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Monroe County Water Authority issues Boil Water Notice for towns of Pembroke, Darien and Village of Corfu until further notice

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Monroe County Water Authority:

Boil Water Notice for Western Genesee County -- Boil Your Water Before Using

The Boil Water Notice only applies to the towns of Pembroke, Darien and the Village of Corfu.

Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) purchases its supply of water for Western Genesee County from Erie County Water Authority. A loss of pressure in northern parts of the Erie County system may affect the supply to our customers in Western Genesee County.

While the loss of pressure was never experienced in the MCWA system, we are exercising an abundance of caution and request you do not drink the water without boiling it first until we post on our website (www.mcwa.com) that we are confident there is no risk.

What should I do?

  • DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice on the MCWA website (www.mcwa.com)

What happened? What is being done?

  • The main break in Erie County has been isolated and pressure has been restored to normal. We are currently testing water quality throughout the area. This will take several days and test results will be reviewed by the Department of Health. It is likely that you will need to boil water for two or three days until we can confirm the water quality. You will be informed on our website when you no longer need to boil water.
  • We anticipate confirmation from our laboratory that there is not a problem within 48 hours.

For more information, please contact MCWA Customer Service at (585) 442-7200.

Photo: Memorial marker and divers at Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

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A reader submitted this photo of four young men taking a break while diving at Indian Falls, as one looks at the memorial marker for Bradley Augustin, the 22-year-old Buffalo resident who drowned at the same location last week.

Man drowns at Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

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UPDATED 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 14.

An adult male visiting Genesee County from Buffalo died this evening in a drowning accident at Indian Falls.

The victim has been identified as Bradley Augustin, 22.

State Police are handling the investigation and no foul play is suspected.

Witnesses and first-responding firefighters said there were about 30 people at the falls tonight swimming and jumping into the water, even though Genesee County's moderate drought conditions have left the Tonawanda Creek with low water levels.

Triniti Morris, from Hamburg, was among the swimmers. She said people were having a good time and then somebody mentioned somebody was missing, and other people were saying, "no, no, nobody's missing."

One of her friends then spoke to a young man who seemed to be having trouble swimming and he said he was OK.

About five minutes later, somebody noticed he was missing.

Another male dove into the water and located him and several people helped pull him onto the rocks, at which point another young woman began giving him CPR.

Morris said the woman performing CPR got the victim to throw up and she thought the victim had started breathing when paramedics, she said, instructed the woman providing CPR to turn the victim on his left side. At this point, Morris said, two State Troopers arrived and ordered everybody to leave the scene, including the woman performing CPR.

Morris was concerned that nobody continued CPR, but Pembroke Fire Chief Jamie Waff said typically, when certified CPR personnel arrive on scene, they take over from witnesses who first started CPR.

"It’s great to see bystanders starting CPR, but it’s very confusing when they're wrapped up in the situation and we don’t know if they’re actually certified," Waff said. "When we get on location, we’re actually certified in CPR with the defibrillator. If anyone told her to leave, that is probably the reason because there were certified personnel on location to take over at that point."

Adding to the difficulty of the situation at Indian Falls, Waff said, is the congregation of drunken patrons at the bar, who sometimes cause issues when firefighters are attempting to perform a rescue.  

"There’s always an issue when we come here because you’re usually dealing with intoxicated people who think you aren’t doing it fast enough," Waff said. "Our number one concern is firefighter safety. We have to make sure all of our guys are safe as they go down. It’s a law enforcement issue because you are dealing with a bar-type situation."

It was a tense situation at the scene and one neighbor of Indian Falls was upset enough to provide reporters with a profanity-laced commentary on what he perceives as inattention by the owner of the Log Cabin Restaurant, the Town of Pembroke and local law enforcement to the dangerous situation at Indian Falls.

Barry Guthrie doesn't think anybody is doing enough to keep swimmers and divers off the falls.

"We've been fighting this for 10 years," said Guthrie, who moved in 2002 into a house near the falls once owned by his grandparents. 

He said he's been to the town, but the town, he said, can't determine who holds title to what, and he said that even though the Log Cabin has posted signs all along its property that say "No Trespassing," he doesn't think the owner takes the situation seriously because he believes the falls are public property (Genesee County owns the Tonawanda Creek from the City of Batavia to the Tonawanda Indian Reservation).

Responding to the scene were Town of Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire, Genesee County Emergency Services, the Rope Rescue Team, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight, the Sheriff's Office and State Police.

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Two possible drowning victims reported in the water at Indian Falls

By Billie Owens

Possible drownings are reported in the falls by the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are called to respond along with Mercy medics. The caller reports two possible victims are in the water at the falls and not coming up. The Alabama Volunteer Fire Department Chief is asked to contact the GC Emergency Dispatch Center.

UPDATE 7:13 p.m.: The command post is set up in the Log Cabin restaurant parking lot.

UPDATE 7:15 p.m.: The restaurant is located at 1227 Gilmore Road in Corfu. A trooper says one male subject who was found is not breathing. A Mercy Flight landing zone is being set up. "Looks like they're doing CPR." Onlookers at the scene are said to be a problem for first responders.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight has a five-minute ETA. A responder with a backboard "for CPR purposes" is requested at the edge of the falls.

UPDATE 7:26 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia has a three-minute ETA.

UPDATE 7:40 p.m.: Medics on scene, including Mercy medics and Mercy Flight personnel "are aware that it's a recovery mode at this point."

UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: Mercy Medic #3 is called to the scene for "firefighters with some abrasions."

UPDATE 7:45 p.m.: The chief in command at the scene reports there is one fatality and that it will take about 30 minutes to bring the male victim up and out of the area. It's unknown how long the victim may have been under water. There are no other victims. About 30 people were in the water at the time of the incident, according to the scene commander and other witnesses.

Basketball player with head injury at Pembroke HS requiring Mercy Flight to hospital

By Billie Owens

A youth basketball player with a head injury is reported in the gymnasium at Pembroke High School. He was unconscious, but is now alert. He is collared and boarded. Mercy Flight is on ground standby for now. Mercy medics are on scene. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are called and will be establishing a landing zone.

UPDATE 6:46 p.m.: Mercy Flight is headed to the scene with a 5-minute ETA.

UPDATE 6:51 p.m.: The head-injury victim is a 13-year-old male. Another victim, a person with a knee injury who collided with the other patient, may need ambulance transport. Mercy Flight is to land on the grass at the northwest corner of school property.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m.: The knee-injury patient will have his leg splinted and be transported to a hospital via private vehicle.

Law and Order: Trio arrested after Summit Street scuffle, man allegedly flashes knife during kerfuffle on Thorpe

By Billie Owens

Roger J. Grazioplene, 41, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on July 5 following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 4:29 p.m. on June 24 on Summit Street wherein he allegedly flicked a cigarette at another person and the cigarette struck the person in the neck during an argument. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Martha I. Grazioplene, 40, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on July 5 following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 4:29 p.m. on June 24 on Summit Street wherein Grazioplene allegedly subjected another person to unwanted physical contact by grabbing and pulling on the person's arm during an argument. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Samuel R. Giglia, 25, of Ledge Lane, Williamsville, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on July 5 following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 4:29 p.m. on June 24 on Summit Street wherein Giglia allegedly pushed a female during an argument with the female and her husband. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Steven James Scott, 25, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree menacing. He was arrested on Watson Street following an investigation into a reported disturbance on Thorpe Street at 11:38 p.m. on July 8. It is alleged that Scott displayed a knife during the incident. He was jailed in lieu of an unspecified amount of bail and is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Jose Gomez-Chavez, 43, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with: second-degree burglary -- illegal entry into dwelling; first-degree criminal contempt -- violation of order of protection; and fourth-degree criminal mischief -- intent to damage property. At 12:10 a.m. on July 10, Gomez-Chavez allegedly broke into the residence of a person for whom there was an order of protection. During the course of breaking into the residence, a window was allegedly damaged. Gomez-Chavez was put in jail and bail was set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond. He is due in Town of Elba Court on July 13. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings. UPDATE (by Howard Owens): We have a little more information on this case. Deputy Chris Erion was just clearing a concert detail at Darien Lake at 1 a.m. when this call came in. He responded with his K-9 "Destro." Destro picked up the track and began to follow it for about a half-mile into several fields, a large storage building, across a road and into a thick, brushy hedgerow and a bed of poison ivy.  Destro located the subject. In the midst of the search, Erion lost his cell phone. Destro located that, too, the next day, in the middle of a field.

Alex P. Wells, 27, of Pembroke, was arrested on July 8 on Route on 33 in the Town of Pembroke after being stopped for speeding -- going 70 in a 55-mph zone. SP Batavia Trooper Eric Daigler stopped Wells at about 11:45 p.m. and the vehicle Wells was driving struck a mailbox as it was pulling over. Wells was allegedly found to be intoxicated, with a BAC of .23 percent. He was issued tickets for aggravated DWI and speeding and is to appear in Town of Pembroke Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Dylan Nathan Willett, 22, of Murphy Road, Gainesville, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. Willett was arrested following a traffic stop on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien at 11:49 p.m. on July 8. He was allegedly found to have a BAC more than two tines the legal limit and was arrested. He is due in Town of Darien Court on July 19. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Lindsay Patricia Kenyon, 21, of Christ Road, Warsaw, is charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. She was arrested at 11:51 a.m. on July 8 following an incident on Sumner Road in Darien wherein she allegedly became verbally and physically offensive toward a deputy while a friend was being investigated for a possible DWI violation. Kenyon allegedly refused to cooperate and physically obstructed the deputy during her friend's subsequent arrest, thus she was also arrested. Kenyon allegedly continued to be verbally abusive and physically resisted arrest and had to be subdued to avoid injuries. She is due in Darien Town Court on July 19. The case was handled by Deputy Patrick Reeves, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Martha L. Munson, 63, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with moving from lane unsafely and driving while intoxicated. Munson was westbound on West Main Street in Batavia at 4:11 p.m. on July 2 when she was allegedly observed swerving into the passing lane twice, both times without a signal or other indication she was about to make a lane change. She subsequently submitted to a blood draw to determine her BAC and those results are pending. Additional charges may be forthcoming. She was released on an appearance ticket and in due in City Court on July 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Martin Fitzgerald Jones Sr., 45, of Mill Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 8:57 p.m. on July 9 after allegedly stealing a bicycle out of a yard on Pringle Avenue in the city. He was jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond. He is due in City Court today to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins. Following his arrest on the petit larceny charge, Jones was charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree. Jones allegedly introduced contraband into the Genesee County Jail at 10:35 p.m. on July 9. He is due in City Court on July 27 to answer that charge. The contraband case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Lenard Tyshon Jones, 23, of Lux Street, Rochester, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; unlicensed operator; speeding over 55 mph; and driver's view obstructed. Jones was stopped at 6:54 p.m. on July 2 on Route 77 in Pembroke for allegedly speeding. An investigation revealed that the defendant was allegedly unlicensed to drive, was driving on a suspended license and in possession of marijuana. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Sergio A. Forte Jr., 44, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, was arrested on July 3 by the LeRoy Police Department and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree, a Class E felony. Forte allegedly operated a motor vehicle not belonging to him, knowing that he did not have consent from the owner to operate such vehicle. Forte was charged accordingly due to a prior conviction of unauthorized use of a vehicle within the preceding 10 years. Forte was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 bond. Forte is to return to the Town of Le Roy Court on Sept. 6.

Maranda L. Isabell, 19, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with speeding and unlawful possession of marijuana. Isabell was arrested at 4:02 p.m. on July 6 following a traffic stop on South Main Street in the city for speeding. At that time, she was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in City Court July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp.

Thomas D. Demmer, 19, of Walden Estates, Batavia, is charged with trespass. He was arrested at 10:25 p.m. on July 8 on South Lyon Street in Batavia after he was allegedly observed inside another person's vehicle. He led police on a brief foot chase before being taken into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Heather Elaine Schramm, 36, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 6:02 p.m. on July 2, Batavia PD responded to an address on Ellsworth Avenue for the report of a custody issue. After an investigation, Schramm was arrested after she allegedly refused to obey a lawful court mandate. She is due in City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Andrew James Aaron Morris, 19, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested on July 8 following the investigation of a larceny at Walmart at 6:51 p.m. on June 27. Morris allegedly stole alcoholic beverages from the store. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on July 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Christopher James Parker, 27, of Morse Place, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Parker was arrested at 2:21 a.m. on July 9 on Clinton Street Road in Byron after vehicle and traffic violations were allegedly observed and the vehicle was searched. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Byron Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jessi M. Heale, 23, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, was arrested on July 3 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. Heale was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by the Le Roy Police Department and was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. Heale was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Le Roy Town Court on July 25 to answer to the charge.

A 16-year-old who lives on Hall Street in Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The teen matched the description of a subject who was entering vehicles around DeWitt Recreation Area. The teen was stopped on Harvester Avenue and allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. The defendant is due in Batavia City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Law and Order: Clifton Avenue woman arrested for allegedly having crack pipe in purse while at jail

By Billie Owens

Alissa Ashley Fodge, 26, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree introduction of dangerous contraband into prison, a Class D felony. At 3:20 p.m. on June 22, Fodge was arrested for allegedly promoting prison contraband. Correction Officer Jenna Barber allegedly found a crack pipe in Fodge's purse while Fodge was being processed into the jail. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and jailed on $2,500 bail. Fodge is due in Batavia City Court on June 29. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Laverne Denicco Brown, 43, of Albert Drive, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, unlicensed operator, driver's view obstructed and obstructed plate. At 11:08 a.m. on June 21, Brown was stopped on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke for vehicle and traffic violations. Her driver's license was found to be revoked and she had 22 scoffs/suspensions and 19 suspensions on 10 dates. She was arrested and released and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Jason Fredrick Cecchini, 41, of Fruit Avenue, Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driver's view obstructed, and obstructed/covered plate. He was stopped at 1:17 p.m. on June 21 on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke for vehicle and traffic violations. Cecchini was subsequently allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. The defendant was issued a traffic summons and an appearance ticket for July 14 in Town of Pembroke Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Shelly Marie Dutton, 44, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 5:51 p.m. on June 22 following a shoplifting complaint alleging that she stole a tool from a department store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. She was released with an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court on July 11. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Zachary David Lloyd Duigan, 21, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 5:51 p.m. on June 22 following a shoplifting complaint alleging that he stole a tool from a department store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. He was released with an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court on July 11. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

David Stringham is guest conductor of season opening concert of Corfu-Pembroke Community Band

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:
 
Corfu-Pembroke Community Band welcomes David Stringham back to the podium as guest conductor for its 30th season concert at Darien Lakes State Park, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28th. It's free!
 
Skip Taylor, retired Pembroke Music teacher, started this group in 1985 as a Moms and Pops Band and it has grown to approximately 40 members. Phil Briatico will also be guest conducting.
 
Come hear the wonderful sounds of this group!
 
The concert will take place at Shelter #2. There are picnic tables, but people are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on. 

Law and Order: Corfu man jailed on $10,000 bail each for two separate domestic incidents

By Billie Owens

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with reckless endangerment and criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Pierce was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident at 3 a.m. on June 14 on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail and is due in Pembroke Town Court on June 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident that happened on Route 20 in the Village of Alexander at 1:05 p.m. on June 11. He was arraigned in Alexander Town Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail and is due in Alexander Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Rodney John Prichard, 28, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle while registration suspended, and having an open container of alcohol. At 3:08 p.m. on June 19, Prichard was stopped on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien for allegedly driving with a suspended registration. He was also allegedly found to possess an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Darien Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Brittney Lynn Caldwell, 26, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. At 3:28 p.m. on June 19, following a traffic stop on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien, Caldwell was allegedly found to possess marijuana and have an open container of alcohol inside a vehicle. She was released on appearance tickets for Town of Darien Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Rondell Jermaine Watson Sr., 34, of Raeburn Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy and disorderly conduct. On June 18, Watson was turned over to Genesee County Sheriff's deputies by the Rochester PD on a bench warrant out of the Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail and is due in Town of Batavia Court on June 27. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

A 16-year-old who lives on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2:45 p.m. on June 15, the youth was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana on the school grounds of Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. high school. The youth was issued an appearance ticket for Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Butler.

Accident reported on the Thruway at Pembroke exit

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo.)

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at or near Exit 48 in Pembroke. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments, along with Mercy medics, are responding.

UPDATE 8:31 p.m.: The male driver was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by ground ambulance, but didn't seem to have life-threatening injuries because he was out and walking around at the scene before being transported, according to an eyewitness.

Law and Order: Man jailed on $5,000 bail after making illegal turn -- his ID-only card had 36 active suspensions

By Billie Owens

Leroy Hannah Jr., 43, of Bradfield Street, Rochester, is charged with improper left turn, unlicensed operator and aggravated unlicensed operator for allegedly having 36 active suspensions on an ID card (not a driver's license). The subject was stopped at 1 p.m. on June 11 on Alleghany Road in Darien for making an illegal left turn. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail and is due in Darien Town Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Eli Matthew Aaron Smoke, 27, of Meadville Road, Alabama, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested at 6:13 p.m. on June 11 on Meadville Road following a domestic incident wherein he allegedly struck a child several times leaving bruising and welts on the child's body. He was arraigned, then released and a stay away order of protection put in place. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Amy R. Doxtater was arrested on June 11 following a traffic stop on Route 20 in Darien. She is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or higher; aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd; moving from lane unsafely; driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone; and refusal of breath-screening test. She was issued tickets and is to appear in Darien Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sgt. Jason Saile, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson and Deputy Robert Henning.

Megan Ann Burns, 23, of 5668 Leete Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. During a traffic stop on Feeder Road in Alabama at 1:40 p.m. on June 8, Burns was allegedly found to possess several hypodermic needles loaded with suspected narcotics. She was issued appearance tickets and released. She is to be in Town of Alabama Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Jeremy Charles Kaufman, 24, of 2868 Maple Road, Wilson, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. During a traffic stop on Feeder Road in Alabama at 1:40 p.m. on June 8, Kaufman was allegedly found to possess several hypodermic needles loaded with suspected narcotics. He was issued appearance tickets and released. He is to be in Town of Alabama Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Tyler Michael Confer, 23, of Walk Road, North Tonawanda, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, first offense, and driving while intoxicated, first offense. The defendant was arrested at 4:57 a.m. on June 12 after he was allegedly found doing donuts on Lewiston Road. He was released on appearance tickets for Pembroke Town Court on July 17. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young.

Alizet Krysthalia Espinosa, 18, of Glendale Park, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. She was arrested at midnight on June 12 following the investigation into a property damage complaint at Darien Lake Theme Park. She was arrested for allegedly damaging an entry door and a touch screen monitor. She was jailed in lieu of $250 bail and is due in Darien Town Court on July 21. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Law and Order: Caledonia man charged with felony for allegedly possessing drugs with intent to sell

By Billie Owens

Chase J. Francis-Whipset, 27, of Caledonia, was arrested on June 4 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with: one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree with the intent to sell, a Class D felony; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony; unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation; speed in zone, a violation; unlicensed operator, a violation; and driver's view obstructed, a violation. Francis-Whipset was stopped by the Le Roy Police after allegedly operating a motor vehicle on East Main Street speeding. After a brief investigation, it was found that Francis-Whipset had a suspended driver’s license. Further investigation revealed that Francis-Whipset allegedly possessed a quantity of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Francis-Whipset was arraigned in the Town of Le Roy Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $3,000 cash bail or $6,000.00 bond. Francis-Whipset is to appear in court on June 8.

Blake Riley Pahuta, 18, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny, sixth-degree conspiracy, third-degree tampering, and unlawful possession of marijuana. A 17-year-old-female from Pembroke is charged in the same incident for petit larceny, sixth-degree conspiracy and third-degree tampering. The charges for both individuals stem from a shoplifting complainant from Kmart. Pahuta was operating the suspect vehicle from a larceny; the female was a passenger in that vehicle. Pahuta was observed northbound on Route 77 at 3:50 p.m. on June 6. As a State Police patrol attempted to stop the vehicle, a large black bag was thrown from the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was later stopped on Cohocton Road in the Town of Pembroke and at the end of the investigation, Pahuta and the female were arrested on the charges. They were taken to jail for processing, then released on appearance tickets for Town of Batavia Court and Pembroke Court at a later date(s). The cases were handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

Photos: DWI accident drill staged for Pembroke seniors

By Howard B. Owens

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The Pembroke, Indian Falls, Corfu and East Pembroke volunteer fire departments came together yesterday to stage a DWI accident drill for the seniors of Pembroke High School in advance of their annual prom.

The drill simulates a fatal accident caused by a drunken driver.

Also participating were the Sheriff's Office, Coroner Karen Long, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight and C.B. Beach Funeral Home.

To find out more about volunteering with your local fire department, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

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To purchase prints, click here.

Minor head injury reported in rollover accident on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A vehicle has rolled over and travelled into the trees off the westbound lanes of the Thruway in the area of mile marker 404.7.

A minor head injury is reported.

Pembroke and Indian Falls responding along with Mercy EMS.

Photo: Traffic tie-up on Route 77 by Flying J

By Howard B. Owens

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A disabled tractor-trailer has partially blocked Route 77 by the Flying J.

Emergency responders are on scene.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Roadway is clear.  

Submitted photo.

Law and Order: Dellinger Avenue man accused of burglarizing business and damaging picnic tables, pavilions

By Billie Owens

Christopher Tyler Sprague (pictured left), 22, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, and petit larceny. On May 25, Sprague was transferred from Genesee County Jail to Batavia City Court where he was arraigned on these charges following an investigation into a burglary which occurred at a business at 3 Treadeasy Ave. in the city between May 7 and May 9. Sprague allegedly broke into the building and stole money while inside. He also allegedly damaged several picnic tables and pavilions behind the building. Following his arraignment before City Court Judge Durin Rogers, he was released, but due to a pending parole violation for which he was being held, he was transported back to jail. He is to be in City Court to answer the charges at 1 p.m. on June 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Richard Schauf, assisted by Det. Eric Hill.

Chase Michael Putnam, 20, of Circle Drive, Williamson, is charged with driminal possession of a weapon, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 11:57 a.m. on May 26, Putnam was stopped on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke The defendant was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of suspected cocaine and marijuana, as well as a doubled-edge knife. Putnam was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for June 21 in Town of Pembroke Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves.

David Alan Ornt, 24, of Hall Road, Holley, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, speed in excess of 55 mph, and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was arrested on the charges following a traffic stop at 6:52 p.m. on May 22 on South Holley Road in the Town of Byron. He was issued appearance tickets for June 20 in Town of Byron Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Chet William Kenyon, 32, of Sandybrook Drive, Hamlin, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fifth degree and open container of alcohol in a a motor vehicle. He was arrested at 6:23 p.m. on May 22 on South Holley Road in Byron following a traffic stop. He was issued appearance tickets for June 20 in Town of Byron Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

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