Ferguson. Los Angeles. Chicago. Cleveland. Brooklyn. Baltimore. The national media has reported several examples of aggressive police conduct in these cities in the past few months that ended in violence.

In those same months. Batavia PD has dealt with at least three incidents, including one today, that easily could have gotten bloody but ended quietly.

Chief Shawn Heubusch said it's by design.

"Our number-one goal is to resolve every situation we run into as peacefully as possible," Heubusch said. "We want to use as little force as possible."

Today's incident began with a report of a man at 102 Jackson threatening to shoot children in the head for causing a ruckus near his residence.

Police weren't certain he had a gun, but it was a distinct possibility, so they proceeded with caution -- calling in extra back-up, eventually deploying the Emergency Response Team and even positioning two State Police sharpshooters on the roof of the Salvation Army with a clear line of sight into the man's second-floor window.

They also interrupted the relaxing Mother's Day that Officer James DeFreze was enjoying with his family.

Defreze is a trained negotiator. ERT members tossed a special, wired phone into the man's apartment. DeFreze and the man talked.

"The broad procedure we try to follow is to build rapport and be empathetic and try to understand what people are going through," DeFreze said. "We try to get them to open up and then see what we can do to help them. They're really just looking for help."

The negotiation took 30 to 45 minutes, Defreze said. The entire time, police officers, troopers and deputies remained in positions with long guns trained at the suspect's second-story window.

In the end, no shots were fired. The man walked out of his apartment and surrendered to a police officer.

Officer Marc Lawrence said the investigation is ongoing, but charges likely against the suspect, whose name has not yet been released.

There were high fives among a couple of the officers, pats on the back for DeFreze and a crowded gathered at Central and Jackson applauded the effort by police to resolve the potentially deadly situation peacefully.

"I did hear them applauding," DeFreze said. "It was nice. At first it seemed like they weren't paying attention, having a little bit of fun over there, but it was nice that they appreciated us and our work in the end."

About a month ago, DeFreze and a deputy who is also trained in negotiation helped talk a woman into surrendering and in March, a knife-wielding man on Central Avenue came at officers and threatened them, but the officers involved were able to defuse the situation and take the man into custody without incident.

"Our number-one goal is to make sure everybody goes home safe, the suspect included," Heubusch said.

Some passersby yelled out suggestions for police, of the type that veered toward a more violent, quick-resolution response.  

"Let me have a gun," one man said. "I'll end this."

Others wanted to see tear gas lobbed into the building and ERT members swarm the apartment.

Unless it's a hostage situation, the best response is a slow, methodical approach, Heubusch said.  The suspect isn't going anywhere, is a minimal threat and can probably be talked out of any drastic actions.

"We would rather take the time to ensure that everybody involved is safe and avoid anything that could cause harm to anybody, including the suspect himself," Heubusch said. "There's nothing wrong with slowing it down."

Heubusch said a good rapport with the community helps officers take their time to resolve conflicts.

He said he can't speak for what goes on in other communities. Of course, he and his officers pay attention to news accounts of violent confrontations involving other police officers, but since he isn't involved and doesn't have all the facts, he doesn't want to compare what happens in Batavia with what happens elsewhere.

"We're constantly evaluating and constantly changing tactics as needed," Heubusch said. "Back in the '80s or '90s, for example, if the SWAT Team showed up for a call out, guess what, they were going in the door. We have new techniques now. If there's no danger, we've learned it's better to sit and wait."

Today's incident lasted more than four hours, but in the end, the patience of trained and skilled police officers proved the perfect response.

Officer James DeFreze on the right.

A grass fire is reported at 3562 E. Lockport Road, Oakfield.

That's the East Oakfield Cemetery.

Oakfield fire dispatched.

On Coe Street, Oakfield, somebody discarded this forelorn Teddy Bear.

The Teddy Bear became a popular toy in the early 20th Century after Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear on a bear hunt. After days of hunting, in Missouri, Roosevelt's guides found a bear that was weakened by lack of food and captured it, tied it to a tree and waited for Roosevelt to catch up. Roosevelt wouldn't personally kill a bear in that condition. An illustrator on the trip drew a picture of the scene, and early Teddy Bears looked a lot like the artist's depiction of the bear. The rest of the story: The guides killed the bear and the hunters feasted on bear that evening, but the illustration helped cement Roosevelt's image as a humane conservationist.

While out in Oakfield today, I found Karl Dilcher running a Mother's Day chicken BBQ. This was the first day that Dilcher, owner of Alli's Cones & Dogs, offered chicken BBQ, something he says he plans to do every day, plus offer the service as catering for special events, including charities, graduations, weddings, etc. Pictured with Diltcher is Shorty Thomas, now working for Dilcher, who worked for years for Clor's.

Events on Jackson Street today kind of swamped the time available to do a follow up on the East Shebly Road fire, but here are the photos.

Look for a follow-up story, with photos, on Jackson Street, if not tonight, in the morning.

To purchase prints, click here.

Batavia police have their weapons drawn and a house surrounded on Jackson Street by the Salvation Army and railroad tracks. Unknown situation. A caller earlier reported being downstairs and hearing doors slamming upstairs, although no one should be upstairs. The street is blocked off.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: The occupants who were downstairs are out of the building.

UPDATE 3:32 p.m.: Howard at the scene says a neighbor there told him that a man who lives in the two-story tan-colored house was bothered by children making noise and distrubing the peace and he threatened to shoot them if they didn't stop the ruckus.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: The county's Emergency Response Team now has the house surrounded.

UPDATE 6:18 p.m.: Statement from Batavia PD Officer Marc Lawrence: "This afternoon around 2:15 we got an initial report of a tenant upstairs threatening harm to his neighbors. Patrols responded to speak the male subject in his approximate 60s, white male; male would not answer the door for patrols. Patrols attempted communication. During the initial contact, patrols had reason to believe that the male may have access to weapsons. That at this point is unconfirmed. We are taking all precautionary measures at this time. Neighboring residents have been evacuated and officers have established a perimeter, attempting to make with subject. Emergency Response Team was notified and responded. We are being assisted by New York State Police, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, and the Genesee County Emergency Management coordinating agency. We will be updating the situation as it progresses. At this point the incident is still under investigation. Charges will be filed as appropriate. We are urging all residents to stay inside and refrain from travelling the area as much as possible."

In response to a question from WTBA, Lawrence said the subject is known to police.

Howard asked if at some point authorities will take action, or will they just wait it out, and Officer Lawrence said: "We are looking to take action, but at this point if we can get in to have any communication, we will wait it out. We are trying to keep this as minimal as possible. We don't want anyone injured."

Lawrence said they did communicate with the man briefly. At one point, the SWAT team moved further away from the house. When asked why, Lawrence said it was because "they were looking to have a negotiator talk, but then all negotiations fell through and they moved that room back to a safe distance."

"...It is our expectation we are going to be here a little while. It could stop now; it could stop three hours from now."

He added that police believe he does have a gun, but they have not confirmed that.

UPDATE 7:04 p.m.: The suspect has been arrested.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.: About 20 minutes prior to the arrest, a reverse 9-1-1 call went out to residents within at least a quarter-mile of the scene, telling them to shelter in place. The fire department was called in. Crowds which had gathered along Ellicott Street to watch the goings-on where told to move back. An object was seen being thrown up to a window, and Officer Marc Lawrence said that it was a portable phone.

A working house fire is confirmed by a firefighter at the scene, 3039 E. Shelby Road, Oakfield. "He's reporting the barn is now going also," says a dispatcher. All manpower from Oakfield called in, along with mutual aid from Elba and Alabama. Town of Batavia fire is asked to go to the scene with a ladder truck and to fill in at Oakfield's hall. The city's Fast Team is called. The call has gone to a second alarm.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: National Grid is notified. The city's fourth platoon is called to its headquarters.

UPDATE 12:43 p.m.: The rear of the house, which is a mobile home, is damaged but not currently on fire says Howard at the scene. Also, the barn is actually more like a shed or garage.

UPDATE 1:02 pm.: 

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: Oakfield command reporting the fire is out; checking for extension.

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: A man and his wife and baby live here, said the fire chief. They are not injured. Their pet beagle was kenneled next to the garage and when firefighters arrived, one of the firefighters open the pen and let the dog out. The dog ran off and they don't know where he is, but they don't think he'll go far because he was injured last week when he got hit by a car.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: The American Red Cross is contacted to help the family; no ETA.

The Peace Garden in Batavia is 5 years old, and supporters celebrated Saturday with a dinner at Terry Hills.

Awards were given to Kelly Rapone, Mary Dix, Kathy Jasinski and Ron Burroughs.

The guest speaker was Corrin Stellakis, 2014 Miss Teen NYS.

Also pictured are Tom Dix, Paula Savage, Ellen Bachorski, Carol Grasso, Berneda Scoins and Louise Wallace.

Photos from yesterday's rehearsal of the Genesee Chorale. 

Here's a press release about the upcoming performance:

On Sunday May 17 at 3 p.m. at Elba MS/HS Auditorium, the Genesee Chorale will present its Spring Season, “Music in Motion.” In the past, the Chorale has shared the stage with other musicians, ranging from a full orchestra to other chorale groups and soloists. This time, Director Ric Jones thought to try something entirely new: why not share the stage with live dancers? The Genesee Chorale Board applauded the notion and unanimously gave the go-ahead, and Jones went from there.

He first approached Dan Doctor, of Medina’s West Side Academy, asking him, “So…what do you think of choreographing a show entirely to live chorale music?” And Doctor responded quickly in the affirmative: “Yes!  We’re in.” And after reviewing the repertoire, he committed his dancers to six songs.

They weren’t the only ones. Dancers from Batavia’s Divine Dance, directed by Erin Martin, were in as well, happy to join the Genesee Chorale in such a unique endeavor. Though May is a busy season for every performing group, they were pleased to share some of their best performers to feature in “Music in Motion.” And finally, the Greycliffe Quartet, a renowned string ensemble from Buffalo, committed to accompany the singers, too.

The Genesee Chorale is accompanied on piano by Doug Hanson. The concert will also feature soloists Mark Christenson, Rachel Chrostowski, Janine Fagnan, Yvonne Freeman (also featured as a flutist), Merry Lou Holley, Carl Schoonover, Heather Lovelace, and Norm Woodworth.

Presale tickets are $8 and are available online at www.geneseechorale.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $10.

I took a drive through Alabama, Oakfield and Elba yesterday.

Above, Judge Road, Alabama.

Judge Road, Oakfield

Drake Street Road, Oakfield

Old Ford Road, Elba

Batavia beat Notre Dame 3-2 in the championship game of the Rotary Tournament.

Batavia scored the winning run on a 2-out Quentin Weis single. Pitchers Greg Mruzek and Tyler Prospero both went the distance. 

Photos are from one inning of the Batavia vs. Oakfield-Alabama game and the championship game.

To purchase prints, click here.

Saturday was "Women Build Day" for Habitat for Humanity and in Batavia more than 50 women signed up to assist with the current project for Genesee County, at 26 Oak St.

The prospective homeowner is Sheila Rolle and her daughter Jada. Local Habitat CEO Jessica Maguire-Tomidy said she is particularly excited about this project because Rolle was the first potential homeowner who came to her when she started six years ago and Rolle has worked hard to get herself in a position to qualify for a Habitat home.

It was a hot, dusty day at the construction site.

Ron Burroughs out for a bike ride on Court Street, Batavia, this afternoon.

We'll have more coverage from today's happenings in Genesee County in the morning.

The VFW Post in Batavia is in a poor state of repair, and Rep. Chris Collins is pushing legislation that could help the post, and veteran's service organizations throughout the country.

Collins highlighted his legislation today with an appearance at the post.

Incoming Post Commander Ronald Jackett gave a tour of the building, with it's stained and missing ceiling tiles, corroded bathrooms and peeling paint.

Jackett estimates repairs -- including a new roof -- will cost $40,000.

To help raise funds for repairs, the post is selling tickets for a Harley-Davidson raffle, but he certainly welcomes the proposal being pushed by Collins to make Community Development Block Grant funds available to the nation's veterans services groups for building repairs and upgrades.

"Many of these organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion are able to fund themselves by offering their facilities for special events such as birthdays and weddings," Collins said. "Their facilities serve as community centers, bringing neighbors and families together for special events. These organizations should have the ability to repair their existing facilities and further ensure the safety of those using them for special occasions and gatherings.

Collins said by using CDBG funds, the program draws from an existing expenditure, rather than creating new spending that would add to the federal budget deficit.

Wherever the money comes from, it would certainly be welcome, Jackett said.

"I don't know how we're going to do on this motorcycle raffle," Jackett said. "It's very slow going. It's very important. If we don't get enough off this motorcycle raffle, we're going to be looking everywhere else we can to try to get funding."

The post hasn't been able to use its kitchen for more than a year. It used to be an important source of revenue, generating as much as $1,000 a week in sales.  

The Harley is routinely on display at Chesley Auto on East Main Street, Batavia, where raffle tickets may be purchased.

The bill sponsored by Collins is similar to one introduced by other members of Congress in previous sessions, but never passed.

After their appearance at the VFW, Collins and Assemblyman Steve Hawley visited Ken Barrett Chevrolet, which was hosting a recruitment drive for the county's veterans' groups, with WBTA broadcasting from the dealership.

Norte Dame and Batavia advance to the championship match of the Rotary Tournament at Dwyer Stadium. Because of the threat of rain, the game starts at 4:30 p.m., two hours sooner than originally planned. The consolation game between Attica and Oakfield Alabama is being played at Batavia High School.

Brandon M. Weig is indicted for the crime of aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 13, 2013, Weig, while at a residence on Bank Street in the City of Batavia, did insert his finger in the vagina of another person, causing physical injury to the person who was less than 11 years old. In count two, the Grand Jury accuses him of the crime of aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree, a Class C violent felony, for allegedly on the same day, at the same address, inserting his finger in the rectum or anus of another person causing physical injury to the person who was less than 11 years old. In count three, Weig is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony, for allegedly being 18 or older and with intent to cause physical injury to a person less that 7 years old, causing such injury to the person.

Lori J. Marchese is indicted for the crime of DWI as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 29, 2014, Marchese drove a 2009 Chevrolet on West Main Street Road (Route 5) while her ability to do so was impaired by drugs. In addition, the DA filed Special Information with the Grand Jury, accusing her of having been convicted of DWI as a Class A misdemeanor on Aug. 25, 2005, in Batavia City Court. That conviction was within 10 years previous to the commission of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Cody D. Cutitta is indicted on seven counts. The first is sealed pending arrest. In count two, Cutitta is accused of the crime of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 16, 2014, in the Town of Batavia, Cutitta knowingly possessed stolen property to benefit himself or a person other than the owner or to impede the recovery by an owner. The alleged property involved was a credit or debit card. In count three, he is accused of second-degree forgery, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on the same day while at an auto parts store in the City of Batavia, Cutitta, with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, falsely made, completed, or altered a written statement which was purported to be a commercial instrument -- a credit / debit card -- to buy $132.18 worth of auto parts without having the authority to do so. In count four, the Grand Jury accuses Cutitta of second-degree forgery, also a Class D felony, for making an unauthorized purchase of $410.54 worth of auto parts on the same day with the same card. In count five, Cutitta is accused of second-degree forgery, another Class D felony, for buying $82.31 worth of merchandise at Walmart with another person's credit / debit card, without having the authority to do so. In count six, the defendant is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for using the same card to buy $36 worth of gas at Hess Mart, as well as the other aforementioned purchases. In count seven, Cutitta is accused of second-degree identity theft for allegedly knowingly and with intent to defraud, having assumed the identity of the rightful card holder to unlawfully obtain goods, property or services in an aggregate amount that exceeded $500.

Nicholas J. Elmore, 26, of Batavia, is charged with theft of services, petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Elmore was arrested by Macedon PD for alleged shoplifting. He hired a cab for a ride from Macedon PD's office to a hotel in Batavia. He allegedly fled through a back door of the hotel without paying his $144 cab fare. State Police were dispatched to the complaint. They located Macedon PD paperwork related to the shoplifting arrest on the back seat of the cab. Elmore had used another person's ID with the Macedon PD. That person was located by troopers and interviewed. Troopers secured a photo of Elmore and shared it with Macedon PD who confirmed Elmore was the actual suspect in the shoplifting case. Elmore was located in a local hotel and arrested. At the time of his arrest, he allegedly possessed three packages of heroin. He was jailed on $800 bail.

Matthew Lilly, 25, of Marshall Road, Lyndonville, was arrested on a warrant. Lilly allegedly failed to appear on a disorderly conduct charge from April, 2014. He was jailed on $200 bail.

Gregory Scott Snyder, 46, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with assault, 3rd. Snyder allegedly punched another person in the face during an argument reported 10 p.m. Thursday on Genesee Street, Alexander. The alleged victim was transported to Warsaw Hospital for treatment.

Cory Lynn Hyde, 33, of South Main Street, Mount Morris, is charged with disorderly conduct. Hyde was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Darien Court. He was jailed on $200 bail.

John Charles Siracuse III, 31, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting information about an actual incident. Siracuse is accused of providing information about a motor-vehicle accident that wasn't truthful. The accident was reported at 3:20 p.m. Thursday on Lewiston Road.

A 17-year-old resident of North Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth is accused of striking another person while in a vehicle at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Oakfield.

Ryan Michael Bobzin, 26, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. Bobzin allegedly stole an Xbox Kinect with a value of $100 from a family member April 22. He was jailed on $1,500 bail or $3,000 bond.

Leslie Charles Sage, 47, of Wight Road, Basom, is charged with aggraveted unlicensed operation, 3rd, driving on a suspended registration and driving a vehicle without an inspection sticker. Sage was stopped 3:28 p.m. March 28 on Park Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

Barbara A. Hofert, 54, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and obstructed license plate. Hofert was stopped at 7:54 p.m. Tuesday on Porter Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Juan Pozotempan-Ahuejote, 37, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd. Pozotempan-Ahuejote allegedly threatened another person with a raised, clinched fist during an argument reported at 3:50 p.m., Wednesday. He was jailed on $3,000 or $6,000 bond.

TyAnna D. Green, 20 of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Green was allegedly involved in an incident in the parking lot of Dunn Tire at midnight, Thursday.

Winston A. Lockhart, 20, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of marijuana. Lockhart was allegedly involved in the incident with Gree, above.

Brody A. Jorgenson, 20, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of alcohol under age 21. Jorgenson was allegedly involved with an underage drinking party reported at 1:14 a.m. Sunday at 340 Ellicott St., Batavia. Also charged Joshua A. Wester, 20, of Ellicott Street, Batavia.

Leonard A. Johnson III, 22, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Johnson was arrested as the result of an investigation into an incident reported April 29 on Holland Avenue.

Jennifer Lynne Judkins, 20, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with petit larceny. Judkins allegedly stole $43 in clothing from Kmart.

Jason Andrew Barnhart Sr., 28, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 3rd. Barnhart allegedly stole two DVDs from Walmart, and in the process violated an order of protection and being restricted from the property.

Christine Aminta Soler, 37, of Phelps Road, Pembroke, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Soler allegedly struck another person during an argument at 2:41 p.m., Wednesday. 

Luke Paul Simmons, 18, of Harper Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Simmons was arrested by Deputy Kevin McCarthy following an investigation into a report of a suspicous vehicle on Route 20 at 9:19 p.m., April 24.

Orentheo Jamar Flowers, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and unlicensed operator. Flowers was arrested on a warrant for an alleged failure to appear on the charges.

Shayne Robert Patterson, 49, of Killian Road, Corfu, is charged wit DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and drinking in a motor vehicle. Patterson was stopped at 8:38 p.m. Monday by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Crystal L. Wojtkowiak, 19, of Attica, is charged with false reporting and obstructing governmental administration. Garry P. Pitz, 20, of Depew, is charged with false reporting, obstructing governmental administration, reckless driving and other traffic violations. Wojtkowiak allegedly claimed to be the driver of a 2004 black Chevorlet Blazer involved in a rollover accident April 12 on Bowen Road, Alexander. State Police investigated and determined Wojtkowiak wasn't in the vehicle at the time of the accident and that Pitz was the actual driver. Pitz was reportedly driving northbound no Bowen Road when he made an alleged unsafe start and lost control of the Blazer, causing it to go off the east shoulder. He then overcorrected and spun around, causing the vehicle to rollover, coming to rest in the field on the east side of the highway. No deer were involved.

John J. Haire, 67, of Chili Riga Center Road, Churchville, was charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or higher. Haire was arrested following a complaint of a man urinating in the Top's Market parking lot in the Village of Le Roy.

A toast to all moms on this beautiful Mother's Day weekend! We can help you pick out a bottle of wine and gift wrap it for you, too! We also have gift certificates. Cheers ladies!

A two-car accident with injury is reported at routes 19 and 33. (That's South Lake Road and Clinton Street Road.) Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: The injury is minor.

UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: A responder on scene reports the vehicles are blocking traffic.

UPDATE 2:43 p.m.: A second minor injury is reported.

UPDATE 2:46 p.m.: Medics have arrived.