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Relatively speaking, a calm night at Darien Lake for Dave Matthews show

By Howard B. Owens

For a concert that drew more than 20,000 people, the Dave Matthews Band show at  Darien Lake Performing Arts Center was largely uneventful.

There were the usual trespass and harassment arrests -- a dozen people total were taken into custody -- but no major fights or serious crimes.

The most notable arrest came early in the evening when Matthew D. Battiston, 20, of Lehn Springs Drive, Williamsville, and Kathryn D. Brown, 19, of Brenridge Road, East Amherst, were caught climbing the cell tower on the east side of the park, allegedly without permission.

Battiston and Brown were both charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and released on pre-arranged bail of $125 each (pre-arranged bail means they didn't appear in court, but put up the cash in the security processing trailer at Darien Lake).

Brown's mother was at the concert and picked her up. Battiston's mother drove from her home and paid his bail.

Battiston told deputies that what he did was "really stupid."

"This is the last place I would expect to be," said Battiston while handcuffed to a chair in the security trailer. "I'm really embarrassed."

Brown was treated for minor cuts on her legs suffered as she climbed over the barbwire-topped fence around the cell tower.

Both Battiston and Brown were fully cooperative with law enforcement during their arrest and processing and Battiston said they hadn't been drinking.

It might surprise readers to know that not every person that gets kicked out of the concert venue is arrested.

At one point during the evening, near the end of the show, a patron was escorted out of the venue in a wrist lock (deputies do not enter the concert area). Deputies interviewed him for about 10 minutes and then released him.

A deputy said that the man had gotten into a verbal argument with his girlfriend and a group of intoxicated males started yelling at him and pushing him, so he ran from the encounter, which caused security to grab him for possibly causing a disturbance.

The deputy said it's not uncommon for men to get into a verbal argument with their date and have intoxicated males intervene.

Then there are the guys who could probably avoid arrest if they were just a bit more cooperative after getting escorted from the venue.

One gentleman (I've not been able to confirm his name from the arrest report) was brought outside and handed over to a deputy, being told by security, "Show them your ID, all of your ID, including your badge."

Apparently, the man had claimed inside the venue to be a deputy.

However, as a security supervisor interviewed him, the conversation seemed to be going pretty well. He might have been able to talk his way out of an arrest, but he suddenly yelled (by suddenly, we mean without apparent provocation), "Don't yell at me!"

He then started yelling, "Just arrest me, just arrest me, I know you want to do it anyway!"

At that point, he turned to Deputy Jason Saile and started yelling at him that "you might as well arrest me." 

The man then turned around and yelled a string of profanities at Deputy Lonnie Nati. After a minute of this, Nati said, "That's it. You're under arrest."

My evening ride-along with the Sheriff's Office began with Sgt. Steve Mullen.

For the part of the shift I was with Mullen, he was stationed at the entrance known as North Pack. Mullen was there to assist event security with any problems that arose, which typically involve an already overly intoxicated person trying to enter the concert venue.

If you're too drunk, Darien security will keep you out.

One woman who was with her date and another couple were stopped by security and Mullen was called over to check her sobriety. A friend told Mullen that the woman was on medication, which made her appear more drunk than she was.  Mullen administered a breath test and showed the results to an event security officer who said simply, "she's not getting in."

Later, I rode in a gator with Sgt. Tom Sanfratello and two members of Darien's security team to South Pack, another entrance.

It was at this location that I observed two of the events described above.

From there, we went to Employee Road for "The Dump," when the concert is over and the majority of people leave.

The Dump is the time when most of the fights occur and people become frustrated by the two-hour process of driving out of the parking lot.

On Tuesday, there were only two minor altercations reported, both broken up and dispersed by the time deputies arrived on scene.

As The Dump winds down, deputies begin "The Push." They drive through the parking areas in golf carts and gators advising anybody who is lingering that the parking lot is closing.

There's a few dozen people at this point either hanging out in lawn chairs enjoying a late night snack or sleeping in their cars.

There appears to be enough trash on the ground to stuff a small landfill. Nobody takes their empties with them.

After the jump (click on the headline to read more) a photo tour of the evening followed by the complete Sheriff's Office press release of arrests and citations.

John P. Cryan, 18 of Darwit Drive, Amherst, the first arrestee of the night, is processed by deputies. Cryan was allegedly with a group of underage drinkers. According to a deputy, he leaned down to ostensibly get his ID from his backpack and then took off running. He allegedly jumped a fence into the VIP parking area, which he wasn't authorized to enter. Cryan was charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, criminal trespass, 3rd, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was jailed on $750 bail.

Patrons are lightly frisked as they enter the venue.

A pair of deputies sit in a golf cart near the entrance to the park on Employee Road and write citations for alleged underage consumption of alcohol.

Responding to the scene of two people climbing on the cell tower ...

They allegedly got themselves in ... they try to get themselves out ...

but need some help ...

Under arrest.

An unidentified arrestee outside the security trailer.

Another arrest.

Only a very small sample of the amount of trash left in the parking lot.

A gentleman who tried to run from deputies after being escorted from the concert venue is taken into custody.

A woman is being taken into custody who originally argued that she shouldn't be arrested because her daddy owned a VIP box. She allegedly kicked a security officer in the groin.

Items brought by concertgoers that security would not allow into the venue. Some people would retrieve their belongings as they left, but by 1:30 a.m., when nearly everybody had left Darien Lake, most of this pile would still be there.

After yelling profanities at Deputy Nati, a suspect is taken into custody while another deputy video tapes the arrest.

On Employee Road, cars exit from the VIP lot in one lane while pedestrians head toward Sumner Road in the other lane.

A stretch limo heads out from the concert on Employee Road.

When it comes time for the bands to leave, Employee Road is cleared of traffic, and pedestrians and the buses are given a police escort out of the park.

If you look closely, you can see Dave Matthews at the front of the bus. Matthews was taken to the Genesee County Airport where a private plane awaited his arrival.

Sumner Road and Cherry Hill, from the vantage point of Employee Road.

Here's the arrest report from the Sheriff's Office:

John P. Cryan, 18, of Darwit Drive, Amherst, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, criminal trespass, 3rd, resisting arrest, unlawful possession, of marijuana and possessing alcohol under age 21. Cryan allegedly, while being detained for possessing alcohol under age 21, fled on foot.  Cryan allegedly jumped a fence into the VIP parking area without permission and refused to be taken into custody. A quantity of marijuana was allegedly located in his backpack. Cryan was jailed on $500 bail.

Joseph J. Wheaton , 27, of Clark Street, Canandaigua, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly using obscene and abusive language in the entrance to the concert venue, which did cause alarm. Wheaton was jailed on $250 bail.

Kevin K. McCleary, 23, of Dawnbrook Lane, Williamsville, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. McCleary was jailed on $250 bail.

Matthew D. Battiston, 20, of Lehn Springs Drive, Williamsville, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing a fence and entering the Verizon cell phone tower just east of Darien Lake and began climbing up the tower.  Battiston was released on $125 pre-arraignment bail.

Kathryn D. Brown, 19, of Brenridge Road, E. Amherst, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing a fence and entered the Verizon cell phone tower just east, of Darien Lake and began climbing up the tower. Brown was released on $125 pre-arraignment bail.

Brendan J. Peters, 18, of Middle Avenue, Orchard Park, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Andrew R. Velezquez, 19, of Ontario Avenue, Hamburg, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue. 

Karine J. Schojan, 21, of Prentiss Way, Henrietta, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a security guard in the face.

Austin J. Dwyer, 20, of Downing Road, Arkport, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to climb a fence to enter the concert venue.

Heather M. Peterson, 27, of Clark Street, Canandaigua, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the venue entrance after being denied entrance.

Brooke Ann Greiner, 21, of Highpoint Court, Orchard Park, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly biting a security guard while being ejected from the venue.

Brian G. Kirsch, 28, of Route 77, Varysburg, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a female as he exited the concert venue.

The following individuals were cited for alleged consumption and/or possession of alcohol under age 21.

Amber R. Passarel, 20, of Hulberton Road, Holley
Jonathon T. Hughes, 19, of Lake Road, Brockport
Karl E. Daniel, 17, of Southwood Drive, Tonawanda
Nazzareno Masecchia, 17, of Admiral Road, Buffalo
Colin C. Hayden, 18, of Pinewood Terrace, East Aurora
Randall S. Gyergyek, 19, of Stolle Road, Elma
Joseph H. Boreanaz, 18, of Orchard Creek Lane, Rochester
Steven J. Voglmayr, 19, of Heim Road, Getzville
Joseph M. McFarland, 18, of Carolilly Court, East Amherst
David C. Simonetti, 18, of Mill Road, Rochester
Carmen C. Tentilucci, 17, of Orchard Creek Lane, Rochester
Kristen R. Sanseverino, 19, of Winchester Drive, Fairport
Jacy T. Karpovage, 16, of Saint Paul Blvd., Rochester
Erik C. Kleehammer, 20, of Scholfield Road, Rochester
Jacob J. Schmidt, 18, of List Avenue, Rochester
William C. Thieme, 18, of Mount Airy Drive, Rochester
Robert J. Spena, 18, of Pine Crest Drive, Rochester
Kelsey P. Butler, 20, of Thorton Road, Rochester
(name removed upon request), 20, of Deer Run, Willamsville
(name removed upon request), 20, of Fruitwood Terrace, Williamsville
Tyler J. McLaughlin, 19, of Burnwell Avenue, Lancaster
Michael P. Tomczak, 18, of Ludwig Avenue, Cheektowaga
Claire P. Raab, 17, of Hobby Lane, Orchard Park
Marcella L. Scorsone, 19, of Berkshire Street, Rochester
Paul M. Bradley, 20, of Washington Avenue, Elmira
Kelly M. Kulik, 20, of Sandridge Road, Alden
Bridget C. Brady, 20, of Elmwood Park, Tonawanda
Evan V. Brennan, 20, of Halsey Lane, Baldwinsville
Nicholas C. Orefice, 18, of Chainmaker Path, Baldwinsville
Tanner L. Bush, 20, of Hunt Road, Lakewood
Dylan J. Walsh, 20, of Stock-Brocton Road, Stocktown
Rachel E. Cunningham, 18, of Maple Street, Hornell
Matthew W. Schmidt, 20, of Miller Road, Getzville
Sarah S. Pawlak, 18, of Meadowbrook Acres, North Tonawanda
Mya J. Christy, 20, of Parkway Drive, Sinclaireville
Michael J. Lascola, 19, of Lockwood Lane, Lockport
Christian L. Portland, 19, of Willis Hill Road, Victor
Rachel M. Morganti, 20, of Kettle Run, East Aurora
Casey J. Maglier, 20, of Riverside Drive, Wellsville
Britta P. Hanna, 18, of South Lake Street, Hamburg
Julie A. McCann, 18, of Meadow Drive, Hamburg
Edward S. Barns, 19, of North Park Blvd., University Heights
Casey J. Olszewski, 19, of Amanda Lane, Cicero
Adam J. Grana, 18, of Maple Avenue, Niagara Falls
Catherine E. Ponsrock, 16, of Corneilius Lane, Baldwin Place
Alexander R. Chefalo, 18, of Norwood Avenue, Rochester
Joseph R. Sirianni, 20, of Emmett Street, Hornell
James A. Quirk, 20, of Allanvia Drive, Lockport
Connor P. Shank, 17, of Haines Street, Lockport
Dillon J. Hutchens, 17, of Onnalinda Drive, Canandaigua
Michael V. Pontillo, 19, of Bogue Avenue, Batavia
Britta J. King-Hamsik, 18, of Palmdale Drive, Williamsville
Nicholas J. Kowalski, 18, of Fieldbrook Drive, East Amherst
Shannon C. Danahy, 17, of Tuscarora Road, Buffalo
Matthew V. Pragel, 17, of Forrest Hill Drive, Williamsville
Ian P. McQuishon, 18, of Cresent Avenue, Buffalo
Corbyn D.D. Bothwell, 18, of Morris Avenue, Buffalo
Erika F. Douglas, 19, of Shadow Rock Lane, Clarance
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Chapin Parkway, Buffalo
Ariana M. Rabin, 18, of Hartford Avenue, Buffalo
Jahi K. Thorton, 18, of Wilks Avenue, Buffalo
Michael J. Supernault, 18 Nottingham Terrace, Buffalo
Julie M. Earsing, 20, of Broadway Road, Alden
Laura E. Daigler, 20, of Broadway Road, Alden
Ryan J. Wistner, 19, of Sagewood Terrace, Williamsville
Kyle J. Wistner, 19, of Sagewood Terrace, Willamsville           
Amanda M. Procknal, 19, of Pim-Oak Drive, Williamsville
Erin K. Brennan, 19, of Halsey Lane, Baldwinsville
Chelsea M. Costello, 19, of Riverside Drive, Hornell
Daniel E. Soos, 18, of Summerview Road, Williamsville
Nicholas C. Corbett, 19, of Bywater Court, Williamsville
Alexander J. Frate, 17, of Shannon Glen, Fairport
Zachary J. Beattie, 19, of Vanvoorhis Avenue, Rochester
Lori J. Nappo, 19, of Marilli Street, Buffalo
Alex R. Garretson, 20, of Eiseman Avenue, Kenmore
Correen L. Longbine, 19, of Milestrip Road, Orchard Park
Liam C. Norton, 18, of Michael Road, Orchard Park
Ryan M. Parker, 20, of Lynwood Avenue, Buffalo
Trevor E. Vargo, 19, of Benning Road, West Falls
Kathleen M. Ramsey, 18, of Lawrence Avenue, East Aurora
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Emery Road, South Wales
Colton A. Cole, 20, of Griswold Road, South Byron
Valimir R. M. Norman, 19, of Albert Drive, Lancaster
Jamie L. Reidy, 19, of Baywood Drive, Cheektowaga
David B. Williams , 18, of Walch Road, N. Tonawanda
Charles W. Schaab, 17, of Love Road, Grand Island
Antho J. Migliore, 18, of Belvoir Road, Williamsville
Simon Z. Yanni, 17, of Bowen Drive, West North Tonawanda

Mark Brudz

Man, those pictures bring back memories of all the times I sat in that employee parking lot waiting for Dump to end so I could get my kids and thier friends home from work. Very good description and photo work Howard.

Jul 4, 2012, 3:34pm Permalink
James Renfrew

I realize that the overall context of the article is "don't drive impaired" or maybe more generally "don't be an idiot while impaired", but the reason for so many bottles and cans all over the parking area is that carrying empties home would be somewhat incriminating if a driver is pulled over later for any reason. So the driver calculates that dumping the containers may make for a lower profile later on. The same reason that I constantly pick up empties from the roadside of my property - dump the evidence.

Not that I attend a lot of concerts there, but, whenever I have, the trash barrels in the parking lot are overflowing long before the concert begins. Seems like a lot more barrels would make sense. And even the impaired and the idiots might respond to recycling bins if they were available.

I believe that management invites youth groups to come in to do clean-up the day following the concerts, and there's a fair amount of money that can be earned.

I also see a lot of people urinating around the parking lot, along the fnce line and in that old silo (if it's still there). Not sure I'd want to be drinking any well water within five miles of that place!

And I still wonder what the net economic effect of these concerts is for the town and county. Seems like a lot of deputy and court time, and perhaps trash removal outside of the venue?

Jul 4, 2012, 11:38pm Permalink
Steph Lay

I don't know why people go to concerts and don't just enjoy the music without getting sh** faced and making an a** out of themselves. Cripes sakes! It's supposed to be about the music! If the promoters can't control people who attend from getting drunk and using the venue as an excuse to raise hell, then they shouldn't be allowed to operate. I never hear about this kind of crap at Canandaigua, but every time there's a concert at Darien Lake it's the same old thing: multiple arrests and bad behavior. I say let them run their "amusement park" but put an end to their concerts if they can't do a better job of controlling the "mayhem" that goes with them.

Jul 5, 2012, 5:01pm Permalink
Steph Lay

Interesting that the photo's don't clearly show Kathryn Brown's face, although they show her "date's" face. I kind of feel more sorry for "Matt" (although I don't know him) than her, because she seems to be the one who instigated the trespass. Hey guys! No girl is worth getting arrested for. I don't care how "cute" she is or how much you want to get in her Bobby Brooks, if she wants you to do something that you know is going to get you in trouble....SHE'S trouble. Don't walk away...RUN!

Jul 5, 2012, 5:16pm Permalink
Michael Bishop

So we make national headlines for a lot of reasons, mostly related to drinking.
I don't know if we're allowed to link articles, but here ya go!

http://tasteofcountry.com/rascal-flatts-fans-underage-drinking/

In the article it links to the Paisley concert too.
Taste of Country may not be national news, but we sure made the national news when Eric Church was postponed for weather. Saying how the crazy people up in Buffalo were throwing beer cups, chairs, etc all on stage.

Good thing it's not football season, or else we'd probably be in the news some more for drinking.

Jul 5, 2012, 6:11pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Steph, where the heck do you get that Kathryn instigated anything. There is absolutely nothing in my report that indicates such a thing.

As for not showing her face, hadn't noticed until you pointed it out. It's nothing planned, I assure.

Jul 5, 2012, 8:16pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Love the photos Howard...good story too. Its becoming pretty commonplace for your works to end up w national exposure. Wanna come photgraph my wedding tomorrow?
LOL

Jul 6, 2012, 1:13am Permalink
Jeff Allen

These are not only great photos, but they provide families with lasting memories. Now Kathryn and Matthews very proud parents get keepsake pictures of their kids breaking the law and bonus pictures of them in handcuffs. Suitable for framing and proudly displaying on the den wall. Maybe, just maybe, taking some of the anonymity out of these stupid and dangerous stunts will prevent one or two.

Jul 6, 2012, 7:51am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Thank You Dave....we had the ceremony today at 3pm. Over at the seventh day adventist, it was also the last Anglican Community Church ceremony in Batavia as we disbanded back in March. But the church family we had lives on. But thank you for all the well wishes everyone.

Jul 6, 2012, 11:34pm Permalink

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