Skip to main content

Police looking for assailant who stabbed man walking on Liberty Street

By Howard B. Owens

A person was seriously injured on Liberty Street on Friday night when he was stabbed by an unidentified assailant.

Police are looking for a suspect described as a black male, approximately 5' 10" and 160 lbs.

The victim was walking alone on the 100 block of Liberty at about 9 p.m., according to police, when the assailant attempted to steal property from the victim's pockets.

After trying to steal the property, the assailant stabbed the victim in the lower back.

The victim was transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC.

Police ask that anyone with information that may assist in the case to call Officer Chris Camp at 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at 345-6370.

Kevin Squire

And people wonder why everybody is getting a gun permit lately......let's let the criminals think about who they might be robbing!!!!!

Dec 23, 2011, 11:50pm Permalink
scott williams

I'm not sold on gun permits being the soul answer,a can of mase can work wonders.The problem with us legal gun holders in ny state is authority looks at us as the bad guys.Batavia needs less traffic cops driving by each other all day and move the patrols to nights in the neighborhoods where their needed. This isn't hard to figure out its not like we won't still have sheriffs and state police to call during the day, politicians should pay attention, they should should quit trying to fix the broken mall or whatever and take a walk in some of the areas in this town after dark. They say its safe but they won't walk after dark bet that....

Dec 24, 2011, 12:54am Permalink
Jeremiah Pedro

Interesting. Gun permits may not be the only answer but they certainly are a piece of the puzzle; I know the anti-gun crowd would disagree. Neighborhood watch programs where the local law enforcement works with the average citizens would be another piece of the puzzle. I know patrol cruisers are a big part of the officers tool kit. But I think it also limits the LE in a way. Most citizens don't know the officers that serve Batavia except for when they see their name in the paper or on the Batavian. I think that a positive relationship between the officers that are patrolling the city and the average citizens is a very big piece of the puzzle.

Dec 24, 2011, 1:22am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

You know, I just thought of something, with the tech they have in personal electronics, soon this type of crime may not exsist anymore if we can get our heads out of our butts. Why cant someone invent a phone that can "easily" snap a pic, and use it's wireless system to put that pic into the police via an instant mssg, email or such. Imagine someone stalking up to you and all you do is push a button and it's gone, the can destroy the phone or take it and nothing can reverse the process.

Maybe even design a phone that takes your face pic when you open it to look at the battery or dial a number and so on so stolen phones transmit the thief's face as well as location.

Lets use tech and our heads to make crime more costly to those who do it.

Dec 24, 2011, 6:38am Permalink
Jeremy Yasses

Those Damn landlords, if only they would get good tenants, the stabbings, fights and break ins would stop. Once again if City Council doesn't change there thinking, Batavia will be Niagara Falls within 5 years. Instead of having more enforcement patrol for trash on the ground on a daily basis, give more to the police departments budget. They don't seem to realize their actions in the recent past have not changed how society lives and acts. Fixed up houses and picked up trash doesn't change the common tenant in the city!

Dec 24, 2011, 8:16am Permalink
John Roach

Jeremy,
After working in corrections, I never found one criminal that committed their crime when they knew a cop was there. And crimes committed when a cop happens to be there are damn rare. Police patrols are a deterrent and the low violent crime rate in Batavia shows it is working. But we can not afford a cop on every street, 24/7. We can barley afford the departmnet we have now.

As for that phone idea, great if you know the person passing you is going to stab you, you own a phone, and are carrying it in you hand all the time.

Gun ownership is a great idea, but Genesee County has a problem with giving carry permits so that you can protect yourself.

Dec 24, 2011, 8:38am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Maybe the police officers in the city should have a web site where they introduce themselves to the residents.
I'm not sold on more guns, once you pull out a gun, you better be ready to use it, if you're not, it may end up being used against you. There is no room for second guessing after the trigger is pulled.

Dec 24, 2011, 9:04am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Maybe that 200,000.00 that goes to GCEDC should be diverted to PD instead, they could use some bonuses and such. After all who's gonna want their plants here if they have to have them fortified like a prison because of the criminal element outside. A thought Steve hadn't considered as he took his wheelbarrow full of bonus tax dollars to the bank.

Dec 24, 2011, 8:59am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Kyle,that would be awesome, the bonus could be distributed to the officers by the cheif. It could be based on stats, set quotas based on crime rates, arrests, and convictions.

Dec 24, 2011, 9:19am Permalink
John Roach

Kyle,
Except for DWI and drug related crimes, there is no crime wave around the city, or did you miss that. The cops we have do a very good job.
Frank,
Public officals should not be getting bonuses, or have you changed your mind?

Dec 24, 2011, 9:36am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

John, imagine my surprise when I checked into Genesee county pistol permits and found out how restrictive their rules are. Even though I live in Genesee county, my permit is issued out of Monroe county and since I work full time there, I don't have to have it transferred to Genesee county. I found out that I didn't need to transfer my permit to Genesee county when I notified Monroe county that I had moved..WHEW!

http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/countyclerk/pistolpermits.html

I believe it's Judge Noonan (correct me if I'm wrong) who thinks he has the right to apply his own rules where the 2nd amendment already applies. Genesee county restricts the number of pistols on a permit to 5. I've no clue how this is even legal and goes unchallenged. I don't have to pay any attention to that rule, thank goodness. I don't even understand why each county individually issues permits and applies their own rules when it clearly states on the permit that it's a NYS pistol permit.

The constitution does not restrict the number of guns an individual can possess. I'm not even in favor of pistol permits. If a person can pass a background check then they should be able to buy a pistol, period. I'm all for mandatory firearms handling training before being able to own a firearm but as far as permits go, it's just another money grab.

I think anyone who can pass a background check should get a pistol permit whether they plan on getting a pistol or not. It's an exercise of your rights within the laws as they are now. The rule applies to everything: "If you don't use it, you lose it"

Criminals are cowards for the most part and they count on you not being armed. In countries where legal gun ownership was taken away, the only people left with guns were criminals and the crime rates skyrocketed. Great Britain is finally learning that lesson now. If more people carried legally, criminals might rethink their career path. I'm pretty sure a criminal only needs to be shot once to end their career.

It's really disappointing that so many people have the view that legal, responsible gun ownership is akin to being a criminal. GUN has become a 4 letter word in our politically correct society. I can tell you that I sleep better knowing that Kimber sleeps with me every night. No, Kimber is not a woman. Kimber makes the finest .45 auto right out of the box and it's made right in Yonkers, NY. Support your AMERICAN manufacturers! Be responsible, protect yourself because the police can't always be there! (That's been clearly demonstrated in this news report)

Dec 24, 2011, 11:33am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Upon further review of permits in Genesee county, I found that they only issue permits for hunting. You'll have a tough time getting a permit issued in Genesee county for personal protection.

FROM THE GENESEE COUNTY WEBSITE:

I want to be able to carry my weapon whenever I want?

Genesee County pistol permit holders are authorized to possess a carry concealed permit ONLY for the purpose in which they applied for. Issuance of a pistol permit is limited to hunting and sporting use, unless “proper cause” is determined for a special handgun license.

(Proper cause? NYS concealed carry permit means exactly that, concealed carry)

How can I upgrade my License to have Personal Protection?

You need to submit a written request to establish proper cause for issuing Personal Protection. You need to cite specific factors, concerns, events, or reasons for the upgrade. You should note that a mere desire to have Personal protection or a generalized concern may not be “proper cause” under the law.

(If you can, get your permit issued outside of Genesee county because this is clearly a violation of your right to personal protection. S.C.O.P.E., NRA, where are you on this? Why aren't you challenging these rules on behalf of paying members?)

Dec 24, 2011, 11:58am Permalink
Dave Olsen

Couldn't agree more Doug. Any kind of gun, be it a rifle, shotgun, handgun, automatic rifle or a freakin' bazooka if you want one, should be no harder to obtain than a driver's license. Pass a background check and pass a skills test. If you handle your weapons or driving irresponsibly, then you get fined and take the chance of losing the privilege. No need to be more complicated than that. I also agree that if criminals thought a lot of folks were armed, there'd be less attacks. I've always maintained that if passengers were allowed to take their guns on an airplane, 9-11 wouldn't have happened.

Dec 24, 2011, 12:17pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

A couple, things, Dave. I don't want anyone having a gun on a jet. Frangible rounds or not, people don't need to be touching off rounds at 38,000'. I've traveled with firearms plenty of times on jets for hunting trips and vacations but they've always had to be stowed away in the baggage compartment. I'm comfortable with that. I also really don't want my neighbors having "bazooka grade" weaponry...LOL!

Dec 24, 2011, 2:17pm Permalink
Jeremiah Pedro

The irony of anti-terrorist hijacking briefs given by flight attendants on the charter aircraft full of Marines in combat gear including rifles (minus the ammo, securely stored in magazines in an ammo can next to the co. 1stSgt) to top it off we had to secure any edged weapons in with the baggage.

Dec 24, 2011, 2:51pm Permalink
Billie Owens

I'm not comfortable with the citizenry having bazookas, Uzis or rapid-fire machine gun type weaponry. I feel safe to walk around at night so long as I am accompanied by my 168-pound Rottweiler/Swiss mountain dog. If you don't want a pistol, get a big dog instead. Pepper spray/mace is good, too.

Dec 24, 2011, 3:38pm Permalink
Ricky G. Hale

"... no free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, at last resort, to protect themselves ..."
Thomas Jefferson
1776

Dec 24, 2011, 4:03pm Permalink
Ricky G. Hale

" The very atmosphere of fire arms anywhere and everywhere retains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good."

George Washington

Dec 24, 2011, 4:17pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Thank You Ricky. Everyone, at some point we have to go back to trusting people to do the right thing and be responsible.
Doug, don't you watch myth-busters? They disproved the theory of de-pressurizing airplane fuselages with a bullet.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:29pm Permalink
Ricky G. Hale

"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration! Our streets will be safer, our police more effective, and the world will follow our lead into the future! "

Adolf Hitler
1935

Dec 24, 2011, 4:30pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

" People say to me: "Uncle Ted, why do you need an automatic weapon to hunt" I say "you don't" They ask "Why do you need an automatic weapon at all?" I say "I don't, But it's a lot of fun to shoot, I have a Corvette I don't need to go get groceries in too, and it's a lot more fun to drive than my old pickup"." (paraphrased) Ted Nugent

Dec 24, 2011, 4:33pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

If someone wants a bazooka or a tank for that matter, it should be OK. As long as they act responsibly about it. Why should someone else's property be everyone else's concern?

Dec 24, 2011, 4:36pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

I'll tell you a little shocking fact that y'all can research if yoou want. A historian and I were talking about gun control and someone brought up that old saw about this not being the wild west anymore. Well this historian spoke up and asked the person if they knew anything about the wild west? They said they read about it and he made the point that most of our ideas on the wild west are gotten from dime store novels of the day. In actuality while there were exceptions there was very little person on person crime. The fact that just about everyone had a knife or a gun from the 10 yr old boy who would hunt rabbit and squirrel to help out with supplying food to gamblers and traveling salesman to protect themselves. Everyone was mostly respectful, thats what made the outlaws and marshals of the day such heroic figures of fiction. Because they had the cahones to be the bad/good guy in a time when a kid w a .22 could have gotten the drop on them for any such rudeness or slight.

After hearing that and really thinkin about it other than craziness like gold rush towns and such everyone was pretty polite before and after on average....right up to the 1950s.

I know the anti gun people wont like this and will take it apart, but back then gus were tools like a wrench and hammer are today. or a spare tire and car jack lol. But it makes sense people would still get robbed but sure as shootin it was done on the sly when confrontation wasnt very likely. I think that a little of that might be needed today. It wont help against the really stupid criminals, but I'd bet people would think twice before making someone a victim.

Dec 24, 2011, 6:33pm Permalink
Mary E DelPlato

wonder if the robber lost his job and couldnt find a decent one around here...still...this bothers me cuz my family members live in this area and it couldve been one of them...

Dec 24, 2011, 7:42pm Permalink
Bob Price

Ahhh,Batavia....first I dread driving into downtown Rochester or Buffalo for anything(avoid at all costs)-now Batavia is becoming "ghetto" like the big cities. People won't like that comparison, but I believe it's true. Give Batavia another 5 years or so- it's downgraded quite quickly the past few years. Batavia becoming quite the mecca for the drug dealers and Social Services leeches from Buffalo and Rochester-centrally located(go ahead,buy those packaged steaks and Monster Energy drinks on your benefits card).....

Dec 24, 2011, 9:04pm Permalink
David Culver

I have an unrestricted permit in Genesee County, and it took 3 years, 2 denials, and a threatened Article 78 to get a just cause hearing. You have the right to bear arms, however, in the 1950's NYS Supreme Court ruled that each licensing agent ie. Judge Noonan may restrict this right a specific purpose ie. hunting etc.. Your concealed permit is just that, a concealed weapon for your purpose. It is expensive to fight the State. You can fight for yourself just know PL 35 and 400 snd be relentless and don't take no for an answer. You have the right for a just cause hearing, and anyone that has been denied knows Genesee County like to skip this. I have been threatened numerous time while doing my job and Genesee County fought me on this. I carry often and have defended myself, not against a human, with deadly force. Less than lethal doesn't always work and I do have injuries to prove that. That my stand against dogs and why guns more protection than dogs or less than lethal. I also carry OC which is legal (mace is not). These are carried outside of my job. Hopefully TASERS will be legal within a year in NYS beside for LEO's.

Dec 24, 2011, 10:48pm Permalink
James T. Hansen

@Bob Price...

Amen to that Bob. I know it comes across as being a snob or whatever, but I'm so upset about Batavia welcoming with open arms all of society's outcasts. We can help..no doubt. And should help. But there is only so much one small town can absorb before it becomes a concentration camp of everyone else's problems.

Dec 26, 2011, 10:43am Permalink

Authentically Local