- detail in the City of Batavia.

The detail focused on quality-of-life issues, drug enforcement, warrant checks and probation checks in targeted neighborhoods.

The following arrests were made:

• A 17-year-old male of Batavia was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) and criminally using drug paraphernalia (a Class A misdemeanor) following a traffic stop
• A 17-year-old male of Batavia was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) following a traffic stop;
• John Burns, 26, of Erie, Pa., was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) following a traffic stop;
• David Draper, 36, of Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) and driving while ability impaired by drugs (a misdemeanor) following a traffic stop;
• Officers conducted 21 parole checks where Probation officers located: one Probation violation; conducted 37 traffic stops; and issued 20 traffic tickets for various violations.