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Car wreck with injuries on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 402.4. There are two patients. There is a lot of traffic backed up as a result. Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments and two ambulances are requested out of Darien.

UPDATE 11:32 a.m.: The Darien ambulances are having difficulty getting to the scene because there is virtual gridlock throughout Darien due to concert-bound traffic at the theme park. Mercy rigs are busy elsewhere.

UPDATE 11:56 a.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls are back in service. Two patients were taken to ECMC.

Three accidents reported at Brick House Corners

By Howard B. Owens

Three accidents, one with a minor injury, is tying up traffic at Brick House Corners (Route 77 and Route 5, Pembroke).

Indian Falls Fire Department is on scene.

One person is complaining of neck pain.

Mercy EMS is dispatched.

Five cars are involved.

UPDATE 10:34 a.m.: Traffic is backing up onto the Thruway. There is a concert at Darien Lake today -- the Vans Warped Tour, featuring 70 bands.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m.: One patient being transported to UMMC as a precaution. Patient complained of neck pain initially, but was up and walking around upon the arrival on scene of Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 10:48 a.m.: There may have been a vehicle involved that fled the scene. A deputy reports "there is evidence at the scene that the vehicle that was involved was a red Chrysler, unknown if it's a van or SUV." He requests other patrols and the State Police be alerted to the vehicle's description.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of stealing scrap metal from employer

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel Clarence Merrell, 45, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Merrell is accused of stealing scrap metal form his employer in June. Merrell was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Daniel W. Brown, 26, of Oneida, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .13 and speeding. Brown was stopped by State Police on Monday, on Route 77 in Darien as part of an enforcement detail in the area. During the detail, troopers issued 16 tickets to motorists for various alleged violations.

Danielle M. Stevens, 35, of Elba, is charged with possession of a forged instrument. Stevens was arrested by State Police on Friday for an alleged incident reported July 10. No further details were released.

Brittany B. Simmons, 19, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Simmons was cited in Bergen on Friday by State Police.

Batavia Downs announces increase in revenue going to education

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino generated more than $11.5 million for education during the first two fiscal quarters of 2012 (January - June), according to the recently released data by the Division of Lottery. As part of Batavia Downs Casino’s ongoing support of New York’s education, 51 percent of Batavia Downs Casino net win is given to the New York Lottery.

“We’re proud to our contributions to New York State Education, year after year," said Mike Kane, president and CEO of Batavia Downs Casino.  “Compared with the revenue generated last year in the same time period, we’re looking at major growth.”

Batavia Downs’ contributions from January – June in 2011 were 9.86 million dollars, making this year’s contribution a 17-percent increase from last year.  Since opening in 2005, Batavia Downs Casino has generated more than $120 million in education funding for New York.

ATV rider accused of failure to stop for police prior to accident on Creek Road

By Howard B. Owens

An ATV rider faces multiple charges following an accident that occurred after he allegedly failed to stop for law enforcement at 2:18 p.m., Monday, on Creek Road in Batavia.

According to Deputy Chris Parker's report, Adam J. Arsenault, 26, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was southbound on Creek Road on a 1997 Honda ATV when Parker turned on his emergency lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

Arsenault allegedly failed to stop and then attempted to initiate a left-hand turn onto East Road at a speed too fast to safely complete the turn.

The ATV struck a telephone utility box and then a wire fence ejecting Arsenault.

The rider suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC.

Parker issued citations to Arsenault for allegedly failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving an unregistered and uninsured ATV and operating an ATV on a public highway in violation of the law.

Woman admits to welfare fraud, agrees to more than $17K in restitution

By Howard B. Owens

The wife of of a man who previously admitted to welfare fraud totaling more than $17,000 entered a guilty plea Monday to one felony count of attempted grand larceny, 3rd.

Deborah Schramm, 31, faces a possible sentence of six months in jail and five years probation.

She will also be expected to help pay back $17,026.39 in social services benefits illegally obtained.

Michael Schramm, 36, entered a guilty plea July 13 to a single count of offering a false instrument for failing and agreed to pay back the $17,000 to the government.

Both were accused of seeking and accepting public assistance while Michael Schramm was working an undeclared farm job in Niagara County.

Deborah Schramm was originally charged in April with five counts of offering a false instrument for filing and one count of grand larceny, 3rd. The guilty plea Monday satisfies all charges.

Schramm is now disqualified from future food stamp and temporary assistance benefits.

Pending sentencing Oct. 10, Schramm is out of jail under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Only one arrest reported at Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper show at Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper performed Monday night at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

There was only one arrest and one alleged underage drinking citation issued in connection with the show by the legendary rockers.

Jose D. Garcia, 39, of South Roberts Road, Dunkirk, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the parking lot.

Ryan J. Gill, 18, of Wykoff Road, Scipio, received a citation for allegedly consuming alcohol under age 21.

UMMC's emergency room handling bath salt cases on a routine basis

By Howard B. Owens

There's no doubt bath salts have added to the workload at UMMC's ER, according to Chief Medical Officer Michael Merrill.

Merrill said emergency room staff deals with patients coming into the hospital on practically a daily basis who often need to be restrained and sedated.

"We see fairly frequently individuals coming in with intoxication and basically acute psychosis from (bath salts)," Merrill said. "It's quite common."

While Merrill is not working directly in ER, so he can't confirm specifics of patient behavior, they are often described as confused, delusional and agitated.

Those are all common traits with amphetamine-type drugs taken in high doses.

"I don't think people are trying to achieve psychosis," Merrill said. "They are just looking for the high.

"What drug users do is dose themselves for drugs," Merrill added. "They make a calculation on how much they want to take and I don’t think that is an easy calculation to make."

A miscalculation leads to an overdose and the bizarre behavior now associated with bath salts.

In Batavia, recently, we've seen reports of people climbing on roofs, waving knives and calling 9-1-1 to report the sounds of gushots fired.

Talk to just about anyone about bath salts and invariably somebody mentions face eating.

Rumor has it, people high on bath salts have a propensity to try and take a bite of other people's faces.

Merrill said there's no reliable evidence that's a behavior associated with bath salts.

"I don't know if there's anything specific about bath salts that would make anybody want to bite anybody's face," Merrill said. "I know that’s in the news, but I don’t know that’s an intoxicating feature of bath salts. It’s not known to be a typical intoxicating feature of bath salts."

One interesting aspect of reports about bath salts is the patchy nature of the seeming epidemic across the United States. Some communities, such as Batavia, Utica, Fulton and even big cities such as Los Angeles, seem to have significant problems with bath salts. Yet Merrill said he talks to colleagues in places such as San Francisco and Buffalo and is told bath salt problems are rare.

Meanwhile, the Batavia Daily News reported today that 420 Emporium, 400 Ellicott St., Batavia, has been selling a bath salt known as Amped.

The story doesn't even use the word "alleged" to describe the assertion that 420 Emporium has been selling the controlled substance.

A reporter said she observed Amped transactions Saturday night and that an employee handed a package of Amped to Councilwoman Rosemary Christian after she inquired about purchasing the drug (Christian did not complete the purchase). 

An employee reportedly said the shop would continue selling Amped until today.

U.S. Attorney for Western New York William Hochul confirmed today something he told The Batavian last week, that as he understands the new law, as of July 9, when President Barack Obama signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer, it is a federal crime to sell and possess bath salts.

If it's true that 420 Emporium sold bath salts through Sunday, and the law was effectively immediately upon the president's signature, any such alleged sales would be in violation of federal law.

Also, if the store employee said sales would be discontinued, he is implicitly admitting to bath salt sales prior to today. Besides the new law, bath salts were on a Drug Enforcement Administration emergency controlled substance list prior to July 9 and illegal to sell, though the federal government had a much higher bar to cross to prove any crime.

When The Batavian entered 420 Emporium today, as soon as we identified ourselves, a stocky male employee pointed to the door and said, "Have a nice day."

We asked, "Is the information in this article accurate?"

He repeated the gesture and said, "Have a nice day."

When asked if he wanted a chance to correct any issues, he said, "Please leave." 

The employee refused to answer a number of repeated questions, saying each time, "Have a nice day."

The Batavian then attempted to contact the owner of the 420 Emporium chain by calling the Brockport store and the Fulton store. Both employees took messages and the employee in Fulton offered to send a text message to the owner with our interview request. So far, the owner has not called The Batavian.

Hearing on constitutionality of elder abuse law in Simmons case delayed again

By Howard B. Owens

There is another delay for a hearing to determine the constitutionality of the elder abuse law being used to prosecute 26-year-old Jacquetta B. Simmons for allegedly punching 70-year-old Grace Suozzi on Christmas Eve at Walmart.

The Attorney General's Office, which has the option of offering its opinion on the constitutionality motion by Attorney Earl Key, contacted Judge Robert C. Noonan today and asked for more time to further review the case.

Whether the AG's office will offer a defense of the law, either in writing or in a court appearance, has yet to be determined.

The hearing date has been rescheduled before and was on the court calendar for today, but has now been moved to 11:45 a.m., July 30.

Today was also the last day Simmons had to accept a plea offer from the District Attorney's Office or be left with only two options, go to trial or make an unconditional plea.

The offer Simmons turned down today was to plead guilty to the second count of the indictment -- the Class D felony assault charge with the elder abuse provision -- and let Noonan determine her fate.

Under the plea offer, Simmons wouldn't serve more than three-and-a-half years in prison, but Noonan would have had the option for a community-based sentence (meaning a little one-day jail time and probation).

Also, the date of the trial -- originally set to start on Aug. 20 is now in doubt. Even though Key originally agreed to the date, it turns out he also has a trial scheduled in Erie County that week.

Noonan's clerk will contact the Erie County clerk to determine whether the other trial can be moved to another date, or if the Simmons trial needs to be rescheduled.

Le Roy native's 'Documente' exhibit is more than just paintings

By Daniel Crofts

The painting above is titled "The Clash of Cultures," in it artist Tom MacPherson shows us some of the dynamics of his family history.

It's part of a new exhibit at Genesee Community College's Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery called "Documente: The Italian American Family Album," which includes original egg-tempura portraits, old-fashioned furniture, photographs, music and stories. It will be on display through Aug. 27.

"Clash of Cultures" depicts MacPherson's two grandmothers in 1940s Le Roy. Grandma MacPherson (foreground) was a Methodist (the ribbon around her waist reads "Methodist Church of Le Roy") of Scottish ancestry, whereas Grandma O'Geen (Gugino) was Italian and Roman Catholic.

While Grandma MacPherson stands outside, Grandma O'Geen stands secure in the "bastion" of her Catholic household (behind the front door), with Swiss Guards from the Vatican guarding the entrance, St. Peter (the first Pope) standing by her side, and Pope Pius XII (upper left) keeping watch overhead.

Born in Batavia and raised in Le Roy, MacPherson now teaches studio art at SUNY Geneseo. His family history is kind of a microcosm of Le Roy's overall past.

His Scottish forebears came to Le Roy in 1801, before it even became a town.

"They were the ones who set the tone for what the local culture would be all about," MacPherson said. "And then my Sicilian relatives had to blend into that."

From the MacPhersons' immigration from the Scottish Highlands to the O'Geens' (who changed their name from Gugino to more easily fit in with American culture) immigration from Sicily in 1896, "Documente" is a detailed panorama of the artist's roots.

Included are the adventures of intrepid MacPherson aunts, elderly Italian aunts praying their Rosaries, the persecution of Italian immigrants by the Ku Klux Klan in Le Roy, and the experience of fathers and uncles in overseas wars.

Scenes re-creating household decor circa 1940-60 add three-dimensional reality, an intimate visit into the artist's everyday world at that time. 

Here in "The Pioneer," MacPherson depicts his bold, adventurous great-aunt Kitty standing on the rocks of her ancestral Scotland.

"No, I'm Not Colonel Sanders" depicts great-uncle Rossolino Barone. Like all of MacPherson's portraits, this is based on a family photograph -- in this case, of uncle "Ross" at a family wedding in the 1970s.

In the background is the drug store that he owned in the Rochester suburbs, and overhead are angels borrowed from Fillipino Lippi's "Madonna with Child and Saints."

MacPherson incorporates images from Italian Renaissance art into his portraits in order, in his words, to "infuse my relatives with their heritage."

"I wanted my Italian relatives to be able to relate to their heritage," he said. "And I wanted (the Renaissance elements) to say something about their personalities."

In the case of uncle Ross, the angels are showering roses on him for the kindness he showed other people.

Great-aunt Catherine MacPherson is the subject of "The Conversion of Great-Aunt Catherine." Catherine was an Army nurse during World War I, and she converted to Catholicism in France after seeing the bravery of the priests and nuns who took care of the wounded and dying.

She is set against the background of her ancestral home in the Scottish Highlands, and the overhead image represents her conversion (when she "saw the light").

The subject of "The Walking Dead" is MacPherson's father, Neil Lewis MacPherson. According to the written description next to the portrait, Neil came back home a "changed man" as a result of his experiences in World War II. MacPherson chose to illustrate this by appropriating the figure of death (right) from German artist Hans Baldung Grien's "The Three Ages of Death."

Here are a few other "Documente" displays:

A series of photographs in honor of MacPherson's cousin, Frank O'Geen.

"La Vita Mia"

"What Ya Gonna Do?" (a portrait of an aunt surrounded by religious icons)

"The Adventures of Great-Uncle Pete" (To view a video explaining this one, click here.)

Having explored the history of the two sides of his family in this exhibit, MacPherson is now working on a book on the subject. He hopes to have it published within the next few years.

Roz Steiner gallery is located at 1 College Road in Batavia and is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Admission is free. Gallery Director Shirley Tokash Verrico always welcomes group tours (though children's groups may not be appropriate, as some of the images are more suited to adult audiences).

For more information, email Verrico at stverrico@genesee.edu or call 343-0055, ext. 6490.

When it comes to keeping quotes in context, Collins should heed his own advice to Hochul

By Mark Brudz

Publisher's Note: A few weeks ago, Mark Brudz discussed the idea of regularly fact checking the candidates for the NY-27 Congressional District, much like a site like factcheck.org does on a national level. We believe this is the first such post with more to come in this campaign. We hope to encourage both candidates to run more honest and truthful campaigns than is usually seen in this highly partisan era.

If Mr. Collins is going to cry foul for Mrs. Hochul cherry-picking his words and not keeping them in full context, he should also hold himself to the same standard.

A Collins For Congress email sent Saturday afternoon used a statement by President Obama to attack Hochul.

Obama: "If you got a business, you didn't build it. Somebody else made that happen."

The email then went on with the subtitle: "Kathy Hochul's Presidential Candidate Slams Small Businesses."

Yes, the president did in fact say that, however, it was taken out of context in a excerpt from a campaign rally speech in Roanoke, Va., on Friday July 13. The Collins team included in their email a quote from the Washington Times article written by Walter Cooler.

"There are a lot of wealthy, successful Americans who agree with me -- because they want to give something back. They know they didn’t -- look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something -- there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there."

The president's entire statement however, was not exactly a slam toward small business. In full context, the president more specifically expressed his belief in infrastructure and that successful business people rely on that infrastructure to grow their business. Additionally, President Obama stated that successful business people have achieved but also relied upon teachers and mentors to reach their goals.

All in all, there was much fodder for Mr. Collins with the statement in full context because it becomes more of philosophical discussion where Chris Collins actually can make some issue-based arguments.

It is no different than the flap earlier this month between Collins and Kathy Hochul. (See The Batavian; NY-27 race shaping up as a war over words.)  Hochul jumped on a Collins statement that he made in answer to a question during an interview for The Batavian. Clearly Mrs. Hochul took Mr. Collins out of context in order to obtain the upper hand when there was plenty in that interview that she could have taken issue with in full context.

What we need from both Collins and Hochul at this point is more statement of what they intend to do in Congress and less of the carefully choreographed talking points that are typical in today's politicians.

This is President Obama's statement in full context:

There are a lot of wealthy, successful Americans who agree with me -- because they want to give something back. They know they didn’t -- look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something -- there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there. (Applause.)

If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business -- you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.

The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together. There are some things, just like fighting fires; we don’t do on our own. I mean, imagine if everybody had their own fire service. That would be a hard way to organize fighting fires.”

It would be very appropriate for Chris Collins to take the president to task on the entire statement in context, likewise it would also be appropriate for him to question Mrs. Hochul's position on this statement, should she actually have made one. In Chris Collins email, there were several bullet points where he did in fact state his strengths and there was a legitamate question posed as to Mrs. Hochul's private sector business knowledge and experience.

I say let them both go at it from that point and may the best candidate win. But spare us the talking points and the he said/she said game this time around. If you want my vote, spell out your agenda and let me decide.

After the jump, the complete press release from the campaign of Chris Collins (click on the headline to read more):

Press release:

Obama: "If you got a business, you didn't build it. Somebody else made that happen."

Kathy Hochul's Presidential Candidate Slams Small Businesses

(Clarence, NY) - Yesterday, President Obama issued a stunning declaration regarding America’s small businesses owners, saying “If you’ve got a business -- you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.” The remarks came during the President’s appearance at a campaign event in Roanoke, Virginia.

A link to the video can be seen here.

“This is the problem when you elect leaders who haven’t spent a day in the private sector or created a single job. Typical politicians like Barack Obama and Kathy Hochul don’t understand what it takes to create jobs, because they’ve spent their entire careers on the public payroll. They simply can’t comprehend the sacrifice, hard work and determination it takes to make a small business succeed,” said Collins.

“When was the last time Kathy Hochul or Barack Obama skipped a paycheck to make payroll? When was the last time they signed the front of a paycheck, not just the back? When was the last time they went without any pay to ensure that their small business succeeded? The answer is never. And this shows just how out of touch Barack Obama and Kathy Hochul are with our broken economy,” said Collins.

President Obama made his remarks at an event in Virginia Saturday afternoon, saying:

"There are a lot of wealthy, successful Americans who agree with me -- because they want to give something back. They know they didn’t -- look, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something -- there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there. " (Original Story)

As a small business owner, Collins has spent the last 36 years rescuing failed companies and making them successful. He has created over 500 jobs, and has mentored dozens of other successful small businesses as part of the University at Buffalo’s Center For Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.

“Our economy is broken for one simple reason - the people in office like Barack Obama and Kathy Hochul don’t have the first idea on how to fix the economy or create jobs because they only answer they’ve ever known is more government, more spending and higher taxes. The real world knows better and that’s why it’s time for a change in Washington,” said Collins.

Citing weather-related health concerns, Batavia Youth Bureau announces closure for Tuesday

By Howard B. Owens

Announcement from the Batavia Youth Bureau:

Due to extreme weather conditions predicted for Tuesday, the Batavia Summer Recreation Program (Parks Program) will close for the day.  

The weather is predicted to be 95 to 100 degrees and humid, which makes being outdoors unsafe for people of all ages.  

The number one concern of the Batavia Youth Bureau and Summer Recreation staff is the safety of the program participants; therefore, the Youth Bureau reserves the right to close for conditions that pose a threat to the staff and the participants.

Should you have further questions or concerns, please call the Youth Bureau at 345-6420.

Lost and Found: Sheriff's Office may have your lawn chairs

By Howard B. Owens

If you lost four lawn chairs, Deputy Frank Bordonaro would like to hear from you.

The Sheriff's Office has recovered four lawn chairs on Route 5 in Le Roy that may have fallen off a vehicle passing through the area.

The vehicle was likely eastbound heading toward Caledonia.

If you think they're your chairs, contact Bordonaro at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3229

Law and Order: Inmate accused of stealing two candy bars, trying to bring into jail

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Anthony Auricchio, 21, of Route 20, Darien, is charged with petit larceny and promoting prison contraband, 2nd. Auricchio is accused of stealing two candy bars from a Volunteers for Animals donation box at the Genesee County Animal Shelter and then attempting to bring those candy bars into the Genesee County Jail. According to the Sheriff's Office, Auricchio was made a trustee July 6 to replace as trustee an inmate scheduled to be released. On July 6, Auricchio was among three inmates tasked with custodial duties at the animal shelter. When the three inmates were returned to the jail by Deputy Ron Meides, a search allegedly found the candy bars hidden in Auricchio underwear. The candy bars were unapproved merchandise to allegedly bring into the jail.

Bradley J. Broadbent, 32, no permanent address, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Broadbent is accused of entering bathrooms of an office complex at 29 Liberty St., Batavia, and damaging fixtures some time before 3:20 p.m., July 6. Broadbent is currently being held in the Genesee County Jail on several other charges stemming from alleged events that same day.

Kenneth Scott Lathrop, 25, of Ruhlmann Road, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and open container with intent to consume. Lathrop was allegedly found in a Monte Carlo parked at the side of the road on Route 262 just east of Fisher Road, Oakfield. Deputy Tim Wescott had responded to the area at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, after the Sheriff's Office received reports of a Monte Carlo speeding and unsafely passing other vehicles.

Patricia Marie Anderson, 27, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. Anderson is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Katherine L. Urf, 51, and Joseph M. Franchi-Platten, 28, of 218 Elicott St., lower, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Urf and Franchi-Platten are accused of shoplifting food items from Tops.

Joanne Jefferson, 53, of 23 Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, driving left of pavement markings and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Jefferson was arrested after Batavia PD received a report at 10:22 p.m., Saturday, of an erratic driver heading west on Route 5 into the city. Jefferson was stopped by Sgt. Dan Coffey. Jefferson allegedly has a prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years. She was jailed on $500 bail.

ATV accident with injuries on Pearl Street Road

By Billie Owens

A 4-wheeler accident with injuries is reported a 3808 Pearl St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Mercy EMS and East Pembroke Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 7:17 p.m.: East Pembroke's fire equipment is being held in quarters. The ambulance is continuing.

UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: No word on injuries. The assignment is back in service.

Le Roy PD nabs burglary suspect following reports from residents on whereabouts

By Howard B. Owens

Early Saturday morning, some Le Roy residents reported seeing a young man going through vehicles and sneaking through yards.

One resident reportedly spotted the man on the rooftop of a residence on Lake Street.

When Le Roy PD first responded, the subject could not be located.

When another resident called in a report of the subject in a back yard, Le Roy PD converged on the location near Lake and Pleasant streets.

The subject allegedly fled on foot and was apprehended after a short chase.

Taken into custody was Tyler F. Longhini, 20, of no permanent address.

At the time of his arrest, Longhini possessed allegedly stolen property, including two GPS units, a Sprint LG phone and prescription medications.

Among the complaints received by police that are being investigated for possible involvement by Longhini is an early morning invasion burglary into an apartment occupied by a resident.

As the morning rolled on, Le Roy PD continued receiving complaints of thefts from numerous unlocked vehicles and an attempted burglary of a locked shed.

Longhini is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, obstructing governmental administration and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Additional charges may be added if warranted following further investigation.

The Le Roy PD is asking that anyone who may have had a vehicle, shed or residence entered Friday night or Saturday morning, or who are missing property, to call the PD office at 345-6350.

In addition to ensuring any suspected crimes are reported, investigators are hoping to identify the owners of recovered property that may have been stolen.

(Initiial Report)

Suspect accused of falsely reporting theft of jewelry, marijuana

By Howard B. Owens

A 20-year-old Le Roy resident who allegedly reported a residential burglary and claimed jewelry and marijuana were stolen has been accused of stealing the jewelry himself and falsely reporting an incident.

John H. O'Shea was already in the Genesee County Jail on unrelated charges when he was arrested by Le Roy PD earlier this week.

O'Shea is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and falsely reporting an incident, 3rd.

According Le Roy PD, O'Shea contacted police April 19 and claimed a safe full of jewelry belonging to a relative along with his personal stash of marijuana were stolen from his home in the morning hours while he was fishing.

A subsequent investigation revealed the report was allegedly false and that O'Shea either allegedly stole or took part in the theft of the jewelry.

O'Shea remains in jail on an unknown amount of bail.

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