Skip to main content

Le Roy

Law and Order: Oakfield man accused of resisting arrest at alleged underage drinking party

By Howard B. Owens

Elijah Robert Coombs, 18, of Orchard Street, Oakfield, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, resisting arrest, criminal nuisance, 2nd, harassment, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Coombs is accused of causing problems when deputies arrived at his residence to investigate a report of an underage drinking party at 11:43 p.m., Friday. When deputies attempted to arrest Coombs, he allegedly resisted arrest and struck a deputy. Deputies Matt Fleming and Patrick Reeves responded to the call.

Andrew Zimba Perdock, 25, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, was arrested on a bench warrant, alleged failure to pay fine related to a petit larceny charge. Perdock was jailed on $100 bail.

Ronald James Tombari, 24, of Court Road, Pavilion, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlicensed operation, failure to keep right and no seat belt. Tombari was stopped at 12:12 a.m. Sunday on Perry Road, Pavilion, by Deputy John Weis.

(name redacted), 19, and (name redacted upon request), 24, both of South Lake Avenue, Bergen, are charged with unlawful dealing with a child. xxx and xxx were arrested following an investigation into a report of a loud gathering. xxx and xxx were accused of hosting an underage drinking party.

Christopher William Fowler, 24, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and parking on a roadway. Fowler was allegedly found in his vehicle at 10:13 p.m., Saturday, with it stopped on Stegman Road and Miller Road, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

A 17-year-old from Batavia has been charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was stopped at 3:28 p.m., Saturday, on Lewiston Road, Batavia, for alleged traffic violations by Deputy Patrick Reeves. During the traffic stop, the youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Lori Ann Brightenfield, 53, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Deputy Jason Saile responded to a report of a citizen requesting assistance because her vehicle ran out of gas in the Town of Le Roy. Following an investigation, Brightenfield was arrested for alleged DWI.

Grass or rubbish fire at transfer station in LeRoy

By Alecia Kaus

There has been a report of a grass or rubbish fire at the rear of the transfer station on Circular Hill Road in the Town of Le Roy.

Le Roy fire is responding.

UPDATE 12:57 p.m.: LeRoy Fire is on location and keeping the assignment to what is on scene putting all others back in service.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: Le Roy has extinguished the fire and is back in service.

Burglar caught in the act on Summit Street faces prison term after guilty plea

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy resident caught in the act of a residential burglary in Batavia while under surveillance by police detectives has accepted a plea deal that could send him to prison from five to 15 years.

Russell P. Cessna, 24, of 18 Pleasant St., Le Roy, came under suspicion following a tip to local law enforcement, who began monitoring his activities. 

He was a suspect in a number of burglaries in Le Roy, Stafford Pavilion and Batavia.

After Cessna broke into a house on Summit Street, he was apprehended.

Today, Cessna entered a guilty plea to two counts of burglary in the second degree in satisfaction of all 15 charges against him. The charges included burglary, grand larceny, criminal mischief and petit larceny.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 31.

Law and Order: Pair of mothers on Lewis Place accused of leaving children home alone

By Howard B. Owens

Christina M. Sanchez-Anderson, 24, of 2 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Sanchez-Anderson is accused of leaving her two children at home alone and unsupervised. Her 3-year-old was allegedly found at 9:58 a.m., Saturday, outside and not wearing any shoes. Sanchez-Anderson was jailed on $2,500 bail. Department of Social Services assisted in the case.

Ashley M. Kreutz, 25, of 10 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged endangering the welfare of a child. Kreutz allegedly left her two children unsupervised for more than four hours Saturday morning. One child was transported to UMMC for a medical evaluation. Kreutz was jailed on $5,000 bail. Department of Social Services assisted in the case.

Eric J. Bratcher, 24, of 7 1/2 South St., Le Roy, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd. Attica PD responded to a report of a complaint of noise and underage drinking at an address on Washington Avenue, Attica, and Bratcher allegedly gave police officers a false name. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Wendi L. Provost, 37, of 19 Riverside Parkway, Massena, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, driving without headlights and failure to keep right. Provost was stopped 1:10 a.m. on West Main Street by Officer Eric Bolles.

Bryan Pettinella, 27, of131 Bank St,, Apt. A, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. During a verbal argument, Pettinella allegedly punched the car of another person causing damage.

Curtis J. Doward, 18, of 25 Ganson Ave., Batavia, is charged with two counts of failure to appear as directed, criminal contempt, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child (second two counts are warrants). Doward turned himself in to Batavia PD on a failure-to-appear warrant. He was jailed on $2,500 bail on each count.

Christopher W. Cummings, 33, of 19 Cherry St., Batavia, is charged with coercion, 2nd, aggravated harassment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Related to a domestic incident, Cummings allegedly sent numerous unwanted text messages in an attempt to compel or induce the victim to engage in conduct she had the legal right to abstain from, thereby threatening her. Cummings is also accused of spitting on the victim.

Christopher W. Colantonio, 23, of 110 South Swan St., Batavia, is charged with a violation of probation. Colantonio was taken into custody by the Probation Department for an alleged violation of probation.

Pavel V. Yefremenko, 24, of 8 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, speeding and consumption of alcohol in a vehicle. Yefremenko was stopped at 1:27 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street, Batavia, by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Kayla Marie Baker, 22, of Union Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Baker is accused of stealing more than $900 in merchandise from Target over a several month period.

Howard Clarance Schultz, 54, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant out of Greece, for aggravated harassment, 2nd. Schultz was located during an incident at 8798 Keeney Road, Le Roy, reported at 9:51 p.m., Friday.  Friday's incident remains under investigation.

Joshua James Burns, 26, of North Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with stalking, 4th. Burns is accused of sending a text message to another person after being warned by law enforcement to cease all contact with the person.

Philip Chase Smith, 28, of South Old Wire Road, North Carolina, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and obstructed license plate. Smith was stopped at 11:05 p.m. Friday, on Route 5, Batavia, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Jason Lee Perry, 18, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Perry is accused of violating an order of protection barring him from offensive conduct toward a family member.

David Bernard Marsceill, 35, of Old Ford Road, Elba, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, strangulation, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Marsceill is accused of choking another person during a domestic incident, causing that person to lose consciousness, of damaging a vehicle during the incident and possessing brass knuckles on two separate occasions.

Randy Lee Smith, 55, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Smith is accused of stealing railroad tie plates located in the CSX Railroad right of way in the area of Route 19, Village of Bergen.

Russell P. Cessna, 24, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Cessna was arrested by State Police in connection with a burglary reported in the Town of Stafford on July 28. No further details released.

Jimmy R. Wenzel, 26, of Wyoming, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Wenzel was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident reported at 2:45 a.m., Saturday, in Pavilion. No further details released.

Suspicious salesperson peering at energy meters in Le Roy

By Alecia Kaus

Le Roy police are investigating several calls from residents on Lake Street and Glenwood Drive of a suspicious salesperson looking at meters on homes. The subject is wearing tan pants, glasses, and a dark jacket.

After a short investigation, Police have determined there are six salespeople canvassing the area for a company called Invenergy. After a check of one of the subjects, police determined he has a suspended license and is from the Syracuse area. Police will be escorting him to the McDonald's on Main Street in Le Roy for a ride home.

Invenergy is one of North America's largest independent wind power generation companies, according to its Web site. They develop, own and operate power generation facilities in North America and Europe. They deal with natural gas, solar, and wind projects for utilities and suppliers.

Le Roy man accused of sexual contact with teen, threatening person with bottle of vodka

By Howard B. Owens

A 32-year-old parolee is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail after being accused of illegal sexual contact with a person under age 17 and threatening to hit a person with a bottle of vodka.

James S. Nottingham, of 66 Lake St., Room 16, was arrested by the Le Roy PD following a report of the alleged incident.

He's been charged with criminal sexual act, 3rd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd.

He is accused of of having oral sexual contact with a teenager and during this alleged incident getting into an argument with an acquaintance and threatening that person with a glass bottle filled with vodka.

Old Eagle Hotel smokin' under new ownership

By Howard B. Owens

The Eagle Hotel in Le Roy may have 200 years of history behind it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a next chapter in life.

The landmark building has fallen into the hands of four young men who have a vision for it that should make it a go-too place for people looking for a good time and good food for many years to come.

John Marcello, Marc Marcello and Jason Beaumont have partnered to transform the Eagle into the Smokin' Eagle BBQ and Brew. They've hired Le Roy resident Shane Burger as their general manager.

"I think the concept, this building, the entertainment, the BBQ, it all kind of goes together," John Marcello said.

Jason Beaumont grew up in Le Roy and first tried to buy the building 10 years ago. It didn't work out, but when the previous owners decided to sell in 2012, Beaumont took another stab at it.

"I grew up there, and this building has so much character that you don’t get in a lot of places," Beaumont said.

Since Beaumont had no experience in the food business -- his background is in the mortgage industry and has been investing in residential properties and doing property management for the past few years -- he started asking his friends John and Marc about how to run the restaurant side of his new building.

The Marcello brothers own 58 Main Street in Brockport, which is a BBQ and brew sports bar and have owned the business for 13 years.

One day, John told him, you know, we're thinking of expanding.

It didn't take long for the old friends to strike a deal on a new concept for the Eagle. The brothers would bring their experience with BBQ and beer and Beaumont would be in charge of the building.

Then they needed to recruit a general manager.

Through mutual friends, John found Shane, who has been a food and hospitality manager for the Holiday Inn and Batavia Downs.

According to John, Burger was a little skeptical at first, and John understood.

"It’s his reputation on the line," John said. "He doesn't want to walk into a place that is just a bar and grill that’s been here for 200 years wasn't going to change. He wants something different and he brings a lot to the table.”

Once Burger understood the concept, he was sold.

" It was one of those things where I thought, ‘why didn’t think of that?' " Burger said. "It fit. It’s a different niche here in Le Roy and I think it’s being well received so far."

Since the Eagle once had a reputation for being a little on the rough side, the owners have hired big security guys for Friday and Saturday nights, installed security cameras and made it clear certain behavior won't be tolerated.

"It's about setting expectations and putting the right atmosphere right out there right out of the gate," Marc said. "The one guy who causes trouble might spend 50 or 80 bucks in a night, but he costs so much more money in the long run."

They intend for the Smokin' Eagle to be a family-friendly atmosphere. To help enhance that, they're going to open up the foyer so people coming in just for dinner can walk straight into the dining room instead of passing through the bar.

The bar itself is the same grand old hardwood counter it's always been (probably from the days when it was a pharmacy), but instead of just eight beers on tap, there are now 20.

Burger has also started booking in more live music as well as comedy acts.

"Le Roy has been starving for something like this," Burger said.

Burger has a lot of plans for the building, from removing the drop ceiling in the bar to restoring the ballroom upstairs.

"I think everybody can look forward to more changes at a slow and steady pace where everybody can feel comfortable," John said.

And then there's the issue of the third floor. It probably can't be returned any time soon to apartments or hotel rooms, but the ambiance is right for a haunted house come October.

A friend of Beaumont's has run a haunted house for years and they've always wanted to do one together, so now Beaumont has the space.

There may already even be a ghost in residence to give guests a little extra fright.

The ghost is known as "Charlie" and according to Beaumont the previous owner and previous employees have told stories about him.

Is Charlie for real? John laughed and said, "I’ve had some experiences when we first got here. I’m not going to go way into it, but some really creepy stuff, yeah."

As for the food, the menu features smoked pork, either pulled or ribs, and there's pulled-pork potato boats and egg rolls for a little different approach to BBQ. The two-page menu has a variety of other items and side dishes.

John and Marc Marcello started in the food business in high school, working as bus boys at the Village Diner in Brockport. When they moved to Irvine, Calif., they opened a restaurant with their father.

Then about 13 years ago, they wanted to return to WNY and heard their former employer was ready to sell, so they bought the restaurant and changed the name to 58 Main Street. 

Five or six years ago, a very popular BBQ joint in Brockport was shut down and the brothers hired a few key employees. They taught them the BBQ business and BBQ became a staple of 58 Main.

John, Marc and Jason have, over the years, traveled to various BBQ competitions, entering their own dishes. At the competitions, they found other chefs were quite willing to share their own experience and techniques, so they've been able to improve and refine their own smoking skills.

"It’s a learning experience every day," Marc said. "Every day we learn something new or we tweek something and do it a little differently."

Based on what Billie and I have sampled so far, the brothers and their cook staff -- Chris Miller and Brian Canale -- have learned their lessons well.

Photo: From left, Shane Burger, Marc Marcello, John Marcello, Jason Beaumont.

Police trying to sort out incident, possibly involving shots fired, in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Deputies and troopers are on scene of an incident in the area of Route 5 and Keeney Road, Le Roy, that involved some concern about a subject with a gun.

A resident had reported shots fired near his house and a person possibly on his porch.

Law enforcement responded and began a radio conversation about a subject in a house who was seen with a gun.

They observed the actions of the person inside and at one point he was seen putting on either a dark sweater or a vest on (the deputy couldn't see which for sure). He was then seen bending down and standing back up multiple times, doing something the deputies couldn't see below the window.

Le Roy Fire Department was summoned to the fire hall to stand by for possible traffic control.

About that time a deputy was heard yelling over the radio, "Let me see your hands! Let me see your hands!"

A second later, the deputy reported, "one in custody."

Deputies and troopers entered the house and reported two other subjects inside the residence.

At this point, it sounds like law enforcement is trying to sort things out. A deputy told dispatch, "we're securing one subject until we figure out what's going on."

Le Roy fire remains on stand by.

UPDATE 10:27 p.m.: Route 5 and Keeney is being reopened. A deputy tells dispatch, "we're all set" (meaning the situation is under control).

UPDATE 10:44 p.m.: One person being taken into custody (we'll post details from any forthcoming press release when available).

Village of Le Roy switching all trash removal to one day a week -- Wednesdays

By Howard B. Owens

Starting Feb. 6, Village of Le Roy residents used to garbage pick-up on Thursdays will need to start putting out their trash on Wednesdays.

The village, in an attempt to help their refuse collection contractor hold down costs, has agreed to Wednesdays-only pick-ups, eliminating Thursday collection.

"They could really use us to go to one day to help them through these tough financial times," Mayor Greg Rogers said.

Rogers said the switch could help the village stave off a rate increase, though negotiations are not yet completed with the company.

State grant will help Le Roy improve sidewalks on routes kids walk to school

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy will receive a $421,000 grant from New York for sidewalk improvement under a program designed to ensure sidewalks are safe for children walking to school.

The village must still finalize its improvement plans.

"We weren't expecting this much, but we'll put it to good use," said Mayor Greg Rogers.

Meanwhile, the village lost out on grant applications for tree planting and a DEC water quality grant.

"We are actively perusing other grants, trying to get some of the tax money back residents already paid and (have it) returned to the community," Rogers said.

One thing Rogers would like to see the village explore with the sidewalk grant is replacing street lamps on Main Street. He isn't sure that's permissible, but he thinks the lamps could be more attractive, pointing to Downtown Batavia's street lamps of an example of what's possible.

"It's more of a cosmetic thing and how far the grant will take us, I don't know," Rogers said. "It's not a top priority."

The main purpose of the grant will be to replace sidewalks that need to be replaced along routes frequently used by children going to school.

Trustees pass on offer for business group to buy Wiss, start process to have it torn down

By Howard B. Owens

All the experts agree, as Bob Fussell pointed out Wednesday night, the Wiss is structurally sound, but that doesn't mean it's not on shaky ground.

Wednesday, the Village of Le Roy trustees took two key steps that all but guarantee the irreplaceable building's destruction. The board failed to vote on a motion to make a counteroffer for a group of local residents to buy the property and then passed a motion to seek requests for proposal to have the old hotel demolished.

"You're being given an opportunity to have this $250,000 -- maybe half a million -- headache taken off your shoulders and you're asking us to pay $10,000 to boot," Fussell said. "We're probably willing to pay you that $10,000 just because we care about the community.

"We're willing to do something for you that's a huge value and every expert who's looked at it said it's remediable, even Clark Patterson has said you can remediate that."

The reference to Clark Patterson goes back to a three-page letter trustees discussed to kick off the meeting. Trustee Robert Taylor, according to Mayor Greg Rogers, was concerned about the condition of the Wiss and asked engineers from Clark Patterson Lee Design Professionals in Rochester to inspect the building.

Their three-page report, as discussed by trustees, said the building is currently a danger to the public. Youths have trespassed on the property and there are several potential safety issues that need to be addressed immediately.

But as Trustee Jennifer Keys pointed out, the engineers didn't say the building needed to be demolished, and on a merely visual inspection, they found no structural defects.

A more thorough inspection might be required to find any serious problems.

Trustees Taylor, Jim Bonaquisti and Mike Tucci all seized on the report to call for the building's immediate destruction.

"Obviously, this report kind of opened my eyes to a lot of different things," Bonaquisti said.

He noted that his family once owned the building so he knows the roof has been leaking for 30 years and that there have been no tenants on the third floor, because of the leaks, for those three decades.

He said the report noted that youths have apparently been playing beer pong in the vacant building.

"A great concern of mine is that somebody is going to get hurt," Bonaquisti said. "Now there's talk of somebody signing a release from liability and going in and putting a tarp on the roof. Even though we might not be legally liable, it sure would not make me feel very good if somebody went in there and got hurt."

Taylor said one of the things he learned from the report that makes him more comfortable with tearing the Wiss down is that the neighboring building and the Wiss don't share a common wall, so destruction of the Wiss won't harm the other building.

"And the very last paragraph of the report says that some major structural problems may have eluded detection because of limited access to some areas of the building," Taylor said.

Tucci said the report, in his mind, cements the idea that the Wiss needs to be demolished.

"It needs to come down and it needs to come down now," he said. "The report talks about the danger it poses to life and proprty and the surrounding area. If we continue to let it sit there and collect snow that melts and freezes and does it all over again, it's putting the assets of the village at risk."

Fussell, an attorney with experience in liability law, was taken aback by the sudden concern over liability for the village by Bonaquisti, Taylor and Tucci.

If there was such a concern for the danger of the building, Fussell asked, how come the insurance company for the village hasn't been demanding a cover on the roof or a scaffolding around the building or otherwise pushed the village to ensure the safety of the building?

"We've put in a lot of money and a lot of effort to do something for this community and all of the sudden these bogeymen concerns about liability," Fussell said. "You know I know a lot about liability.

"I'm a trial lawyer. I've been doing it for 40 years. I know a great deal about it. I know that this baloney that you've got about liability is nothing more than that. I'll be very blunt in telling you that."

Former Mayor Jim DeLooze -- who owns a building on Main Street that he said he's invested $250,000 in -- said he's very concerned about the fire danger presented by the Wiss. The first fire wall on Main Street isn't until 60 Main St. The fire department said six years ago, it won't fight an interior fire in the Wiss, but will only fight it from the outside, according to DeLooze.

"The number one responsibility of you five people is the safety of the people of this community," DeLooze said at the start of his statement, and concluding, "I have a very big concern that if that thing ever did catch fire, my building is possibily going to be in danger also. So I'm asking you as a former mayor, please do the right thing and have the thing taken down as quickly as possible."

DeLooze also questioned the historical value of the Wiss, and fellow Main Street property owner Jack Hempfling questioned its esthetic value.

"Most of the younger generation I talk to would feel like Walgreens and the Bank of Castile are the best looking things on Main Street," Hempfling said. "They're certainly not historical, but they (replaced the) eyesores that were taken down. Regardless of what anybody is talking about doing with the Wiss, it's still going to be one of the remaining eyesores in Le Roy.

"They say they're caring for the community. Some of us would think caring for the community isn't keeping it looking like it was in the 1930s. Some of us would say caring for the community is bringing it down and widening the intersection."

Lisa Compton said that since talk of saving the Wiss made the news, it's drawn interest from members of the Genesee County Landmark Society and the NYS Landmark Society, that even a trustee in Bethany has expressed an interest in investing in the project.

While the Wiss itself isn't historical, the structure could play an important role -- and losing it could diminish the chances -- of declaring the village a historic district.

"It's a significant part of the district," Compton said.

Mayor Rogers said he was only looking at the Wiss as a business proposition, which is why he put considerable time into drafting a counterproposal for the LLC to purchase the building.

"While their vision for the Wiss Hotel is nowhere shape or form what mine is, but from what I'll call a business standpoint, we always hear from people who tell you what they can't do, but very seldom do you hear from people who tell you what they can do," Rogers said. "We have people here who are the latter, who are willing to take a chance, who have invested their own money already and, quite frankly, if successful, would save the village $200,000.

"I don't believe they are looking to renovate the building to have the building be the eyesore it is now," Rogers added. "If somebody were to look into the future and think that's their vision, just to have the doors open over there, I would like to think in no way shape or form that's the ideal they have coming."

Rogers' counteroffer included a specific timetable for the LLC to meet, such as being legally formed, securing financing, taking possession of the building, shoring up safety issues and beginning renovations, as well as paying the village $10,000 once a certificate of occupancy was issued.

One of Tucci's objections to the project was that he didn't think the LLC could successfully rent the apartments. Fussell said there would be more market research done before the final floor plan was completed and if the market couldn't sustain five more expensive apartments, then seven could be put into the space at a lower monthly rent. Rogers pointed out that what the LLC did with the building once it owned it wasn't really a matter of village business.

When he called for a motion to approve the counteroffer, Jennifer Keys made the motion, but there was no second, so it died for lack of support.

Talk of possible ground contaminates that could drive up the demolition costs, perhaps to $500,000, almost had Bonaquisti convinced to back the sale to the LLC, but others pointed out that there is no evidence of ground contaminates under the Wiss.

With the counteroffer killed, Tucci made a motion to have the building demolished. This was amended to see requests for proposal to find out exactly how much it would cost the village to tear down the Wiss.

This motion passed 3-2, backed by Tucci, Taylor and Bonaquisti.

Photo: Bob Fussell.

Tree and wires down on Platt Avenue in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A tree and wires are reportedly down in the roadway at 8 Platt Ave. in Le Roy. The fire department is responding. The location is between George and Elm streets. The Department of Public Works is on scene.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: The wire is determined to be a cable line.

Le Roy wrestler secures a win for RIT wrestling team

By Billie Owens

Jake Harvey, of Le Roy, picked up a win for the RIT wrestling team on Saturday in the New York/Pennsylvania duel matches hosted by RIT.

Harvey secured a win via pinfall over DeMarquis Holley of King's at 141 lbs. in 2:31.

The Tigers return to action on Friday and Saturday, traveling to Lycoming for the Budd Whitehill Dual meets. RIT will play a to be determined opponent on Friday morning.

Possible electrical fire reported in apartment on Lake Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy Fire Department is being dispatched to 78 Lake St. for a possible electrical fire in a second-floor apartment.

A Le Roy police officer is on scene with the building's owner who reports a circuit breaker has been tripped and there is an odor of burning plastic, but no smoke.

Bergen fire is requested to the scene non-emergency.

UPDATE 10:58 p.m.: Bergen can go back in service. Le Roy responding non-emergency.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Negative results from thermal imaging cams. Some Le Roy units going back in service.


View Larger Map

Vehicle fire reported on the 490

By Howard B. Owens

A vehicle fire is reported in the westbound lane of the I-490.

Le Roy Fire and Bergen Fire being dispatched.

UPDATE 10:54 p.m.: Vehicle is blocking. Fully involved engine fire.

UPDATE 11:43 p.m.: Car loaded on tow vehicle, roadway will reopen shortly and all units back in service.

Former Le Roy resident pleads guilty, but doesn't admit threatening deputy with knife

By Howard B. Owens

A former Le Roy resident who was involved in a scuffle with police June 17 when a deputy tried to arrest her son entered a guilty plea today to one charge against her but would not admit to using a knife against the deputy.

Elaina J. Mead, 43, formerly of 21 Maple Ave., Le Roy, now a resident of Varysburg, entered a guilty plea to attempted menacing a police officer under what's known as an "Alford Plea." It means Mead believes a jury would convict her at trial, but she's not admitting to the actual events alleged against her.

Mead did admit that she tried to interfere with Deputy Matthew Butler's attempt to arrest her son, 25-year-old Michael Mead Sr., on a warrant (see correction below), but when Judge Robert C. Noonan asked her if it was true that she placed a knife to Butler's chest and placed Butler in fear of his life or serious injury, she said she did not.

The plea satisfies all counts against Mead, which included assault, 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd. The maximum sentence under the terms of the agreement are up to 15 days in jail and four months intermittent jail time and a $5,000 fine.

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell said that if the case went to trial, Officer Emily Clark, Le Roy PD, would testify that Michael Mead was resisting arrest and she and Butler were wrestling with him when people from inside 21 Maple Ave. started throwing small household objects at the officers.

Clark would say, Finnell said, that she saw Elaina Mead exit the house with a knife in her hand and approach Butler and place the knife against Butler's chest.  According to Clark's version of events, Clark yelled, "knife, knife," and then let go of Michael Mead's legs and knocked the knife from Elaina Mead's hand, sustaining a small cut in the process.

Last month Sheriff Gary Maha presented Clark with a Certificate of Appreciation and Butler a Commendation for their conduct during the confrontation.

UPDATE and CORRECTION: We should have included that Mead could also get five years probation. Also, the information that Butler was at the residence to execute a warrant is a mistake from the initial report that I forgot (while writing this) was later corrected. Butler and Clark went to the residence to question Michael Mead on an alleged violation of a court order investigation. When Butler attempted to arrest Mead, that's when he allegedly resisted arrest.

Law and Order: Inmate accused of burglary in Le Roy in August

By Howard B. Owens

Jamie S. Schlonski, 40, an inmate in the correctional facility in Collins, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny. Schlonski was charged following an investigation by Le Roy PD into burglaries in August in the village. The victim reported numerous checks stolen and cashed in the village. Schlonski was living in Le Roy at the time and was later identified as a suspect.

Rebeca Lynn Rose, 26, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Rose is accused of shoplifting clothing from Target on Thursday. Also charged with petit larceny was Megan Lynn Furr, 26, of North Street, Le Roy.

Alicia M. Stankwick, 21, of 2955 Angling Road, Corfu, is charged with harassment, 2nd.  Stankwick is accused of sending unwanted text messages to a male whom she was advised by a Batavia PD officer the day before not to contact.

Ryan C. Cook, 34, of 7 Mill St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cook is accused of having unwanted physical contact with a woman.

Kristen L. Brightenfield, 19, of Stafford, is charged with criminal mischief 4th/prevention of emergency call. Brightenfield was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 2:17 p.m. on Wednesday. No further details were released.

Car on its roof, driver trapped inside on West Main Street Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover with entrapment is reported at 6833 W. Main St. Road in Le Roy. There is also a telephone pole down. The driver is alert and talking but is upside down and held in place by her seat belt. The car is on its roof. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding. The location is west of the two car dealerships on that stretch of roadway.

UPDATE 6:50 a.m.: Fire police are shutting down the road in the vicinity of the accident scene.

UPDATE 6:55 a.m.: Route 5 at Bater Road is shut down. The address of the accident is determined to be 6919 W. Main St. Road.

UPDATE 7:04 a.m.: Fire police are told to open up the road.

UPDATE 7:05 : The Le Roy assignment is back in service. A tow truck is expected there in about 10 minutes. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 7:16 a.m.: The driver is being transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 7:27 a.m.: The patient is a 36-year-old woman complaining of neck pain.

Authentically Local