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Police Beat: Driver accused of resisting arrest after refusing breath test

By Howard B. Owens

Paul G. Grazioplene, 43, of Batavia, faces charges of a felony DWI, resisting arrest and leaving the scene of a property damage accident following an alleged incident on Cedar Street about 9:25 last night. Grazioplene allegedly stuck a vehicle on Cedar and then drove off. A resident followed his car and notified police. Grazioplene was apparently still in his vehicle parked outside of his home when he was found by police. Grazioplene allegedly refused to take a breath test. He reportedly has a prior DWI arrest within the past 10 years. He was jailed without bail.

Jill L. Briska, 20, of Batavia faces a DWI charge following a minor traffic accident this morning about 1 at 100 W. Main St. Briska was issued an appearance ticket and released.

George Richardson

Am I reading this right? The first DWI in 10 years and you get a ticket. The second DWI in 10 years and you are thrown in the clink without bail? Man things have gone way downhill since I bailed on Batavia.

May 29, 2009, 6:18pm Permalink
John Woodworth JR

First time may be a mistake. Second time you obviously don't care and have total disregard for the safety and well-being of others. Another thought is yes he may have been caught only twice in ten year, but how many times has Mr. Dumass driven while intoxicated? I am willing to bet many more. Things didn't go downhill. Enough is enough and the public is starting to hold people accountable for their actions.

May 31, 2009, 12:46am Permalink
Michael T. Johnston

Its not only the second time but hit and run & resisting arrest!...As a local business owner he should be giving back to the community, he is driving unsafely in it!-- 2 dwi's, hit and run, resisting arrest and I believe a past copyrwright arrest too!

Jun 3, 2009, 12:29am Permalink
bud prevost

Obviously Mike, you have some other involvement with this Paul guy. While I don't condone his actions whatsoever, the fact that you posted a blog about it tells me you have more than a passing interest.
What's the real deal? Bad business dealing? Personal vendetta?
This is not a good place to cast stones, cause you never know when they might get tossed back at ya!

Jun 1, 2009, 10:08am Permalink
daniel cherry

Mike have you ever drank and drove?I know now it is wrong and why.If you were not there at the time all you would know is what the Police report "SAYS".Didn't you know when Police use excessive force they have to say ,you resisted arrest?Then you can have injuries and its ok.Like what happened to me in July 2006.I will never forget.Didn't you know here your guilty until proven innocent?And how much does all this arresting cost?They find innocent people guilty all the time.And they find guilty people innocent who have a high paid lawyer.And i havn't even read the blog yet.

Jun 1, 2009, 11:52am Permalink
Michael T. Johnston

I do believe in innocent until proven guilty,however,this guy has a record and personally I think it's rediculous if he is proven guilty that people would forgive him again.

Besides that, like said above, 2nd time IS NOT a mistake. Just being accused of DWI is enough in my books... Police can tell if you are drunk or not. Whether evidence after the fact says so or not he must have been or they wouldn't have done anything.

Jun 3, 2009, 12:35am Permalink
bud prevost

Mike- thanks for not answering my question. Obvious by your ignorance to it what the answer is. Just remember..... people in glass houses..people in glass houses...people in glass houses.

Jun 3, 2009, 6:20am Permalink
Don Herdlein

I know Paul and he his a really good guy. Hopefully his lawyer is doing a good job because this might all get thrown out of court. Paul was not intoxicated he made a wide turn heading home and didn't see the small car. He hit the car so hard that he hit his head. He drove home to make the call about the accident and go to the hospital. When the sheriff arrived he did not offer Paul medical attention or a field sobriety test. One thing also that you don't get is that the Batavian said he didn't get bail, but he was home the next morning. He didn't resist arrest either.
Also, Paul does not own a business, he works there. So you slandered his name there. And one other thing, as far as giving back to the community- he volunteers his time to coach little kids in football and baseball and donates his time doing artwork for local fundraisers.
Now that you are done accusing Paul you can know the facts-

Jun 5, 2009, 3:21pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

There is no accusation here, its a statement of fact as reported to Howard. He didn't make this up its what he was told and he printed it. Your beef is not here.

Jun 5, 2009, 3:27pm Permalink
Brian Graz

This reminds me of an observation I posted a few weeks ago, that news media should not be allowed to report to the public on "alleged" violations [which basically most arrests are initially]. Once the "allegation" has been reported, the public quickly makes up it's mind about guilt or innocence, and if the charged person is exonerated, the perceived damage done by the initial report is never truly undone.

Apr 24, 2016, 4:08pm Permalink

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