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Darien

An end to 'The Hill': Darien Lake banning pedestrian access to concert facility from Sumner Road

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

In its latest step to ensure the safety and enjoyment of guests going to the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien Lake has announced it will require concertgoers to park in free on-site lots. As of Aug. 17, pedestrian access to the Performing Arts Center will be restricted to passenger drop-off at a designated area near the main gate.

“We offer more than enough parking to accommodate park visitors, overnight guests, and a sell-out crowd at the Performing Arts Center,” explained Darien Lake General Manager Bob Montgomery. “In our work with Live Nation, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, and New York State Police, we’ve determined that allowing pedestrian access to concerts increases risk to those walking along the roadway, increases traffic jams before and after concerts, and increases the incidence of excessive pre- and post-show alcohol consumption.”

The new parking rules mark the second significant step Darien Lake’s management organization, Herschend Family Entertainment, has implemented this year to improve the concertgoing experience. At the beginning of the 2012 season, Darien Lake stepped up patrols to decrease the incidence of underage drinking at its events. As a result, arrests for underage drinking have more than doubled over last year.

To help enforce its new parking policy, Darien Lake will erect a fence along Sumner Road (County Road 21). Construction of the fence began on July 24th, and will take approximately three weeks. All concert attendees will be required to enter by vehicle at the main Darien Lake entrance. There will continue to be no charge for on-site parking for concertgoers.

“Darien Lake was built to handle an influx and outflow of traffic,” Montgomery said. “With less traffic coming onto side roads from offsite parking, we believe this new policy may ultimately result in smoother traffic flow.”

The Darien Lake Performing Arts Center schedule includes eight concerts between now and the end of this year’s concert season (Sept. 15). The new policy will be in effect beginning August 17, throughout the 2012 and future concert seasons.

Seven arrests, 17 citations for Nickelback show at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by members of the Sheriff's Office in connection with the Nickelback concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Reuben L. Bumpus, 29, of Davis Drive, Newark, is charged with 14 counts of criminal mischief, 3rd, after allegedly throwing stones damaging 14 vehicles in the employee parking lot. Bumpus was arraigned and jailed on $10,000 bail.

Robert J. Tilton, 37, of Burkhart Road, Lexington, N.C., is charged with assault, 3rd, after allegedly punching another concert patron in the face causing a severe laceration. Tilton was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ryan J. Johnson, 21, of Hidden Oaks Court, Grand Island, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child, 1st, after allegedly providing alcohol to two underage females.

Doel H. Hormats, 23, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly damaging a seat in the venue.

Dustin W. Tagg, 17, of County Road, 15 Livonia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Jeffrey W. Donahue, 20, of Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol under 21 after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and alcohol.

Leslie W. Bardak, 50, of Hardt Lane, Amherst, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI after allegedly being found operating a motor vehicle in the parking lot in an intoxicated condition.

The following people received citations for alleged possession or consumption of alcohol under 21 years of age.

Tyler D. Hall, 18, of Route 362, Bliss
Jonathan R. Maroone, 18, of Hamburg
Kayla M. Stephenson, 18, of Middlesex Drive, Orchard Park
Carl L. Ratze, 17, of Pine Street, Franklinville
Joshua J. Fuller, 16, of Franklin Street, Franklinville
Nicholas H. Terwilliger, 17, of Johnson Street, Franklinville
Eric D. Michaelis, 16, of 2nd Avenue, Franklinville
(name redacted upon request), 17, of Florence Drive, Ransomville
(name redacted upon request), 17, of Porter Center Road, Lewiston
(name redacted upon request), 16, of Onondaga Street, Lewiston
(name redacted upon request), 16, Dickersonville Road, Ransomville
Jazzmin B. Lewis, 16, of Parkview Terrace,Cheektowaga
Lillith O. Boyd-Gamel, 18, of Pendennis Place, Cheektowaga
Nicole S. Putland, 18, of Peachtree Road, Cheektowaga
Sarah L. Williams, 17, of Staley Road, Grand Island
Kelly E. William, 20, of Staley Road, Grand Island
Tyler M. Bartlett, 18, of Kellogg Road, Springwater

Four arrested, 21 issued citations at Allman Brothers, Santana concert in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

The following four people were arrested by Sheriff's Office in connection with the Allman Brothers / Santana concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday evening.

Christine L. Guiher, 40, of Sheridan Park, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after allegedly causing a disturbance while being ejected from the concert venue and then physically resisting arrest, Guiher was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed on $500 bail.

Connor B. Holly, 24, of Gradiner Park, Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater after allegedly being found operating a motor vehicle in the parking lot while intoxicated.

John D. Romero, 20, of Reddick Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol under 21.

Megan E. Wells, 19, of Honeoye Falls Road, Honeoye Falls, is charged with unlawful possession, of marijuana and possession of alcohol under 21.

There were 21 citations issued for alleged possession or consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Karl V. Langrek, 19, of Middle Road, East Concord
Tyler R. Johnson, 19, of Tonawanda Creek Road, North Tonawanda
Benjamin R. Rupert, 19, of Robinson Road, Lockport
Justin E. Mast, 20, of Creek View Drive, Clarence Center
Austin B. Renz, 18, of Swamp Road, Auburn
Maxwell G. Johnson, 17, of East Lake Road, Skaneateles
James S. Mills, 18, of West Lake Road, Skaneateles
Bridget A. Field, 18, of Bishop Hill Road, Skaneateles
Matthew M. Hurley, 19, of Clardon Drive, Williamsville
Kaitlyn M. Hayes, 18, of Lake Street, Perry
Dylan M. Fox, 20, of Division Street, Pike
Alan J. Warren, 20, of Crotty Road, Fillmore
Steven C. Trubia, 18, of Windmill Trail, Rochester
Kevin Q. Widzinski, 18 Hubbard Street, North Chili
Samuel K. Knapton, 19, of Dewey Street, Churchville
Jessica B. Emick, 20, of Whitehouse Road, Portville
David L. Rubach, 19, of Lincoln Road, Snyder
John S. W. Yanity, 20, of Koster Row, Amherst
Eoghan L. Connors, 20, of Autobon Drive, Snyder
Michael P. Lempko, 20, of Berryman Drive, Amherst
Kyle C. Dains, 20, of Chateau Terrace, Amherst

Arm injury in dirt-bike accident in Darien

By Billie Owens

One person suffered an arm injury in a dirt-bike accident at 10063 Fargo Road, which is between Bell and Sumner roads. Darien fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 8:14 p.m.: It's determined that the patient has a broken arm.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: The patient is being transported to UMMC.

One vehicle rollover accident reported on Route 77, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident on Route 77 right in front of the Darien Lake Theme Park has been reported. Darien Fire Department is responding.

Minor injuries are reported.

UPDATE 7:17 a.m.: Vehicle is upside down at the bottom of a ditch that's 6 feet deep.

UPDATE 7:39 a.m.: Darien back in service.

Law and Order: Suspect who allegedly fled police on motorcycle last summer arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Earl Edward Vattes, 38, of Jefferson Street, Wellsville, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer, 3rd. Vattes was taken into custody on an arrest warrant stemming from an alleged pursuit of a motorcyclist by local law enforcement Aug. 4. Vattes is accused of failure to stop for a police officer who attempted to initiate a traffic stop for an alleged traffic violation in the City of Batavia. The motorcycle operator was pursued into the Town of Bathany where Vattes is alleged to have dumped the bike and fled into a cornfield on foot. A search of the area was unsuccessful in locating the suspect and the Sheriff's Office believes Vattes has been identified as the operator of the motorcycle.

Nichole M. McKerrow, 27, of 227 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, two counts of aggravated DWI (Leandra's Law, for allegedly driving drunk with children in the car), aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and refusal to take breath test. McKerrow is accused of being involved in a minor motor-vehicle accident. When Sgt. John Peck and Officer Kevin DeFelice arrived on scene, McKerrow was allegedly found passed out in the car. Two children, ages 3 and 5, were also allegedly in the vehicle. McKerrow was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Garth P. Hubbard, 21, of Kibbe Wilcos Road, Pitcher, is charged with public lewdness. Hubbard is accused of urinating in public at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Bernadine Doris Peet, 40, of Town Pump Circle, Rochester, is charged with DWI and speeding. Peet was allegedly caught on radar driving 56 mph in a 35 mph zone in the Village of Corfu at 10:51 p.m., Monday, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.  Peet was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Jason Michael Wagner, 33, of Alden Road, Carnegie, Pa., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure obey police officer. Wagner allegedly attempted to drive around Sheriff's patrols that were directing traffic at the intersection of Route 77 and Sumner Road, Darien, at 11:29 p.m., Tuesday. Wagner was released on $200 pre-arranged bail.

Seven drug-related arrests, 58 underage drinking citations at Vans Warped Tour

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrested were made by the Sheriff's Office during the Vans Warped Tour at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.

Jeffrey P. Rolison, 18, of Chapel Street, Mt. Morris, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana for allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Jason M. Fobare, 17, of Hardwood Lane, Cicero, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana for allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Andrew G. Trask, 21, of Taurus Avenue, Derby, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana for allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Andrew C. McClure, 20, of Patriot Court, Derby, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana for allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Taylor L. Cucinelli, 18, of Manitou Road, Spencerport, is charged criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana for allegedly possessing a quantity of hydrocodone, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Eric J. Saurini, 17, of Maida Drive, Spencerport, is charged criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana for allegedly possessing a quantity of hydrocodone and marijuana.

Mitchell, A. Schroeder, 16, of Timber Ridge Drive, Spencerport, is charged criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol with intent to consume under age 21, for allegedly possessing a quantity of hydrocodone, marijuana, alcohol and drug paraphernalia.

The Sherfiff's Office issued the following 58 people citations for allegedly possession and/or consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Cameron R. Miller, 20, of 74th Street, Niagara Falls
Cassandra R. Hefner, 17, of Peppermint Road, Lancaster
Jennifer M. Merkling, 17, of Lou-Ann Drive, Depew
Marissa A. Merkling, 16, of Lou-Ann, Depew
Kathryn M. Solecki, 18, of Walden Terrace, Buffalo
Ellen R. Pieroni, 17, of Wheaton Drive, Cheektowaga
(Name redacted upon request), 19, of McNaughton Avenue, Buffalo
Salvatore Ferrugia Jr., 20, of Wood Street, Lynbrook
Daniel C. Dapice, 18, of William Street, Hornell
Jacob E. Mazzatti, 17, of Crosby Street, Hornell
Justin R. Kelleher, 18, of Collier Street, Hornell
Rebecca K. Lovering, 17, of Scottsville Road, Scottsville
Brianna G. Boehmer, 17, of Chester Avenue, Rochester
Samantha P. Cyganik, 17, of Gallup Road, Spencerport
Kathryn M. Springsteen, 17, of Bissell Road, Bergen
Julia G. Colt, 19, of Boynton Street, West Seneca  
Daniel Gabamonte, 20, of Zoerb Avenue, Cheektowaga
Michael P. Musilli, 20, of South Creek Drive, Cheektowaga
Matthew J. Anderson, 20, of Versailles Plank Road, Versailles
Catherine A. Dickerson, 20, of Raspberry Patch Drive, Rochester 
Benjamin X. Luong, 20, of Burritt Road, Hilton
Joseph A. Ciuto, 20, of Country Meadow Way, Hilton
Jamie L. Talbot, 20, Wheelock Street, Canajoharie
Vianna M. Lawrence, 20, of Holland Avenue, Albany
Brandon J. Fox, 20, of Mead Run Road, Youngsville, Pennsylvania
Colin M. Josephson, 19, of McGraw Drive, Youngsville, Pennsylvania
Brooke E. VanHouton, 19, of Stilson Hill Road, Pittsford, Pennsylvania
Alexander J. Dunn, 19, of College Street, Youngsville, Pennsylvania
Leslie A. Bailey, 20, of East Main Street, Youngsville, Pennsylvania
Rebekah C. Warda, 19, of Emerson Drive, Amherst
Benjamin B. Warda, 16, of Emerson Drive, Amherst
Steven A. Delvecchio, 18, of Hurstbourne Road, Rochester
John T. Gasser, 19, of Pemberton Road, Rochester
Michael D. Petote, 18, of Pinoak Lane, Rochester
Kiara A. Wiltsie, 20, of Cavan Cove, Oswego
Danielle E. Pauldine, 20, of 5th Avenue, Oswego
Christopher J. Wilson, 19, of Strathcona Drive, Catherines, Ontario, Canada
Kyle E. Potter, 19, of Rochelle Drive, Street, Catherines, Ontario, Canada
Rosario S. Tocco, 19, of Mile Creek Road, Niagara On The Lake, Ontario, Canada 
Jennifer E. Vinson, 18, of Collier Road, Thorold, Ontario, Canada
Clarissa M. Metz, 19, of Bunting Road, Catherines, Ontario, Canada
Molly E. Gibson, 17, of Tonawanda Creek Road, Clarence
Robin C. Graziano, 16, of Calvin Drive, Buffalo
(Name redacted upon request), 17, of Hunters Lane, Williamsville
Robert P. Burke, 20, of Jamestown Street, Angola
Erin E. Redfield, 20, of Brescia Path, Clay
Parker M. ?, 20, of Lisbon Avenue, Buffalo
Matthew S. Fancher, 17, of Locomotive Lane, Cicero
Joshua A. Fancher, 19, of Locomotive Lane, Cicero
Kevin W. Lefurgy, 19, of West Leigh Road, Cicero
Morgan P. Cutter, 20, of James Street, Dryden
Kayla E. Ackerman, 18, of W. 10th Street, Elmira Heights
Brittany M. Button, 20, of Jefferson Street, Dansville
Daniel J. Alexander, 19, of Reeds Corners Road, Elmira Heights
Emily M. Brill,18, of Robin Wood, Elmira Heights
Kevin Oneal, 19, of East Avenue, Olean
Edward M. Seigler, 18, of Vicksburg Avenue, Tonawanda
James A. Coppola, 18, of Curtis Parkway, Tonawanda

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of stealing scrap metal from employer

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel Clarence Merrell, 45, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Merrell is accused of stealing scrap metal form his employer in June. Merrell was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Daniel W. Brown, 26, of Oneida, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .13 and speeding. Brown was stopped by State Police on Monday, on Route 77 in Darien as part of an enforcement detail in the area. During the detail, troopers issued 16 tickets to motorists for various alleged violations.

Danielle M. Stevens, 35, of Elba, is charged with possession of a forged instrument. Stevens was arrested by State Police on Friday for an alleged incident reported July 10. No further details were released.

Brittany B. Simmons, 19, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Simmons was cited in Bergen on Friday by State Police.

Only one arrest reported at Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper show at Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper performed Monday night at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

There was only one arrest and one alleged underage drinking citation issued in connection with the show by the legendary rockers.

Jose D. Garcia, 39, of South Roberts Road, Dunkirk, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the parking lot.

Ryan J. Gill, 18, of Wykoff Road, Scipio, received a citation for allegedly consuming alcohol under age 21.

Law and Order: Inmate accused of stealing two candy bars, trying to bring into jail

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Anthony Auricchio, 21, of Route 20, Darien, is charged with petit larceny and promoting prison contraband, 2nd. Auricchio is accused of stealing two candy bars from a Volunteers for Animals donation box at the Genesee County Animal Shelter and then attempting to bring those candy bars into the Genesee County Jail. According to the Sheriff's Office, Auricchio was made a trustee July 6 to replace as trustee an inmate scheduled to be released. On July 6, Auricchio was among three inmates tasked with custodial duties at the animal shelter. When the three inmates were returned to the jail by Deputy Ron Meides, a search allegedly found the candy bars hidden in Auricchio underwear. The candy bars were unapproved merchandise to allegedly bring into the jail.

Bradley J. Broadbent, 32, no permanent address, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Broadbent is accused of entering bathrooms of an office complex at 29 Liberty St., Batavia, and damaging fixtures some time before 3:20 p.m., July 6. Broadbent is currently being held in the Genesee County Jail on several other charges stemming from alleged events that same day.

Kenneth Scott Lathrop, 25, of Ruhlmann Road, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and open container with intent to consume. Lathrop was allegedly found in a Monte Carlo parked at the side of the road on Route 262 just east of Fisher Road, Oakfield. Deputy Tim Wescott had responded to the area at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, after the Sheriff's Office received reports of a Monte Carlo speeding and unsafely passing other vehicles.

Patricia Marie Anderson, 27, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. Anderson is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Katherine L. Urf, 51, and Joseph M. Franchi-Platten, 28, of 218 Elicott St., lower, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Urf and Franchi-Platten are accused of shoplifting food items from Tops.

Joanne Jefferson, 53, of 23 Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, driving left of pavement markings and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Jefferson was arrested after Batavia PD received a report at 10:22 p.m., Saturday, of an erratic driver heading west on Route 5 into the city. Jefferson was stopped by Sgt. Dan Coffey. Jefferson allegedly has a prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Truck's hook smashes car windshield on Route 238, Darien

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with very minor injuries is reported on Route 238, just south of Route 20. Darien fire and ambulance are responding. A large hook from a truck smashed through struck the windshield of a car.

UPDATE 3:31 p.m.: The driver of the car has glass in her eyes, which medics will try to flush out.

UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: Now they say the windshield is simply cracked and the patient will be a sign-off.

UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: Darien is back in service.

Two-car accident on Genesee Street in Darien

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at 277 Genesee St. in Darien. It is blocking traffic and there is debris in the roadway. Unknown injuries. Darien Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: A responder on scene reports there is only one car involved and it is not blocking traffic.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: Both people in the vehicle are sign-offs, according to medics, but because one is a minor, that person will be transported to UMMC for evaluation and the parent so notified.

Driver whose SUV rolled over accused of not yielding right of way at intersection in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Two people were injured in a rollover accident at the intersection of Colby and Sumner roads, Darien, at 10:08 a.m., Saturday, after one driver allegedly failed to yield the right of way.

Ann Elizabeth Ward, 28, of Buffalo, allegedly stopped at the southbound stop sign on Colby Road, and then proceeded into the intersection despite oncoming cross traffic.

Ward's 2011 Nissan SUV was hit by a Ford sedan driven by Bithika Sarmaroy, 23, of Corfu.

The SUV overturned and struck a northbound Buick sedan driven by Patricia Vanburn, 20, of Silver Springs.

Ward was injured in the crash and transported to UMMC.

Vanburn also suffered minor injuries and was transported to Warsaw Community Hospital.

Sarmaroy was not injured.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff, who issued a citation to Ward for alleged failure to yield right of way.

(Initial Report)

(Scene accident sketch from Police Accident Report. Not to scale.)

Accident with injuries reported and Sumner and Colby roads, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car rollover accident with injuries is reported at Sumner and Colby roads, Darien.

Darien fire and ambulance responding. Mercy EMS also dispatched.

UPDATE 10:25 a.m.: Chief on scene says Mercy Flight will not be needed at this accident.

UPDATE 11:04 a.m.: One patient transported to Warsaw, one patient is a sign-off.

UPDATE 11:19 a.m.: A third person was transported to UMMC. Darien is back in service and the roadway is reopened.

Law and Order: Alexander man facing new burglary charges

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas A. Antonucci, 25, of 4192 Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with burglary, 2nd, grand larceny, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th. Antonucci is accused of stealing a shotgun from a residence in the Town of Gainesville and of stealing a dirt bike from a residence in the Town of Covington. The shotgun was reportedly recovered in Batavia. Antonucci was already in the Wyoming County Jail on $100,000 bail charged with other burglaries and thefts. On each of the new charges, $50,000 was added to Antonucci's bail.

Jordan Kyle Prentice, 21, of Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with DWAI, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to keep right and driving left of pavement marking. Prentice was stopped at 12:42 p.m., June 22, on Judge Road, Alabama, by Sgt. Tom Sanfratello for allegedly driving down the middle of the road. Prentice is accused of driving under the influence of marijuana.

Bradley Micheal Crandall, 44, of Lake Street, Le Roy. Crandall is accused of stealing cans of beer from Tops in Le Roy. He was apprehended after a short foot chase by a store employee.

John Arthur Smith, 45, West Bergen Road, Le Roy, is charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Smith is accused of interfering with an investigation into a domestic incident. He allegedly pushed a deputy's arm away several times as the deputy attempted to place him into custody.

Sarah P. Nichols, 29, of 112 Ellsworth Ave., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Nichols is accused of stealing $50 from the cash drawer at her place of employment on West Main Street.

Lucas George Yauchzee, 22, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Yauchzee is accused of grabbing another person by the arms and pushing that person backwards during an argument.

Christine M. Krug-Leach, 45, of 703 W. Ferry St., Buffalo, is charged with DWI, DWAI and refusal to submit to breath test. Krug-Leach was stopped at 11:11 p.m. on West Main Street, Le Roy, by Le Roy PD following a report of an erratic driver.

Matthew R. Mancini, 26, of Bedford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Mancini was stopped at 11 p.m., Tuesday, in the Village of Alexander by State Police.

Scott Sullivan, 32, of Darien, is charged with a traffic device violation (sign). Sullivan was issued an appearance ticket by State Police on Wednesday morning.

Matthew S. Ryan, 29, of Chittenango, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Ryan was detained by State Police in Darien at 7 p.m., Tuesday.

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

This is news: No arrests at Beach Boys concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

If you're wondering where the report is on all of the arrests at the Beach Boys concert at Darien Lake on Friday, here's a news flash: There weren't any.

Apparently, nobody urinated on another patron, nobody was arrested for trespass for jumping a fence to get backstage, nobody tried to shoplift from a vendor and nobody took a swing at a security guard.

There weren't even any citations issued for underage drinking.

Perhaps less surprising, there were also weren't any citations issued for unlawful possession of marijuana.

"It was a completely different crowd than what we usually deal with," said Sgt. Steve Mullen, of the Sheriff's Office.

Mullen said people entered the venue in an orderly manner -- forming a single line instead of the usual "mosh pit" of pushing and shoving to enter -- and alcohol consumption was mostly confined a couple of beers or a glass or two of wine (people brought their own glasses).

"They even picked up after themselves," Mullen said.

One deputy we spoke to said concertgoers even thanked him for being there.

The evening wasn't without conflicts. Getting out of the Darien Lake parking lot is apparently a frustrating exercise even on a night when the band draws less than 8,000 people.

One patron, Janice O'Rouke, posted on the D&C's Web site that the situation in the parking lot was "ugly," but what she describes was really pretty tame compared to what might occur at a Brad Paisley or Drake show.

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble confirmed there were some tense moments in the parking lot as people tried to leave, but only one or two confrontations and "certainly less than normal."

Dibble:

No one would ever describe the parking lot situation as pleasant or fast, I'm sure. Thousands of vehicles exiting onto one state highway and one county road will never be pleasant or fast by any stretch of the imagination. The parking lot funneling to the exits will always cause conflict that sometimes becomes physical. Alcohol abuse is a significant factor. 

The Sheriff's Office routinely has as many as 10 deputies directing traffic at the end of the concerts with the goal of getting everyone out as quickly and as safely as humanly possible and yet it will take the last of the patrons as much as two hours to get on the road from a large concert.

Accidents in the traffic pattern will pull deputies from traffic direction duty and cause additional back ups. The State Police also have patrols in the area working to keep traffic moving. Traffic backed up to the park from the Village of Corfu is common even though the Corfu PD assists traffic through their village as best they can. 

Private parking lots along Sumner Road result in gridlock and heavy foot traffic mixed in with bumper-to-bumper vehicle traffic in poor lighting with no sidewalks and narrow, unimproved shoulders. 

People need to understand the limitations at this venue, study the routes in and out, be prepared to take an alternate route and expect delays both getting there and leaving. 

This is a very difficult venue to manage under these conditions.  

Even with the inherant difficulties with the venue, Dibble said, the crowd Friday was very easy to work with.

"While the parking lots are usually littered with bottles and cans after a concert, there were few and far between at the end of this one," Dibble said. "People were polite and considerate as they entered and left."

Mullen agreed.

"It was a mature crowd," Mullen said. "They were there to enjoy the concert and have a good time and not cause anybody else problems. It was an honor to be there to serve them and they were glad to have us there."

Three arrests and 59 tickets issued at Rascal Flatts concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were made by the Sheriff's Office on Saturday night in connection with the Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake.

Anna V. Brucket, 18, of  2nd Street, Geneseo, is charged with trespass for allegedly reentering the concert venue after she was previously ejected from the concert.

Justin R. Edder, 30, of Shirley Road, North Collins, is charged with trespass for allegedly reentering the concert venue after he was previously ejected from the concert.

Robert A. Pelusio, 22, of Frostholm Drive, Rochester is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Sheriff's deputies issued tickets to 59 people for alleged possession of alcohol underage 21. The names of the individuals were not released.

Young man struck by car at 'The Hill' in Darien succombs to injuries

By Howard B. Owens

A 20-year-old resident of Mumford died this morning from injuries sustained in an accident on Sumner Road, Darien, last night.

Investigators said that at 9:05 p.m. Casey J. Parnell stepped from the south shoulder of Sumner Road into the roadway for no apparent reason.

He was struck by a 2009 Kia minivan driven by Amanda Cline, 39, of Homer.

The accident was reported at 1516 Sumner Road, at the base of an area known as "The Hill" or "Cherry Hill," and is reportedly a privately owned parking lot favored by many young people going to concerts at Darien Lake.

Parnell's action was described as "sudden."

While the accident remains under investigation, no charges are anticipated.

Parnell, who was flown to Erie County Medical Center by Mercy Flight, succumbed to his injuries at 5:23 a.m.

None of the occupants of the minivan were injured.

Assisting the Sheriff's Office at the scene were State Police, Darien Volunteer Fire Department and Mercy EMS.

(Initial Report)

UPDATED 11:40 a.m.: Added photos from the accident scene this morning of Deputy Ron Meides and Sgt. John Szumigala taking measurements to aid in the investigation.

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