Skip to main content

Pavilion

No hot leads in Pavilion bank robbery investigation, Sheriff says

By Howard B. Owens

There are leads, but no hot leads in the search for the man who robbed the Five Star Bank branch in Pavilion yesterday.

The man fled the scene, apparently, by heading behind the bank, toward St. Mary's Street and the train tracks and heading off into the woods in that general direction.

That, at least, is what the Sheriff's Office believed yesterday, and where deputies and state troopers concentrated their search efforts for about four hours.

The biggest clue that might lead to arrest, Sheriff Gary Maha said, is the blue and black racing jacket with "Husqvarna" lettered down the left sleeve.

The robber is described as a white male, 25 to 35 years old. He presented a demand note at the branch at 11:32 a.m. yesterday and reportedly did not display a weapon.

Audio: Gary Maha speaks with WBTA. (mp3)

UPDATE: We just received the example photo used at the top of this post from the Sheriff's Office.  This is what investigators believe is an example of the jacket the robber was wearing.

NOTE: The jacket isn't in Husqvarna's current catalog nor have I been able to find that particular jacket on sale any place online so far.  So it is pretty unique.

Manhunt in Pavilion for bank robber winding down

By Howard B. Owens

The manhunt for a bank robber in Pavilion is going into "investigative mode," said Sheriff Gary Maha minutes ago.

The uniformed personal are being pulled from the field. DEC officers from Avon are on the trails through the woods where he was last seen. They will back track to the Five Star branch to see if the robber shed his hat and jacket after leaving the bank.

"When our deputy saw somebody he wasn't wearing this hat or jacket, so either it wasn't him or he dumped his clothing," said Maha.

Investigators are talking to Pavilion business owners and residents, sharing the bank photo of the suspect and following up on leads from the scene, Maha said.

Audio: Statement by Sheriff Maha (mp3).

Search continues for Pavilion bank robber

By Billie Owens

A man suspected of robbing Five Star Bank in Pavilion at about 11:30 a.m. is still on the lam as law enforcement units from three counties (Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston) scour a heavily wooded area southwest of the village.

A state police helicopter is surveying the area, too, along with ATVs and a canine unit.

"We think he's still in the area," Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha said. "But we're not sure."

Pavilion School has been in lockdown since the incident, but that is being called off now and school officials say the students will be dismissed at the regular time.

The suspect is described as white, between 25 and 35, between 175 and 180 lbs.. He's wearing a black jacket with light blue stripes down the sleeves, with a Husqvarna logo, sunglasses and a green and white hat.

According to Sheriff Maha, the suspect did not brandish a weapon when demanding money at the bank. He was seen running from the bank, then he dropped out of sight. Soon thereafter, a Sheriff's deputy spotted a man running down the railroad tracks nearby. He acted suspiciously and ran into the woods.

The heat-sensor equipment on board the helicopter is virtually ineffective in locating the suspect's whereabout in the thick woods. Law enforcement set up a wide parameter around the scene and eventually let the dog loose to help in the pursuit.

Meanwhile, officers were checking parked cars in the vicinity to clear them of any possible involvement. Fresh four-wheel drive tracks were spotted before the police ATVs arrived, but it's unknown if they relate to this incident.

No one apparently was injured in the heist and the Sheriff said it's unknown at this point, how much money was taken. Although it was intially reported by The Batavian that a bag with money was found, that is not the case. The suspect brought a "Target-type" bag into the bank, but it has not been found.

If this is another case of an urban resident robbing a rural bank, and that's not known yet, it would seem to indicate, according to Maha, that: "maybe they think we're easy pickin's. "

He said, on average, there's one or two bank robberies a year in Genesee County.

AUDIO: Press Conference with Sheriff Maha (mp3)

AUDIO: Statement from Sheriff Maha about releasing bank photo (mp3)

Police pursue bank robbery suspect in Pavilion area

By Howard B. Owens

Pavilion School is being locked down as police pursue a bank robbery suspect in the area.

The man is described as a white male heading toward Wyoming on foot.

Police on scene are requesting Livingston County send a K-9 unit and the State Police helicopter is being requested.

UPDATE: The suspect has been seen running on the railroad tracks, heading north out of the Village of Pavilion, near the end of St. Mary's Street. He is further described as being between 20 and 35 years old, 5'10" and about 170 lbs., wearing a bright green and white hat, sunglasses, a jacket with stripes down the sleeves and a logo of Husqvarna (on either hat or jacket).

A state police helicopter is on scene. The canine unit is readying to release the police dog. There's a lot of trails through the woods where the suspect is now. They have set up a command post at the village library and now are calling for a parameter set up at Hanson Park near the creek.

UPDATE: They've spotted fresh four-wheel drive tracks in the area, unknown as to whether that indicates an accomplice -- or is relevent to the case.

UPDATE: They've spotted a bag of money "in a Target like bag." The bank robbed was the Five-Star Bank, located 6948 Cato Street in Pavilion.

UPDATE (12:30 p.m.): Units are checking parked cars in the vicinity to determine whether any are involved in this incident. They've spotted a path off the railroad tracks heading west.

UPDATE (12:34 p.m.): Officers are scouring the ATV trails and the canine is working the trails, too. The library is offering police to come in and use Google Maps if need be. Law enforcement ATVs are en route.

UPDATE (12:47 p.m.): They've let the dog off leash to work the trail.

UPDATE (1:05 p.m.): The police are switching the command post from the library to the town hall.

Van fire in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A van fire has been reported at 7500 York Road in Pavilion. The caller reports her van was being worked on. There is a lot of smoke, but no visible flames.


View Larger Map

Police Beat: Man arrested for punching another at Darien golf course

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Kyle Loveland, 26, of 665 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, is charged with harassment. Loveland allegedly punched another person in the face while at Chestnut Ridge Country Club in Darien at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. The victim was reportedly treated at the scene and declined transportation to a hospital. Loveland was issued an appearance ticket. The incident was investigated by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Pamela A. Loughridge, 41, of 5630 Buffalo Road, Apt. 5, Churchville, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and moving from the lane unsafely. Loughridge was stopped at 6:04 p.m. yesterday by Deputy Chad Minuto on Route 237 in Byron.

Justin J. Jaszko, 30, of 8087 Kelsey Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass. Jaszko allegedly entered the residence of his child's mother in Oakfield and refused to leave. The alleged incident occurred Friday morning at 8:45. Deputy Christopher Parker handled the call.

Ann M. Burgler, 49, of 6592 Royal Parkway, Lockport, is charged with DWI, DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Burgler was stopped by Deputy Kevin McCarthy on Route 5 in Pembroke at 2:54 p.m. on Saturday.

Adam M. Gaylord, 29, of Byron, is charged with DWI, operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or greater and criminal possession of a weapon. Gaylord was stopped by State Police on Chapel Road in Elba at 10:50 p.m. on Friday.

Stephen L. Nichols, 33, of New York City, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater. Nichols was stopped by State Police in Pavilion at Route 63 and Route 20 at 2:50 a.m. on Saturday.

Pavilion Post Office reopens Oct. 1

By Billie Owens

Post office box and retail services will resume at the Pavilion Post Office on Thursday, Oct. 1. It is located at 11142 Lake St. in Pavilion.  

Any P.O. box mail remaining in the existing boxes at the temporary location after close of business on Sept. 30 will be transported to the respective post office box at the Pavilion Post Office for the Oct. 1 reopening. 
 
The hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
 

Event Date and Time
-

Police Beat: Driver accused of dumping trash charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Gergory P. Hamm-Johnson, 19, of 10140 Brookville Road, Alexander, is charged with a felony count of DWI, aggravated DWI and illegal dumping. He was stopped by Deputy Kevin McCarthy at 2:52 a.m. for allegedly throwing trash from his vehicle onto Old Creek Road in Alexander. 

Brian T. Rushing, 24, of 3314 Eagle Harbor Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings and unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Rushing was stopped on Townline Road in Bergen by Deputy Howard Carlson on Thursday at 5:33 a.m. for an alleged traffic violation.

Matide Maximino Luis, 21, no address, is charged with entering the country illegally. Luis was picked up last week following a traffic accident on Route 20 in Pavilion. Luis allegedly ran from the scene after deputies suspected he was in the country illegally. He was captured after a short foot chase. Luis was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security Border Patrol.

Four Genesee County men were arrested for alleged trespass on Sept. 19, according to a State Police blotter item released yesterday. The four men are apparently accused of trespassing at 2750 Maple Road, Oakfield. Arrested and charged were Ryan T. Schultz, 22, of Oakfield; Robert J. Maerten, 22, of Basom; Donald J. Maerten, 24, of Basom; and, Adam R. Bischoff, 22, of Oakfield. No further details are available.

Police Beat: Man reportedly had marijuana residue on pipe

By Howard B. Owens

Peter William Stapley, 19, of 3797 Piffard Circle, Piffard, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Stapley allegedly possessed a pipe with marijuana residue on it. He was arrested Friday at 3:39 a.m. in Pavilion.

Robert Lawrence Drozdowski, 27, of 14 W. Main St, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Drozdowski allegedly violated a court order which required him to have no contact of any kind with his ex-girlfriend. He allegedly sent a letter to her while incarcirated in Genesee County Jail. Drozdowski remains in jail.

William Dolose Hirsch, 22, of 10025 Buckman Road, Pavilion, is charged with two counts of harassment and stalking. Hirsch was arrested after allegedly calling his ex-girlfriend several times in June after he reportedly was told not to contact her again. He also sent her a picture for "no legitimate purpose," according to the Sheriff's Office press release. Hirsch was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Car into pole on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A car has run into a utility pole at 6442 Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion.

Live wires are down, and the pole is down on top of the car. No word on injuries yet.

Southbound traffic is being halted.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Apparently, three people were in the car. They are now in a swimming pool near the accident scene trying to wash the glass off themselves. EMS: "We've got three victims here. They are in the pool. They appear OK other than glass."

UPDATE 2:17 p.m.: Route 63 has been reopened.


View Larger Map

Sealer spilled on Junction Road in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

I didn't catch the initial call, but apparently there was an accident this morning around the 6800 block of Junction Road in Pavilion involving a sealer truck.

Sealer and yellow paint were apparently spilled on the roadway.

The highway superintendent is enroute to investigate the scene. The two vehicles involved have been towed away.


View Larger Map

Car hits pole in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A one-car motor vehicle accident is being handled at Summit Street near North Street in Batavia. The female driver is coherent, walking around, but will receive a hospital medical evaluation.

It's a car-into-utility pole incident involving pole No. 24 (first reported as pole No. 596), which has three transformers. National Grid has been advised of the incident. It was initially believed that the pole was split and displayed arcing electricity at the top. First responders say the pole does not appear to be split, but National Grid will still need to inspect it.

CORRECTION: Someone, ostensibly with the fire department, sent an email correcting this post:

You combined two different car pole accidents into one....Pavilion had one at the same time with pole number 596 that was cracked toward the top. The one in the city was a few minutes afterwards and was pole 24 that had 3 transformers on it.

The Batavian regrets the error and appreciates the clarification.

Police Beat: Alleged theft of cell phone leads to arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Harris G. Reed, 28, of 27 Perry St., Holley, is charged with petit larceny. Reed is accused of stealing a cell phone from a counter top at 11293 Lake Road, Pavilion. The alleged theft took place June 3. Reed was arrested Aug. 7. He will be arraigned in Pavilion Town Court Sept. 8.

A 17-year-old boy from Alabama has been charged with distributing indecent material to minors via a computer and endangering the welfare of a child. The youth allegedly sent nude pictures of himself to a minor female.

Jason W. Wolf, of the Town of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, falsifying business records and 25 counts of offer to file a false instrument. The investigation by State Police is ongoing. The alleged crime was first reported Nov. 5. Wolf was arrested last week. He was released on his own recognizance. No other details were available on the SP media web site this morning.

Police Beat: Woman reportedly provides false ID after stop for alleged DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Stacy R. Bechtold, 31, of 1429 East Drive, Alden, is charged with DWI and criminal impersonation, along with several other charges after being stopped by Sheriff's deputies at 10:29 p.m. Saturday. Bechtold was reportedly seen driving erratically from Alabama to Maltby Road in Oakfield. When stopped, Bechtold allegedly provided deputies with a fake identity and false birth date. It turns out, she reportedly was driving on a suspended license and an outstanding arrest warrant from Monroe County.  Additional charges: Driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, failure to notify DMV of an address change, uninsured vehicle and failure to keep right. Deputies Chris Parker and Brad Mazur investigated the incident. Bechtold was released to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department on the outstanding warrant.

Christopher A. Saddler, 25, of 3 Lydun Drive, Albion, is charged with criminal mischief. Saddler allegedly punched a candy machine inside Tenney Laundry.

Gregory Seppe, 51, of 19 Manhatten Ave., Batavia, is charged with trespass. Seppe allegedly entered the Salvation Army after previously being told he was not allowed on the premises. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Vincent J. T. Dell, 21, of 17 Thorpe St., Batavia, and Nateeka M. Gibson, 20, of 13 Thorpe St., Batavia, are both charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly fighting at 3:07 Saturday morning. Jerell J.T. Jones, 20, of 17 Thorpe St., Batavia, was charged with littering during the same incident. Officers Dan Coffey and Frank Klimjack handled the call.

Vincent Michael Esten, 27, of 10998 Transit Road, Pavilion, is charged with filing a false report with the Sheriff's Office. Esten allegedly reported that another individual had opened a cable television account using his name. After further investigation, the report allegedly turned out to be false. Deputy Joseph Graff investigated the report.

Jody L. Beaumont, 39, of 8557 East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.  Beaumont reportedly hit some trees on York Road and then allegedly left the scene. He was later located at his residence. He is also charged with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from a lane unsafely. The accident reportedly occurred at 5:40 a.m., Sunday. Deputies John Weis and Frank Bordanaro investigated the incident.

Patrick S. Waldron, 21, of 1590 Edgewood Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from a lane unsafely. Waldron was reportedly stopped Sunday at 1:15 a.m. at Route 237 and Walkers Corner Road.

Nicholas R. Harig, 19, of 170 Trowbridge Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI following a traffic stop in Corfu by Officer Edward Caton for allegedly tailgating. Harig was also cited for having an inadequate muffler on his vehicle.

Dustin D. Say, 18, of 1952 Perry Road, North Java, and a 17-year-old companion from Alexander are charged with a felony count of burglary. Say and his companion allegedly entered an unlocked garage in Alexander and stole alcoholic beverages.

Sarah J. Patrick, 19, of Lockport, is charged with DWI. Patrick was stopped by State Police on Route 77 in Pembroke at 9:28 p.m. on Friday.

Chad A. Plante, 25, of Rochester, is charged with DWI, unlicensed operation and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Plante was stopped by State Police on Route 77 in Darien at 9:45 p.m. on Friday.

Benjamin P. Greene, 21, of Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to stay in designated lane. Greene was stopped by State Police on Galloway Road in Batavia at 2:31 a.m. on Sunday.

Daniel N. Brown, 36, of Le Roy, is charged with two counts of possession of a forged instrument. Brown was arrested by State Police on West Saile Drive in Batavia. The initial report was taken on June 7.  Brown was released on his own recognizance.

Rollover accident reported in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A roll-over accident has been reported at about 9835 Lake Street Road, Route 19, Pavilion.  The initial report said the vehicle was on fire with at least one person trapped in the car, but a first responder reports there is no fire and extraction will not be required.

Mercy Flight will not be required.


View Larger Map

Family-owned grocery store opening in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

I wish somebody had tipped us to the new grocery store opening in Pavilion.

It's the kind of local entrepreneur story I like -- seeing a need, seeing an opportunity and taking action.

The store is being opened by Jeff and Vicki Kingdon, a Pavilion couple with no prior grocery store experience. 

And it raises the question: If an entrepreneur is willing to take a chance and open a grocery store in Pavilion, why can't somebody do the same thing in Downtown Batavia?

There's some great retail space vacant downtown. There's no reason for it to remain empty.

Police Beat: State Police make two arrests

By Howard B. Owens

Mark S. Hoadley, 46, of Geneseo, is charged with DWAI. Hoadley was stopped in Pavilion by State Police for allegedly failing to stay in his lane of travel. Hoadley was reportedly found with a BAC of .07 percent. He was issued a ticket for driving with ability impaired by alcohol and failure to stay in designated lane.

Samoni T. Hazle, 23, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Hazle was stopped on Route 33 in Bergen for allegedly straying from his lane of travel. State Police report Hazle registered a BAC of .09 percent. Hazle was also accused of having an open container.

Failure to stop at intersection may have caused serious injury accident in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A minivan driven by a 60-year-old Castile resident apparently blew through a stop sign on Perry Road this afternoon allegedly causing an accident that sent her and five other people to the hospital.

Jean A. Foote, and her passenger, Ann Witek, 89, were taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Foote was reportedly driving south on Perry Road when she approached Route 20 and failed to yield for a stop sign at the intersection.

The car she hit, a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, carried a driver and three passengers. The driver and one other passenger were taken by ground ambulance to Wyoming County Community Hospital, and the other two passengers were transported to Strong by ground ambulance.

The driver was 23-year-old Stephanie M. Hall, of Attica. Her passengers were John Rennard, 18, of Alexander, Kristie G. Terry, 17, of Wyoming and Joshua J. Wells, 18, of East Bethany.

All six victims were wearing seat belts, and none of the six suffered life-threatening injuries, according to the Sheriff's Office report.

The time of the accident was 4:20 p.m.

It is under investigation by Deputy Matt Butler, Sgt. Greg Walker, Sgt. Steve Mullen and members of the Genesee County Crash Management Team, Sgt. William Scott and Deputy Eric Seppala.

Responding to the scene were the Pavilion Volunteer Fire Department, Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, York Volunteer Fire Department, Le Roy Volunteer Ambulance Service, City of Batavia Ambulance Service and Mercy Flight.

Previously: Two-car rollover accident reported near Pavilion Center

Two-car rollover accident reported near Pavilion Center

By Howard B. Owens

Emergency crews are responding to a possible serious-injury accident at Route 20 and Perry Road east of Pavilion Center.

Two cars are reportedly on their roofs and "multiple injuries" are reported.  Mercy Flight is being dispatched.

UPDATE 5:00 p.m.: On scene. One Mercy Flight helicopter has left and at least one more, possibly two, on their way. A maroon minivan is on its side while a black compact car is now upright. Emergency crews are treating patients. There may be as many as five patients involved.

UPDATE 6:42 p.m.: There were six victims, all adults. Two in a sedan, and four in a minivan. Two were taken by Mercy Flight to area hospitals -- at least one to Strong, so the other probably to ECMC. Four other victims were taken by ground ambulance to Strong (possibily).  Investigators on scene as of an hour ago had no idea how the accident occurred. They were just getting started with examining the scene. I'll post a couple of pictures after I get to tonight's City Council meeting.  As for video, my camera is busted.  It probably recorded fine, but now playback isn't working.  Somebody is bringing me another camera tonight, but I probably won't be able to get any video up from the scene before the morning.


View Larger Map

Police Beat: Batavia man faces three charges of harassment for allegedly fighting

By Howard B. Owens

Eric C. Smith, 21, of 15 Edwards St., Batavia, is charged with three counts of harassment and one count of disorderly conduct. Smith was allegedly involved in a fight in which he allegedly pushed and punched three individuals. Further, Smith is accused of urinating on the floor and walls at police headquarters while being processed. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Kevin Q. Thomas, Jr., 20, of 193 S. Main St., Batavia, is charged with harassment. Thomas was allegedly involved in the same fight as Smith, above, and allegedly pushed another person. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Thomas K. Lee, 14 Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lee allegedly stole items from the Kwik-Fill store in Batavia. He was jailed on $250 bail.

James S. Gibbs, 33, of 34 Vernon Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Gibbs allegedly sent numerous text messages to a woman he was barred from contacting. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

David J. Alvarado, 27, of 2103 S. 9th St., Lafayette, Ind., is charged with DWI. Officer Dan Coffey suspected Alvarado of driving drunk after a traffic stop for allegedly driving without headlights. He is also accused of having a BAC of .08 or greater.

Robert Michael Browne, 48, of 282 Route 20 Road, Room #3, Darien, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt. Browne allegedly violated a court order by going to a residence in the Town of Darien which he had been ordered to avoid.

Charles J. Fetterman, 37, of Lockport, is charged with DWI. Fetterman was stopped by a state trooper after allegedly failing to keep right on Route 20 in Darien. He is accused of driving with a BAC of .10 percent.

Bryan P. Falictico, 20, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Falictico allegedly failed to keep right on Route 5 in Batavia, which led to a traffic stop by a state trooper. Falictico allegedly registered a BAC of .16 pecent.

William V. Mattucci, 53, of 414 Schenk St., North Tonawanda, is charged with DWI, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and driving left of pavement markings. Mattucci was arrested in Corfu by village police.

Cynthia L. Carlo, 44, of 10 Gaslite Lane, Batavia, is charged with DWI, with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from a lane unsafely. Carlo was stopped on Route 98 by Deputy H.J. Carlson early Sunday morning.

Jeffrey J. Klar, 29, 7178 Lovers Lane Road, Cattaraugus, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 or greater, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Klar allegedly drove his car off a grass parking area on Sumner Road in Darien when he reportedly hit another car. He was stopped by a Sheriff's deputy on Sumner Road after allegedly trying to leave the scene.

Victor Trejo, 21, of 4238 West Ave., Elba, is charged with DWI and unlawful possession of marijuana. Trejo was stopped for allegedly speeding on Bank Street Road in Elba.

Luke W. Ritzenthaler, 26, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Ritzenthaler was allegedly found in possession of a pipe containing marijuana residue. He is also charged with operation a motor vehicle on a revoked license.

Patrick J. Lamendola, 48, of Rochester is charged with DWI. Lamendola was stopped by a state trooper for allegedly driving down the shoulder of Route 19 in Pavilion. Lamendola's BAC was reportedly .09 percent.

Authentically Local