byron

Press release:

Sixth-grader Elli Schelemanow bested 22 other participants in the annual Robert Fowler/Byron-Bergen Grades 6-8 and Buffalo Evening News Spelling Bee held last month. Schelemanow now represents Byron-Bergen in the run for regional representation at The Scripps National Spelling Bee. Up next for her is a written test in early February to determine her eligibility for the regional spelling bee. That competition, The Western New York Oral Final, will be held on Sunday, March 13, at 1:30 p.m. at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.

Runners-up this year are Byron-Bergen seventh-grader Joshua Swapceinski and eighth-grader Garrett Swinter. The competition put all the students through their paces, with eight challenging rounds and scores of demanding words before a champion emerged. The competition was moderated by teacher Andrew McNeil; with instructors Charlene Kelly, Laurie Penepent, and Diana Walther acting as judges. 

Byron-Bergen’s exceptional spelling contestants:

Grade 6: Corey Abdella, Madison Burke, Sadie Cook, Grace Huhn, Elli Schelemanow, Alex Toal, Ella Van Valkenburg, Hallie Wade, and Corden Zimmerman. 
Grade 7: Julietta Doyle, Josh Fleming, Gavin Lewis, John Mercovich, Alaura Rehwaldt, Sarah Streeter, and Josh Swapceinski.
Grade 8: Siomara Caballero, Alex Dean, Cambria Kinkelaar, Ethan Ray, Garrett Swinter, Justice Towne, and Grant Williams.

Byron-Bergen’s Jr./Sr. High School Interim Principal Patrick McGee congratulated Shelemanow, Swapceinski, Swinter, and all the participants.

“Our schools are proud to have Elli represent us, and I’m confident she will do a great job,” he said. “All our kids did impressive work with very difficult spelling challenges. McGee also wished to thank all the teachers at the Elementary School and Junior HS for their support, “especially Jason Blom and Elizabeth Findley and the sixth-grade team.”           

Top photo: Robert Fowler/Byron-Bergen Grades 6-8 and Buffalo Evening News Spelling Bee (l-r) runner-up Garrett Swinter, Bee champion Elli Schelemanow, and runner-up Joshua Swapceinski. 

An ATV struck a steel barrier on Chapel Road, just north of Route 262, in Byron. Unknown injuries. The caller reports not seeing an operator of the ATV in the vicinity. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding. The location is just north of the old railroad bed. Command on scene tells responders to approach in non-emergency mode. "It appears this accident occurred some time ago. We're still looking in the brush here. ... I don't think there's anyone to be found here," command says. Law enforcement is responding, too. Mercy medics' response was cancelled.

UPDATE 10:55 a.m.: The fire departments are returning to service. "Law enforcement will handle it from here," command says.

Edward Jordan White, 20, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. White was stopped by members of the Local Drug Task Force on Dec. 30 for allegedly driving on a suspended driver's license. White was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of marijuana and cocaine. White was also allegedly in violation of probation.

William Guadalupe Potter, 62, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Potter allegedly pushed a woman into a wall causing her to fall over.

Brian Eric Dagger, 30, of Batavia Street, Holley, is charged with petit larceny. Dagger allegedly stole a bottle of Robitussin tablets from Kmart. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Seth Ryan Doster, 24, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Doster allegedly stole $102.20 in merchandise from Walmart. Also charged, Sarah Dianne Lazarus, 24, of Alleghany Road, Darien.

Kim Marie Spencer, 56, of Chick Road, Darien, is charged with DWI. Spencer was arrested by Deputy Michael Lute in connection into an investigation into an incident reported at 6:49 p.m. Thursday on Chick Road, Darien. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are pending.

Jeffrey Lynn Shultz, 21, of Walkers Corner Road, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Shultz allegedly engaged in an unsupervised visit in violation of a court order.

Kenneth Fred McGiveron, 25, of Route 78, South Wales, is charged with no stop lights, open container, DWAI drugs and alcohol combined and DWAI drugs. McGiveron was stopped at 12:58 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Leonard Alfred Johnson, 23, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Johnson was a passenger in a car stopped by Officer Chad Richards at 5:23 p.m. in the parking lot of Horizon Health Services, 31 Ellicott St., Batavia. Johnson allegedly fled on foot following the traffic stop, but returned on his own a short time later. Police allegedly found a bag containing a dozen smaller bags of cocaine, which Johnson indicated belonged to him. Johnson was jailed without bail.

Coretta M. Pitts, 47, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Pitts allegedly scratched the face of another person during an argument reported at 4:50 a.m., Saturday. Pitts was jailed on $400 bail.

Jason A. Armstrong Sr., 43, of Main Road, East Pembroke, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual act and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Armstrong allegedly choked and had unwanted sexual contact with another person during an alleged domestic incident reported at 10 p.m. Nov. 6 on South Main Street, Batavia. Armstrong was jailed without bail. Armstrong was also charged with strangulation, 2nd, and assault, 2nd, for an alleged incident reported at 6 a.m. Dec. 22 at a location on South Main Street, Batavia.

Robert W. Blankenberg, 31, of Union Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant. Blankenberg was stopped for an alleged traffic violation and arrested on the warrant.

Robert D. Kendall, 55, of Jamaica Lane, Cheektowaga, is charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, moving from lane unsafely, driving a motor vehicle on sidewalk, driving through safety zone and unlawful possession of marijuana. Kendall was charged after an investigation into an accident reported at 12:03 p.m. Dec. 29 on Oak Street, Batavia. Kendall was located by police in the parking lot of a business on West Main Street following a tip from a witness.

Michael J. Henry, 48, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Henry is accused of continuously using obscene language outside his home on State Street while police officers were there investigating a complaint.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Antonucci allegedly violated a complete stay away order by sending a text to the protected party.

Jason W. Wolf, 39, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and driving without interlock device. Wolf was stopped at 5:04 p.m. Dec. 29 on Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Kenneth J. Wolter, 45, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with unreasonable noise. Wolter was allegedly playing music an unreasonable level at 10:37 p.m. Dec. 30 and he refused repeated requests to turn it down.

Robert Ernest Saari, 34, of Meiser Road, Corfu, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Saari allegedly failed to appear in City Court on a traffic violation. Saari posted cash bail and was released.

Melvin J. Swanson, 60, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to obey traffic control device and open container. Swanson was stopped at 1:58 a.m. Friday on South Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Joshua M. Gaudioso, of Galloway Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree strangulation. He was arrested following a domestic incident at 7:46 p.m. on Dec. 6 wherein he allegedly strangled the victim and threatened to kill the victim along with several members of the victim's family. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

James E. Wroten Jr., 49, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested at 10 p.m. on Dec. 7 on Olyn Avenue following a verbal and physical argument between himself and a person who had a stay away order of protection from Wroten. It is alleged that the defendant called the protected party names and pushed a plate into her face during an argument. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Kenneth C. Roma, 28, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, operating with a BAC of .08 percent or more, uninspected motor vehicle, cracked/broken windshield, and driving to the left of pavement markings (a no-passing zone). The Sheriff's Office received two calls from other motorists about the poor driving habits of the driver of a pickup truck eastbound on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia at around 10:20 p.m. on Dec. 11. The callers continued to follow the pickup and provide dispatchers with the current locations and details of when the pickup allegedly interfered with other vehicles on the roadway. Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Meides located the pickup on West Avenue in the Village of Attica with a caller's assistance. The driver indicated he was lost and did not know where he was. Meides was assisted by other members of the Sheriff's Office and two officers from the Attica Police Department. Roma was released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Alexander Town Court on Jan. 12. Sgt. Meides was assisted in the investigation and report by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Heather R. Frizol, 35, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, DWI, speeding, failure to maintain lane, and passing through a red light. She was arrested following a traffic stop at 1:28 a.m. on Dec. 6 on Main Street, Batavia. Frizol was also charged as an unlicensed driver and for allegedly having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. She is to appear in City Court on  Dec. 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Richard Dean McKague Jr., 25, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to yield right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, failure to stop at a stop sign, and being an unlicensed operator. His arrest at 6:06 a.m. on Dec. 10 came after a vehicular pursuit that started in the Town of Stafford and ended in the Town of Byron. It is alleged that McKague was observed violating sections of state vehicle and traffic law and then when a traffic stop was initiated, be failed to comply. The pursuit through two townships concluded on Beaver Meadows Road and he was taken into custody without incident. A search of his person allegedly produced a small quantity of marijuana. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond and will respond to both Stafford and Byron courts to answer the charges. The investigation was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona, with the assistance of Deputy Christopher Erion, Sgt. Eric Seppala, and State Police.

Jeffrey Lynn Shultz II, 21, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs -- first offense, driving left of pavement markings, and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. He was arrested at 1:51 p.m. on Dec. 12 on Byron Road in Byron. He is to appear in Byron Town Court on Dec. 15. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Roger James Farney, 33, of Clayton Street, Buffalo, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 1 p.m. on Dec. 9 on West Main Street in Batavia after allegedly making derogatory statements toward a person who has an order or protection. He turned himself into Batavia PD headquarters and is to appear in City Court on Dec. 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Jeannine Nicole Armbrewster, 38, of Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. She was arrested at 7:42 p.m. on Dec. 12 on Alexander Road, Alexander. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Dana Richardson, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Ryan Joseph Bellinger, 25, of Route 209, Varysburg, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree -- brass knuckles, unlawful possession of marijuana, and operating a motor vehicle with obstructed vision. Bellinger was arrested following a traffic stop at 10:21 p.m. on Dec. 13 on Alleghany Road, Pembroke. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Court on Jan. 21. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Daniel C. Brinkman Sr., 55, of Mill Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass. It is alleged that at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 9, Brinkman trespassed onto CSX Railroad property (located at 100 Evans St., Batavia) after having been warned to stay off the property. He is due in City Court on Dec. 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Jason L. McKenzie, 37, and Pamela L. McKenzie, 39, husband and wife from Pavilion, were arrested by state Troopers on Dec. 6 and charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing items from Kohl's earlier in the week.

Kelli E. Wallace, 53, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 7:20 p.m. on Dec. 7 after allegedly stealing property from Dollar General. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in City Court on Dec. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Michael F. Geer, 24, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, was arrested at 3:56 a.m. on Dec. 11 as the result of an investigation into an incident that occurred on East Main Street on Nov. 13. Geer, who is currently in county jail, was issued an appearance ticket charging him with petit larceny. He is to be in City Court on Dec. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels.

Robert Ernest Saari, 33, of Alleghany Road, Attica, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for failing to appear at a scheduled court date. He posted bail and was released on an appearance ticket. He is to be in City Court on Dec. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards. 

Robert Ernest Saari, 33, of Alleghany Road, Attica, was arrested at 6:04 p.m. on Dec. 11 and charged with having insufficient tail lamps and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. After being pulled over for allegedly having insufficient tail lamps, it was found that the defendant's license was suspended more than 10 times on 10 dates. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Martin James Rodgers, 31, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with parole violation. As the result of a search of his residence at 10:45 p.m. on Dec. 10, is alleged that he violated parole. A court date for him has not yet been scheduled. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Daniel Colin Healy, 24, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with failure to appear on a traffic summons. He turned himself into Batavia PD headquarters after being notified by mail that he had a warrant out for his arrest. He is to be in City Court on Dec. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis.

Zachary B. Reeves, 19, of Maine, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. On Dec. 12 at Route 33 and Prospect Street, Corfu, Reeves was pulled over for allegedly driving 54 in a 35-mph zone and for having a loud muffler. The patrol officer allegedly smelled marijuana in the vehicle and allegedly found marijuana residue on the passenger seat. Subsequently, the officer allegedly found a jar containing about 1 gram of marijuana as well as two glass smoking pipes and "1 false cigarette containing marijuana residue." The case was handled by Corfu PD Officer Michael Petritz, assisted by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati and Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Destro."

A one-vehicle rollover accident with injuries is reported on South Holley Road, near North Bergen Road. The car struck a tree, too, and landed well off the roadway. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

A power line is reported to be across the roadway at 7604 Coward Road, Byron. There is also a power outage in the vicinity and a utility pole is broken. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

Jimmy Worthington shot this black bear Sunday morning on his property in Byron. He estimates the bear weighed about 500 pounds.

James Worthington didn’t have much luck hunting deer last week.

No matter — some bigger game found him.

Worthington, 52, bagged an adult male black bear about 10 a.m. Sunday on his property in the town of Byron. 

“I heard something coming, and didn’t know what it was,” Worthington said.

He figured out pretty quickly that it was a bear — and it was just about 20 yards away.

“It turned and was running right at me,” Worthington said. “When it saw me it stopped, and I shot it pretty much right between the eyes.

“After I shot it, it got up and started thrashing around,” he added. “I chased it for another 10 yards and then shot it one more time.”

The bear tipped the scales at 445 lbs. gutted. He estimates it weighed about 500 lbs. when alive.

He plans to have its head mounted.

“The people I hunt with say I should get a full-body mount,” he said. “My wife isn’t too keen on that, but I might do it.”

Worthington’s hunting companions on Sunday included his son James Worthington III, and friends Jordan Charcola, Dave Stackhouse and Dave Stackhouse Sr.

Worthington lives on Swamp Road, and works in construction. He’s been hunting nearly his entire life, but had never even seen a black bear before Sunday.

This week, even the deer were discouragingly scarce.

“I hadn’t seen a deer all week,” Worthington said. “I told myself, ‘If I don’t see a deer I’m going home.’

“I just got lucky, that’s all.”

Photos and information from Pat Iamon.

Some lucky folks got a little extra holiday cheer at Genesee County’s Christmas dance for adults with developmental disabilities recently held at the Byron Fire Hall. The dancers, mostly clad in their holiday garb, were buzzing with excitement in anticipation of an appearance by Santa Claus.

About an hour into the dance an announcement was made that Santa was spotted in the parking lot. The jolly old fellow accompanied by Mrs. Claus made their way through the hall as the crowd cheered and applauded. The couple were escorted into chairs in front of the Christmas tree and everyone gathered around in anticipation.

Pat Iamon, dance coordinator, called each person up to the front by name. Everyone had an opportunity to sit and visit with the red-clad couple for a few moments while Uncle Joe snapped a photo. Santa handed each person a special Christmas gift bag; and as an added treat each individual was escorted to two tables to select a handcrafted stocking cap or ear-warming headband all made by Mrs. Pam Truax of Byron.

For the second year Mrs. Truax has dedicated her time and talents to make these for our dancers and this year she was able to hand them out in person. Some of the items in the gift bags were made possible with donations from community businesses.

A flier for the last dance of the season was handed out, however, it had the wrong date. Please note that the next dance will be held on Thursday, May 12. It will be our Pajama Dance and will be held at the Byron Fire Hall. As always the dances are open to all individuals with developmental disabilities ages 13 and up in Genesee County.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or would like more information on the dances can call Laura Platt at 548-2245 or Pat Iamon at 245-2918.

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

Brad L. Ohlson, 38, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. He was arrested on Nov. 20 after an incident occurred at 3:51 p.m. on Central Avenue. It is alleged that Ohlson struck another person, causing the person to fall and strike a door, causing physical injury to that person. Ohlson was issued an appearance ticket and is to be in City Court on Dec. 8. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Chad Minuto, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Christopher J. Simmons, 42, of Wayneport Road, Macedon, Leanna J. Williams, 25, of St. Paul Street, Rochester, and Anthony J. Stagnitto, 26, of West Ridge Road, Rochester, were arrested Nov. 21 after the trio was allegedly involved in shoplifting at Kohl's department store in Batavia. The vehicle used in the crime was stopped on Noonan Drive near the intersection of Oak Street by city Police officers. It is alleged that Simmons entered the store and removed items while Williams drove the getaway car, picking Simmons up by the front doors and speeding away. Stagnitto was a passenger and identified himself falsely as another person because he had a felony arrest warrant out of Monroe County for him. Stagnitto was turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and is charged with criminal impersonation, a misdemeanor. Simmons was jailed without bail and is to reappear in Town of Batavia Court on Nov. 30. He is charged with a felony -- fourth-degree grand larceny, and he was also issued an appearance ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, which is a misdemeanor, and is due in City Court on Dec. 14. Williams was issued an appearance ticket for fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Dec. 17. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl and Deputy John Baiocco, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker, and Batavia PD officers Marc Lawrence and Frank Klimjack.

James A. McCormick, 23, of Kendall Road, Churchville, is charged with moving from lane unsafely, driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent of higher at the time. He was arrested after a motor-vehicle accident at 12:43 a.m. on Nov. 22 on North Lake Road, Bergen. His vehicle went off the roadway and struck a utility pole. He was issued an appearance ticker for Town of Bergen Court at a later date and time. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale, assisted by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Armand M. Gioia, 28, of Hall Street, Batavia, is charged with driving without a license, driving while intoxicated -- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more -- first offense, and unsafe backing of a vehicle. Gioia was stopped at 1:20 p.m. on Nov. 15 on East Main Street, Batavia, after he allegedly struck another vehicle in the parking lot of a local restaurant. He is to be in City Court on Dec. 2. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

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

Randy Dumbleton Jr., 32, of 3322 W. Main St., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. During a residence check on Nov. 21 at 7:26 a.m. by NYS Parole, the subject was allagedly found to possess a quantity what is suspected to be crack cocaine and marijuana. He was taken into custody and given no bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.

A 16-year-old who lives on Central Avenue in Batavia is charged with disorderly conduct for fighting. The teen was arrested on Nov. 19 at Batavia High School for fighting with another student in the hallway. The teen was issued an appearance ticket and released. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Marc Lawrence.

Frank Lynn Morrison, 34, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court on a charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Arfter being arraigned in City Court, he was released and went to the City Clerk's Office and posted a fine of $135. He is scheduled to pay the remainder of his fines in increments. A return court date was not set. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer James DeFreze.

Joshua M. Pierce, 20, of Meadowbrook Terrance, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. On. Nov. 22, at 9:39 a.m. Pierce was stopped on Denio Street by Batavia PD for a speed violation. At that time, Pierce was allegedly found to possess marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and in due in City Court on Dec. 8. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Arick Perkins.

Jeremy David Holmwood, 24, of Corinthia Street, Lockport, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. He was arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to appear on previous charges on Nov. 4. He was jailed on $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Chong Christian Nimora, 35, of Metropolitan Drive, Rochester, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for a charged on Nov. 7 of petit larceny. She was released on her own recognizance. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Bleyke Z. Culver, 19, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, was arrested after a bench warrant was issued through City Court for Culver's alleged failure to pay a fine in regards to owning/harboring an unlicensed dog. He posted bail and was released and is to return to court on Dec. 8. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens.

John E. Tejada, 19, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree menacing. On Nov. 10 at 10:01 p.m., at 300 Ellicott St., Tejada allegedly pulled out a BB gun, pointed it in the direction of several individuals, two of whom are under age 17, and shot several times, injuring one person. He was jailed without bail and ordered to return to City Court last Friday, Nov. 13. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

A 17-year-old male who resides on Route 237, Byron, was arrested and charged with forcible touching for allegedly touching a female's intimate body parts on the afternoon of Nov. 6 in Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Bergen Town Court on Dec. 16. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Butler.

Kathryn M. Yark, 18, of Roosevelt Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued for the alleged unauthorized use of a vehicle on July 18. After her arraignment Saturday in Town of Batavia Court, she was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

James P. Colantonio Jr., 27, of South Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested Saturday on a bench warrant issued following his alleged failure to pay a fine last December. He is scheduled to appear in City Court on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Leo Richard Brown, 19, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested today on a bench warrant issued for allegedly failing to appear in court on April 7. He was turned over to Batavia PD by Albion PD. He was released and scheduled to return to City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

A 17-year-old who lives on Liberty Street in Batavia was arrested today and charged with attempted petit larceny, stemming from an incident which occurred at 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 15 on East Main Street, Batavia. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Abraham R. Martinez, 31, of Alexander, is charged with assault, 2nd. Martinez was arrested by State Police following a month-long investigation into an incident in the Town of Orangeville. A female was struck in the mouth with a bottle, resulting in the need for dental surgery after she lost part of her front teeth. State Police were provided with the first and last name of a suspect but had no other information to go on. Troopers, with the assistance of Border Patrol agents, obtained information that indicated the suspect might be located at a farm in Alexander, where he had been employed for about two weeks. Martinez was located and arrested and processed in Warsaw. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Alicia Kimberly Urban, 30, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Urban is accused of stealing $432.96 in merchandise from Kohl's.

Luke William Ritzenthaler, 32, of Route 237, Byron, is charged with aggravated family offense and criminal contempt, 2nd. Ritzenthaler allegedly had contact with a female by phone and letter in violation of a court order while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail.

A 17-year-old resident of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. The youth allegedly shoplifted at Walmart. The youth allegedly placed electronic merchandise in her purse and exited the store.

Kelvin B. Murphy, 42, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Murphy allegedly pushed another person at 3:47 a.m., Nov. 8., at an address on State Street.

Gregory S. Yark, 51, of Roosevelt Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Yark was arrested on a warrant. He was jailed on $1,000 bail. Yark was also charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Yark was allegedly found in possession of these items at the time of his arrest.

Brodes J. Gibson is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 11 in the City of Batavia, Gibson drove a 2008 Cadillac on Main Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. Furthermore, Gibson was allegedly under the influence or alcohol or a drug at the time. In count two, he is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving without a valid license while having three or more suspensions in effect on at least three separate dates -- for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine -- and while under being under the influence. In count three, he is accused of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor for driving on Main Street, and the parking lots and driveways of the Batavia Gardens apartments on East Main Street, while he was under the influence. In count four, Gibson is accused of the crime of reckless driving as a misdemeanor for operating the Cadillac in a manner which "interfered with the free and proper use" of Main Street. In count five, he is accused of unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Knowing he had been stopped by police, he then allegedly attempted to flee by driving at speeds which equaled or exceeded 25 mph above the speed limit or engaged in reckless driving. In count six, Gibson is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to a child less than 17; one or more children were present in the courtyard vicinity of the playground at the Batavia Garden apartments at the time he allegedly drove through the courtyard area.

Colton A. Cole is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicted as a Class E felony. On June 20 in the Town of Byron, it is alleged that Cole drove a 2009 Chevrolet on Townline Road while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more at the time.

Nimora C. Chong is accused of the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 25 in the Town of Batavia, Chong stole property having a value in excess of $1,000. Chong is accused of stealing $2,650.52 worth of merchandise.

A car vs. tree accident is reported in the area of 7691 Caswell Road.

There are unknown injuries.

Byron and South Byron fire departments along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: A utility pole may also have been hit.

UPDATE 6:37 p.m.: Byron is back in service.

Andre Bailey, 28, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Bailey is accused of stealing $4,000 from the bank safe at Woodforest National Bank, located inside Walmart. Bailey was employed by the bank.

Jay D. Schutt, 27, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Schutt was stopped by State Police on Warsaw Road, Le Roy, for allegedly speeding. At the Batavia barracks, he allegedly tested with a BAC of .16.

A 17-year-old resident of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The youth is accused of intentionally damaging the property of a family member while the person was not at home. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

A 17-year-old resident of Route 237, Byron, is charged with forcible touching. The youth is accused of grabbing a fellow student's body parts. 

A grass fire also involving a tractor is reported at 6448 Mill Pond Road, Byron. The location is by Mud City Road. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

A tree fire has been reported in the Byron Mobiehome Park, 6162 Swamp Road, Byron, Lot #42. 

Byron and South Byron fire dispatched. 

Cary Michael Alexyn, 40, of Eaton Road, Irondequoit, is charged with petit larceny. Alexyn is accused of stealing multiple items of jewelry from his sister's residence in Oakfield when he stayed there in May.

David Joseph Gorney, 47, of Applewood Lane, Erie, Pa., was arrested as a fugitive from justice. Gorney was incarcerated in the Genesee County Jail on a felony DWI charge. He was released and then arrested as a fugitive from justice. He was ordered held without bail pending extradition.

Erica Lynn Manuel, 22, of Fourth Section Road, Brockport, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and failure to obey a traffic device. Manuel was stopped at 8:37 a.m. Friday on Byron Holley Road, Byron, by Deputy Joseph Corona. She was ordered held on $1,000 bail.