Skip to main content

Police Beat: Batavia man accused of grand larceny at business in Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

Michael L. Jackson, Jr. 28, of 1 Seneca Ave., Batavia (pictured), is being held in Genesee County Jail on $25,000 on felony grand larceny and burglary charges. Jackson is accused of breaking into the Holland High Lift building in Bethany on April 11 and damaging parts worth $1,500 and stealing items worth at least $8,000 and a pick up truck valued at $19,000. The charges filed against him are criminal mischief in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree, burglary in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Jeffrey Vanslyke, 27, of 20 Mechanic St., Elba, is charged with a felony DWI count and driving with a BAC of .08 or more as well as unlawful possession of marijuana. Vanslyke reported failed to dim his headlines on Chapel Street in the Village of Elba. When a patrol attempted to stop Vanslyke's car, Vansylke reportedly kept driving on Route 98, leading patrol units on a low speed chase that ended on Graham Road in Elba. He was also charged with failure to yield to emergency vehicles.

Stephen Mullen, 19, of 71 S. Main St., Oakfield, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. The details of the incident leading to his arrest were not released by the Sheriff's Office.

Don Herdlein

Again with the facts as the Batavian makes things sound extremely bad. Steve and some friends were playing roller hockey in a parking lot after hours and a sheriff came and ask them to break it up. Steve took off the roller blade home and I guess the sheriff was angry that he didn't come up to the car so the sheriff followed him and arrested and hand cuffed. Nice-

Jun 10, 2009, 1:48pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

The Batavian makes things sound bad? On police items, we only report what we're told by the Sheriff's office or PD or State Police. There's no elaboration or speculation or opinion. Obviously, we don't know the side of the suspect's story, since we've received nothing from the suspect, but don't blame The Batavian for just reporting the facts of the case. That's called shooting the messenger, and it has a long, dishonorable tradition in Western culture.

Jun 10, 2009, 1:54pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

The best part of the batavian website is unlike the newspaper people can post a rebuttle almost instantly. Since you know the true facts of what happened I suggest you go to the sherrifs office and give your eyewitness statement to what really happened. I am sure when the individual appears in court that the judge will be willing to hear your sworn testimony and said individual will be found innocent. I havent checked the newspaper acounts or reports but i bet it would be about the same as whats posted here as per sherrifs report.

Jun 10, 2009, 2:31pm Permalink
daniel cherry

Don I sure wish more people, would tell the other side of the story.In great detail.Is he in jail?Why were details not released?Who was the arresting officer?
I know it's common practice to "say" you resisted arrest especially if the suspect gets injuries.Those are 2 a misdemeanors right?I can't see how rollerblading can result in 2 A misdemeanors.I'd like to see you do the whole story. They will try and get him on probation.Scare tactics.Well they will say it's your word against theirs a cop.(Me i don't agree with arresting people for trivial things).He needs a lawyer.A real one not a public defender.How many times will he have to appear in court?And sit forever wondering what will happen?

But really i'd like to know how much it all costs the county or city.To arrest people?I was told in jail the last time i was arrested(while a guard kicked my bad foot spread em!!) by Bill Zipfel don't you know you are guilty till proven innocent!I was innocent.Bail 2500$I was made to plead guilty for something i never should have been arrested for.My public defender Barb Nadrowski said they will find you guilty of resisting.What would happen to yer boys?It all cost money$$$.Big bucks.It's a buisness.As they build more and more prizons.

Jun 10, 2009, 3:23pm Permalink
Richard Schildwaster

Don I think Howard is right. He simply reported what Mr. Mullen was charged with. It had no evil spin to it. I would be willing to bet you have some sort of personal connection to Mr. Mullen. Thanks for the beginning of an update. Please let us know how he makes out in court.

Jun 10, 2009, 4:00pm Permalink
George Richardson

Think that is bad? Search YouTube for 72 year old woman tasered in Austin. They have the actual video up now and her only crime was pissing off a bully.

Jun 10, 2009, 4:31pm Permalink
Gary Diegelman

George that bully very well saved that grandmothers life by keeping her out of traffic watch the video again and the car that passes the same time the officer pushed her back. That lady had no business getting out of her car!

Jun 10, 2009, 9:28pm Permalink
George Richardson

Right Gary, good thing he is elected because the old people who elected him can fire his ass soon. He opened her door to arrest her and she said: Oh give me the goddamn thing (or worse) and I'll sign it. That's when he showed his abusive ass. He was elected, he has many fewer rights than she has and rightfully so. Try and defend someone pushing your mother or grandmother around. You will FAIL miserably.

Jun 10, 2009, 10:11pm Permalink

Authentically Local