A Selden Road resident who is suspected of murdering a neighbor early this morning in Le Roy and setting his own home ablaze was taunting the police once they arrived on scene, according to a witness.

"Did you see what I did to my house?" the witness said the man told police. "Just shoot me."

Sheriff's deputies and Village of Le Roy police, along with Mercy EMS, were dispatched to 7421 Selden Road just after 4 a.m. after dispatchers received a report of a person being shot in the face. About 10 minutes later, Le Roy fire along with the Bergen Fire Department were dispatched to 7324 Selden Road for a structure fire with flames showing. Shortly thereafter, Stafford and Pavillion fire departments were called to provide mutual aid.

At first, there was no indication the two incidents were related, but when the first assistant chief for Le Roy fire, accompanied by the department's safety officer and a chief from a mutual aid company arrived on scene, along with a patrol from Le Roy, the suspect reportedly turned his shotgun on the responders and opened fire.

None of the responders were hit and they made a quick exit from the area, with the chief informing dispatchers they had been fired on and to hold back all responding units.

The chief was pretty shaken and returned to the fire hall a short time later, said 2nd Assistant Chief Tom Wood.

"We actually never got told there were any shots fired or the second incident was happening, so we responded as a normal incident," Wood said.

It's unclear if the suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was firing indiscriminately or deliberately targeting either firefighters or police.

Wood said it appeared to the firefighters the gun was pointed at them.

"When they got on scene they saw the individual and he pointed the gun in their direction, or the direction of the police, and, I believe, fired two or three rounds at them," Wood said. "Nobody was hit, but it was definitely scary."

It was a tense time for Jon Marcello and his family, who moved from the village to Selden Road in July. He said he spoke to his neighbor, the suspect, for the first time a couple of weeks ago. The suspect, he said, placed a no trespassing sign in his front yard because he was going through a divorce and he didn't know who his ex-wife might had given keys to.

"He was concerned about other people coming into the house and on the property," Marcello said.

When Marcello saw a fire burning outside this neighbor's house, he went outside to investigate. He then heard two gunshots. A police officer told him to get back in his house. He said he and his wife and his two small children, who are too young to have comprehended what was going on, sheltered upstairs.

"It's certainly concerning when you see him walking down the street and on our property with a shotgun, SWAT teams all around telling him to put the gun down and he wasn't complying," Marcello said. "He was actually taunting them telling them to shoot him. I don't know if it was a suicide mission, or what."

The suspect surrendered about 8:10 a.m.

The name of the victim has not yet been officially released.

No other injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

The incident was troubling for the volunteers who responded to the scene, Wood said. Even though nobody has forgotten what happened in Webster, where firefighters were shot and killed responding to a fire, on Christmas Eve a couple of years ago, it's still not something you expect to happen here. Wood said he doesn't know how you prepare or train for such unexpected violence.

"It's scary," Wood said. "We don't know how to deal with stuff like this. We're a small rural department and all volunteer."

The Sheriff's Office has scheduled a press conference at 2 p.m. about the incident.

Previously: Person reportedly shot at residence in Town of Le Roy

The residence of the shooting victim.

Tom Wood speaking with members of the media.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer Genesee County juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program.

The program is focused on developing leadership skills within an individual through each specific session and through hands on experience. The Youth Lead Program will take place at Genesee Community College beginning Jan. 16th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held weekly for eight weeks alternating between field trips and class sessions.

The program will cost $55 and students will earn one college credit through Genesee Community College. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau.

Please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions or to obtain an application at (585)344-3960or at youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us. Applications are due on Dec. 18.

Press release:

Since 2007, nearly 30 outstanding graduates of Genesee Community College have been inducted into GCC's Alumni Hall of Fame. The College Foundation knows there are many more outstanding graduates who've made a lasting impact on their communities and invites nominations for the 2016 Alumni Hall of Fame. Submissions are due by Dec. 31.

Candidates nominated for the Alumni Hall of Fame should be individuals who've contributed significantly to their profession and have provided distinguished service to the community and/or service to Genesee Community College. Nominees must have completed their GCC degree at least ten years prior to nomination. Past inductees have represented a wide variety of career fields, from law enforcement to economic development.

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family, work associates or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. Nomination forms can be downloaded from GCC's alumni Web site www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/ and emailed or sent to the College's Alumni office.

A selection committee will choose honorees. New inductees will be honored at a reception in March, and their photo and a short biography will be featured on a plaque displayed in the Alumni Hall of Fame, located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building. 

"The success of these graduates serves as an inspiration to all of us here at the College and the community at large," said Jackie Christenson, GCC Alumni coordinator. "We encourage those who know outstanding graduates to nominate them now."

Prior GCC Alumni Hall of Fame inductees include:

• 2015: Dr. Roger J. Klatt '82; Renee A. Garrett '93

• 2014: Lawrence Saupe '89; Stephen Tarbell '78

• 2013: Jeffrey M. Newland '87; Shannon R. Sauro '93; Christopher J. Suozzi '84; Andrew J. Young '89

• 2012: John H. DeWitt '69; Cynthia M. Howe '84; Daniel P. Ireland '92

• 2011: Jacquelyn Dwyer '76; Benjamin J. Bonarigo Esq '79; Matthew B. Locker '88

• 2010: James David Fraser '73; Cecilia A. Stearns '80; Dorothy A. Wentland '91

• 2009: Wanda Frank '99; Ellen Ryan '76; Paula J. Miller Schaefer '79; George E. Schaefer III '79

• 2008: Ann Bell '88; Gary Maha '76; Steven Hyde '82

• 2007: Joseph Bell '79; Paula Savage '76; Monica Hale Dawson '72; Lori Stupp '89; Jerry Reinhart '71; Margaret (Peggy) Weissend '99 '01

For details about their community contribution, please go to GCC's alumni Web page: www.genesee.edu/Alumni/HallofFame.

For more information, contact Alumni coordinator Jackie Christenson at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6265 or jkchristenson@genesee.edu

A grass fire is reported in the area of North Lake and Creamery roads. Bergen Fire Department is responding.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s will hold four town hall meetings on Saturday, Dec. 5, in Genesee County. Here is the lineup:

Village of Alexander/Town of Alexander
9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Alexander's Country Deli
10598 Main St.
Alexander, NY 14005

Town of Darien
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Johnny Bear's
1415 Broadway
Darien Center, NY 14040

Village of Corfu/Town of Pembroke
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Pembroke Town Hall
1145 Main Road
Corfu, NY 14036

Town of Alabama
12:30 - 1:15 p.m.
Alabama Town Hall
2218 Judge Road
Oakfield, NY 14125

A dispatcher advises that "the victim has been shot in the face. The suspects appear to have left the area."

UPDATE 4:10 a.m.: It's described as a "marauding incident" (which Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines as "roaming about and raiding in search of plunder.") Further law enforcement communications have been moved to a secure channel.

UPDATE 4:18 a.m.: Now there is a report of a structure fire at a residence near the original caller's address. Smoke and flames showing. Le Roy fire and Bergen fire dispatched. Of course, at this point, it's unknown if the incidents are related.

*** We're withholding the address pending more complete information and to avoid identifying the victim at this stage.

UPDATE(S)(By Billie) 4:28 a.m.: "Shots fired. Back out of the area," the fire chief on scene tells responders. Stafford and Pavilion fire departments were also called to the fire.

UPDATE 4:41 a.m.: Le Roy Fire Police are instructed to shut down Selden Road at Route 19 and at West Bergen Road. Only emergency responders and law enforcement will be allowed to pass.

UPDATE 5:08 a.m.: Flames are no longer visible at the scene of the structure fire, however firefighters have not yet been allowed to access the property because law enforcement has not cleared the scene. An emergency command center, or staging area, has been set up at the Eastern Carolina, LLC, complex at 7591 Selden Road, near Route 19. (The gunshot incident and the fire are roughly a block apart on Selden Road.)

UPDATE 5:34 a.m.: People on Selden Road are ordered to "shelter in place," according to an order given by law enforcement. They must remain inside until further notice.

UPDATE 6:17 a.m.: A reader who lives on Selden Road said he "came outside when I first noticed the fire and a police officer told me to get back in the house and there was an active shooter. Soon after, there were two loud gunshots, sounded like a shotgun. ... The fire is still blazing pretty good on the west side of the house closest to me. No firefighters on scene, assuming they have not found the shooter (s). ..." This reader also submitted the photo above.

UPDATE 6:58 a.m.: A woman who has identified herself as the daughter of the shooting victim has told the media that her 69-year-old father has died as a result of the gunshot wound(s). Police have not confirmed this.

UPDATE 7: 22 a.m.: Photo from the scene:

UPDATE 8:14 a.m.: Multiple law enforcement units have cleared the scene; they've left the area. It has not been confirmed, but indications are that the situation has been resolved, that the incident has concluded.

8:32 a.m.: A suspect has been taken into custody.

A car vs. horse accident with injuries is reported at 6684 Main Road in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The accident is blocking the roadway.

UPDATE 10:41 p.m.: The female driver of a compact sedan suffered cuts and other minor injuries after striking a horse that ran into the roadway from the south shoulder as she was headed eastbound on Route 5. She said it was dark and she didn't see the animal and had little time to react. The horse was killed upon impact. The driver was transported to a hospital for evaluation.

Home sales surged this summer in Genesee County, reflecting an overall regional trend.

In Genesee County, closed deals for the four months ended Sept. 30, increased by nearly 26 percent to 186, up from 148 last year, according to data provided by the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors.

The median sale price rose by 5 percent, to $105,500. The average sale price rose by 1.8 percent, to $114,427.

“This was probably one of the busier summers in the last five or 10 years,” said Robert Gerace, a broker for Realty USA in Batavia. “Once September hit, things quieted down again.”

Total closed sales from June through September in the Buffalo-Niagara region rose 9.2 percent to 4,728, up from 4,329 last year, according to the BNAR.

For the year-to-date, closed sales rose 7.7 percent to 8,187, up from 7,604 in 2014.

“We’ve had a record year,” said Joe Rivellino, the BNAR president and owner of Rivellino Realty in Warsaw.

The BNAR credits an improved job market, falling unemployment and rising earnings for driving home sales. 

“We’ve had a strong market for quite some time,” Rivellino said. “We also still have very aggressive interest rates.”

Rivellino reminded that “real estate is local.”

“The Erie County market is stronger, and that’s where you tend to (see) more multiple offerings and sales above list price,” Rivellino said.

Beyond Erie, the situation varies by county and municipality.

“Wyoming County might have a few pockets where there are slower numbers,” he said. “Property taxes being higher here than they are in some other areas is somewhat of a deterrent.”

Indeed, closed sales from June through September in Wyoming county fell 12 percent from last year, from 128 to 113, the BNAR said.

Both the median and average sale prices were up in Wyoming, however. The median sale price rose 4.3 percent, to $98,500, while the average price rose 3.8 percent, to $114,837.

Homes in both counties were however spending more days on the market before sale — 80 days on average, compared to 74 days in 2014.

Still, summer saw a seller’s market overall.

Gerace recalled taking one couple on visits to 30 listings this summer.

“There were multiple offers,” he said. “Everything was full price — and more.”

Which prompts an observation: To the quickest go the spoils.

“If you want it, you’d better jump on it,” Gerace said.

Rivellino, who has owned his agency for 12 years, is optimistic the trend will continue for at least a little while.

“I believe the interest rate is going to stay aggressive for a little bit longer,” Rivellino said. “There’s no doubt they’re going to go up, but I just don’t know how quickly.”

A would-be robber reportedly pointed a long gun at a potential victim outside the 7-Eleven at 404 E. Main St., Batavia, at about 9 p.m. Sunday, according to the Batavia Police Department, and demanded money.

The assailant demanded personal property from a person sitting in a vehicle, but after the person did not turn over any property, the assailant left the area.

No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as wearing a mask, a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, and camouflage pants. There's no further description of the suspect available. 

The confidential tip line for Batavia PD is (585) 345-6370. Police dispatch can be reached at (585) 345-6350.

Ring in the holiday season with the sounds of Serendipity Swing at Terry Hills! Spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying our exquisite holiday buffet, while listening to Serendipity Swing play Big Band music and Christmas favorites. 

Choose from a delicious buffet selection of soup, salad, two to three hot chef-selected entrees, potatoes, vegetables, our famous seafood stuffed cod, and dessert!

Only $10.95/person! Includes buffet, coffee, soda & dessert.

Regular lunch menu also available.

Reservations Required.
Filling quickly, so don't delay! Call 585-343-0642 now to reserve a spot!

Harrison J. Hartung, 32, of Power Street, Syracuse, was arrested on a warrant by State Police in Auburn during a traffic stop and turned over to Batavia PD. The warrant stems from an alleged incident in 2005 that led to a charge of disorderly conduct. The incident was reported at 6:19 a.m., May 7, 2005, at 318 E. Main St., Batavia. Hartung was arraigned in City Court, pled guilty, was fined $80, plus a $95 surcharge, and released.

Nicholas Alexander Pleace, 29, of Orangeport Road, Gasport, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Pleace allegedly forced his way into a residence on Pratt Road at 2:25 p.m. Thursday,and damaged property in the process. He allegedly shoved a victim and refused to leave upon request. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Wayne Lewis, 28, of Thorn Street, Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Lewis was arrested following an investigation by Le Roy PD into the theft of a credit card at Tops Market. Lewis was identified as the suspect through the use of surveillance footage that helped identify him and his vehicle. Lewis is accused of stealing the card and then making a purchase with it. He was issued an appearance ticket.

A 17-year-old resident of River Road, Pavilion, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at 8:44 p.m. Wednesday by Officer Chad Richards (defendant's name withheld by Batavia PD).

James E. Wroten Jr., 49, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Wroten allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection.

Leslie O. Hinz, 66, of Manhatten Avenue, Batavia, turned himself in on an arrest warrant after speaking with Sgt. Dan Coffey. Hinz was wanted on a harassment, 2nd, charge. Hinz allegedly approached and continuously followed a stranger at 10:20 a.m., Oct. 19. Hinz posted $300 bail.

Kathleen M. Watkins, 36, of Perry Road, Pavilion, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear to pay a fine.

Oscar L. Muniz Jr., 22, of Parma Center Road, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, inadequate muffler and uninspected motor vehicle. Muniz was stopped at 9:23 p.m. Wednesday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards for allegedly driving a vehicle with a loud muffler.

Kimberly Ashley Paladino, 25, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Paladino is accused of stealing $198 in merchandise from Walmart on Thursday. She is also accused of stealing $163.37 in merchandise from Walmart on Nov. 19.

The CO detector went off inside the residence at 5 Prospect Ave. in the city and the occupants have ill effects, described as "flu-like symptoms." City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

A two-car crash, with unknown injuries, is reported in the area of 2514 Main Road, East Pembroke. It is near Church Street and is blocking traffic. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Members of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation volunteered Saturday, along with their family members, to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army.

If you, your family or group would like to participate in the Genesee County Red Kettle Campaign, contact Major Robert Kurtz at 585-861-0676 or robert.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Photos submitted by Aaron K. Brown.

Shoppers at Batavia Town Center today could get a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

A motor-vehicle accident with a minor injury is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 392. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

A pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle and is injured at Ellicott and Jackson streets. City fire and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 12:37 p.m.: A car was turning left from Jackson Street onto Ellicott Street. The light was green and two pedestrians were crossing in the crosswalk, but the driver reported he did not see them and "bumped" into them. An adult female was transported to UMMC after being evaluated by a medic. She complained of hip pain. A child who was walking with her was not injured. The driver was cited by a police officer.

Marissa Anne Brennan, 22, of North Byron Road, Byron, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. She was arrested on Nov. 21 after allegedly stealing property in excess of $1,000 on Nov. 17 on North Byron Road, Byron. She was jailed and bail set at $2,500. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy James Diehl.