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Motorcyclist now on foot, being pursued by the law

By Billie Owens

A man on a motorcycle is now the subject of a foot pursuit in a cornfield near routes 63 and 20 in Pavilion. The incident began in the City of Batavia. We didn't hear how things started, only that he's being hunted by Sheriff's deputies.

While he was gunning his motorcycle with the law in hot pursuit, the chain on his bike broke. He ditched it, along with his helmet, and ran into a nearby cornfield. They spotted him by a hedgerow and then he disappeared into the field again.

State Troopers are on scene, too, and they are asked to provide a helicopter to locate the suspect. Pharoah, the Sheriff's Office dog, is working the scene as well. The dog hasn't located the guy yet, but did return to his handler, Deputy Brian Thompson, from the west.

The man being sought is wearing jeans and has on a black leather jacket. The motorcycle doesn't have plates.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: A "whole family of deer" is hanging out in one area of the search, so they are thinking he hasn't gone in that direction. The helicopter is flying above.

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: The helicopter is continuing a sweep of the farm fields west-to-northwest.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: The "family of deer has been spooked from its location" and so officers on the ground are asked to scour that area. The motorcycle is being towed "to a secure location."

UPDATE 8:27: The motorcycle is a 1990 GST Suzuki with an expired registered out of Belmont. The manhunt has yielded no results. The helicopter is returning to base.

UPDATE 10:14 p.m. (by Howard): Photo, Deputy Thompson and Pharoah. Deputies and troopers cleared the scene about about 9:30 p.m. with the suspect still at large. The chase started when Deputy Joseph Graff performed a traffic stop on a motorcyle that didn't have plates. After Deputy Graff exited his vehicle to approach the motorcyclist, the rider took off at high speed.

Suicide standoff on Pratt Road ends peacefully

By Billie Owens

The skills of a seasoned negotiator and the quick, efficient response of several different agencies is credited with helping diffuse a volitile suicidal standoff on Pratt Road that began about an hour ago.

The white male who had a gun pointed under his chin and threatened to kill himself was just taken safely from the scene outside of the Apple Grove Mobile Home Park to the State Police barracks, where he will be properly evaluated. Charges against him are pending, but no details have been provided.

"The situation was resolved peacefully," said State Police Sgt. Ron Lobur. "...(The responders) are all heroes. They all did a good job. We had a positive outcome. Nobody was hurt."

In addition to state troopers, responders included Sheriff's deputies, Mercy medics and the East Pembroke Fire Department.

Lobur said it was fortunate that State Police Investigator Leo Hunter happened to be on duty and got to the scene swiftly.

A witness said officers kept the man talking and kept giving him cigarettes to enjoy. Then Hunter arrived.

"Within three minutes, he had him put the gun down," the witness said.

Vandals do damage to historic Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

Some time in the past week, vandals knocked over at least six obelisks and gravestones at the Batavia Cemetery.

Jon McManis, with the Batavia Cemetery Association, returned from vacation and spotted the damaged obelisks above and the next day he surveyed the cemetery and found more damage.

"I wish these idiots would realize they're not just tipping over stones, they're wrecking history," McManis said.

The obelisk pictured above -- for the Lewis family -- is the only obelisk with any apparent damage. McManis isn't sure how it can be repaired.  

The others are simply heavy -- weighing 100lbs per column foot -- and the association doesn't necessarily have the spare funds to pay for them to be put back in place.

One gravestone was broke off at its base.

"Why would you want to get your jollies from doing something like this?" McManis asked while looking down at the broken Lewis obelisk.

Anybody with information that might lead to police identifying suspects in the case can call the confidential tip line at 345-6370.

Police Beat: Jail inmate accused of trying to get a friend to cash forged checks

By Howard B. Owens

Ryan M. Shrauger, 41, of 6 Hull Park, Batavia, is charged with forgery, 2nd, possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny. Shrauger is being held in the Genesee County Jail on unrelated charges. Shrauger allegedly forged checks and asked an acquaintance to cash them for him at a local financial institution.

Nicholas F. Donoghue, 21, of 206 Callan Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st. Donoghue is accused of providing alcohol to a person under age 21 while in the park on Munson Street, Le Roy.

Duffy L. Starks, 19, of 20 N. Spruce St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, assault, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Starks was arrested on a warrant issued following an investigation into an incident in the city June 6. Starks was taken into custody without incident when he was found in a vacant apartment at 1 Dawson. Starks is being held without bail.

Ryan Michael Carr, 23, of Filner Avenue, North Tonawanda, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Carr is accused of making more than 140 phone calls to known persons in the Town of Alexander. The calls were allegedly harassing in nature. Carr was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Pamela Lynn McKenzie, 36, of Covell Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. McKenzie is accused of stealing jewelry from a store at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Driver in serious injury accident charged with vehicular assault

By Howard B. Owens

A 21-year-old driver involved in a serious injury motor-vehicle accident on Pike Road, Alexander, is being accused of driving drunk and faces a felony charge of vehicular assault, 2nd.

Wyatt J. Becker, 21, of Sumner Road, Darien, was driving a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville when he allegedly lost control of the car and struck a tree. The incident happened at 12:26 a.m., July 30.

His passenger, Luke M. Taracki, 20, of Rusher Road, Alden, needed to be extricated from the vehicle and taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC with serious injuries.

Becker is also charged with DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, failure to keep right and refusal to take a breath test.

Police Beat: Creek Road resident accused of causing concussion

By Howard B. Owens

Scott Eric Hodgins, 43, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Hodgins is accused of punching another person in the head several times causing a concussion.

Latoya Yalonda Stanley, 23, of State Street, is charged with petit larceny. Stanley is accused of shoplifting about $96 worth of merchandise from Kmart.

Nicholas A. Clark, 21, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Clark was stopped late Friday by Le Roy Police after reportedly being observed vomiting from his vehicle while on Munson Street.

Sherry L. Demmer, 39, of 20 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Demmer is accused of kicking a neighbor in the chest during an incident at 10:30 p.m., Friday.

Joseph H. Schenk, 19, of Route 33, Bergen, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Schenk is accused of displaying and swinging a hammer toward family members during a dispute at 9:35 p.m., Friday. Schenk was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Goo Goo Dolls fans fall a few short of Brad Paisley fans for number of concert arrests

By Howard B. Owens

There were nine arrests and 56 citations issued by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in connection with the Goo Goo Dolls concert at Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center on Sunday (At the Brad Paisley show, there were 14 arrests and 56 alleged ABC violations).

Jonathan L. Fohl, 19, of Ledge Lane, Williamsville, was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the venue parking lot.

Sean M. Price, 19, of Eighth Ave, North Tonawanda, was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security guards while being ejected from the venue.

Jeffrey J. DiLuca, 18, of Wyeth Drive, Getzville, was charged with trespass and possession of alcohol being under age 21 after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue and being found to have been under age 21 consuming alcohol.

Joseph A. Kurtz, 22, of Glenwood Drive, Hamburg, was charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue.

Vincent T. Vertalino, 18, of Woodrich Court, Hamburg, was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in public view inside the amusement park.

James E. Galanti, 19, of Pebble Beach Drive, Hamburg, was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in public inside the amusement park.

Russell B. Bermel, 25, of Mapleleaf Road, Williamsville, was charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Nicholas J. Falzone, 18, of Connor Road, East Amherst, was charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket after being denied entry.

Jaqueline D. Deiley, 21, of Old Oak Road, McMurry, Pa., was charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing an item from the medical facility inside the concert venue.

The following people received citations for allegedly possessing/consuming alcohol under age 21.

A 17-year-old of Ridge Road, Lackawana
Samantha M. Fitzpatrick, 18, of Ridgewood Circle, Lackawana
Ryan P. Zawodinski, 20, of Cynthia Circle, Orchard Park
Russell W. Hurley, 20, of Hawthorn Drive, Orchard Park
Molly M. Erickson, 18, of Jackman Lane, Elma
A 16-year-old of Birchwood Drive, Lake View
Andrew J. Baranyl, 18, of Carriage Hill East, Williamsville
Jennifer L. Mooney, 19, of Pierpont Avenue, Williamsville
A 17-year-old of BiaMarina Drive, Williamsville
A 17-year-old of Shetland Drive, Williamsville
A 17-year-old of Oakfield Lane, Williamsville
Sarah E. Cinski, 18, of Lilly Ridge Drive, East Amherst
William H. White III, 19, of Darwin Drive, Amherst
Joseph R. Cantiafio, 19, of Lilly Ridge Drive, East Amherst
Jay W. Schafer, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien
Sean M. McGrath, 18, of Paul Place, Buffalo
A 17-year-old  of Woodacres Drive, Williamsville
A 17-year-old  of Lamarck Drive, Amherst
A 17-year-old of Landing Creek Court, Williamsville
Jenelle K. Chapman, 20, of Apple Court, Niagara Falls
Sean A. Battisti, 20, of Ashwood Lane, Orchard Park
John V. Oddo, 18, of Athens Boulevard, Buffalo
A 17-year-old  of Audubon Drive, Amherst
Jacob G. DiMatteo, 20, of Fairmont Avenue, North Tonawanda
A 17-year-old of Baron Court, Getzville
James E. Ryan, 19, of Independence Drive, Orchard Park
Brian J. Sciandra, 20, of Argon Drive, Kenmore
Ashley M. Prentiss, 19, of Frontenac Avenue, Buffalo
Nicholas A. Cusenz, 20, of Bel Air Court, Williamsville
Ashleigh T. Szulist, 18, of Rutland Street, Buffalo
Ashley A. Fitzpatrick, 19, of Dearborn Street, Buffalo
Derek M. Paradowski, 19, of Maryvale Drive, Cheektowaga
Kallie L. Stahl, 19, of West State Route 579, Williston, Ohio
Mary Kathryn Sumbrum, 20, of Sheron Drive, West Seneca
Katie M. Felschow, 19, of O’Connell Avenue, Buffalo
Connor N. Sumbrum, 18, of Sheron Drive, West Seneca
Benjamin C. Gordon, 19, of Fairway Drive, Orchard Park
Jeffrey R. Baker, 19, of Scherff Road, Orchard Park
Patrick M. Violanti, 19, of Scherff Road, Orchard Park
Sean J. Rimmer, 19, of Harvard Place, Orchard Park
Rachel M. Biddle, 20, of Winspear Road, Elma
Amanda N. Lees, 18, of Quail Run Lane, Lancaster
A 17-year-old of Derby Road, Derby
A 17-year-old of Summer Street, Buffalo
A 17-year-old of Old Lakeshore Road, Lakeview
Michael J. Anderson, 18, of Rollingwood Street, Williamsville
Tyler J. Gerling, 18, of Rosscommon Crescent, Fairport
A 17-year-old of Joseph Street, Rochester
Ryan L. Danna, 18, of Oakridge Road, Hamberg
Rebecca L. Baia, 19, of Candlewood Lane, Williamsville
Jordan W. Fanestock, 20, of South Sausalito Drive, East Amherst
Lisa A. Samuels, 19, of Breezewood Commons, East Amherst
Elisabeth M. Mars, 20, of Lawrence Avenue, East Aurora
Ann M. Milks, 20, of Lawrence Avenue, East Aurora
Mary E. Angrisano, 20, of Snyder Road, East Aurora

Batavia man accused of intentionally running down pedestrian on Central Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

A 23-year-old East Main Street resident has been charged with assault in the first degree for allegedly running down a pedestrian June 6 while on Central Avenue.

The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Jailed on $10,000 bail following arraignment in Genesee County Court today was Brandon K. Macioszek, of 519 E. Main St., Batavia.

Macioszek was indicted by the Genesee County Grand Jury on the assault charge, which was sought following an investigation into the incident.

On June 7, Macioszek was issued traffic citations by Darryl Streeter for alleged aggravated unlicensed operation and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Batavia man wanted on warrant, allegedly found in possession of cocaine

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia resident wanted on a warrant out of city court was arrested Thursday and allegedly found in possession of a quantity of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task force went to the home of Ryan M. Shrauger, 42, of Hull Park, Batavia, to arrest him on the warrant.

While inside Shrauger's home, investigators allegedly found drugs and drug-related items.

Shrauger was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd.

Following court arraignment, he was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Ellicott Street resident accused of possessing cocaine

By Howard B. Owens

A 59-year-old Ellicott Street resident has been arrested by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected cocaine dealing in Batavia.

A search warrant was served on Julious "Fatboy" Murphy on Thursday afternoon for his home and car.

Officials say they found a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of U.S. currency and five weapons.

Murphy is being charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th.

Following arraignment in Batavia City Court, Murphy was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Le Roy police make arrest in weekend burglary at central school

By Howard B. Owens

The case of a burglary at Le Roy Central School over the weekend has been solved, according to Le Roy Police.

A 24-year-old village resident and a juvenile have been charged with burglary, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

The duo, along with an alleged accomplice, are accused of stealing a computer system, several cameras and camcorders. Some of the property has been recovered.

Charged were Kyle Nash, of 7 Myrtle St., Le Roy, and a 15-year-old suspect whose name was not released.

Bishop Williams, 18, of 106 Lake St., Le Roy, was charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Williams is accused of being on school property, but he reportedly left before the alleged burglary took place.

Assisting in the investigation was the Le Roy School District and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE 7:40 p.m.: Based on a scanner conversation: A mother learned of "the situation" shortly after this post went up and spoke with a son about it and he surrendered some cameras to her (the mother-son relationship is a bit of an assumption). A police officer said, "the cameras appear to have come from the burglary at the school the other night."

Family gathers in Stafford to mourn a mother's unexplained death

By Howard B. Owens

Deborah Maniace would have turned 48 today, but she wasn't give that chance.

Nearly a year ago, early in the morning on Aug. 8, Maniace somehow plummeted more than 30 feet to her death from a bridge on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, where it crosses the CSX railroad line.

Today, her family gathered on the bridge to grieve, remember and ask the community for help -- somebody saw something or knows something that could help close this case.

"I don't feel it was accidental, and I don't feel it was intentional," said Justina Maniace, Deborah's oldest daughter. "I feel that somebody did something. And we don't know who...or what."

Deborah's son, daughters, grandchild, sister and other family members gathered for about an hour on the bridge, placed flowers at the scene, and wrote messages to her on balloons before releasing them to float skyward.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said officially, investigators don't know if Maniace jumped, fell or was pushed. They only know the cause of death was blunt force trauma from the fall.

Other than that, there isn't much evidence to explain what happened. 

Officials believe that Maniace had been to the Onion Festival in Elba earlier that day and then went to her boyfriend's house in Stafford. She left the house around 2 a.m. after some sort of dispute and began walking home.

She was carrying her shoes in her hand as she walked over the bridge, Brewster said.  It's a detail he hopes might jar a memory of somebody who drove by and maybe saw something, anything.

And investigators know there was vehicle traffic on Clinton Street Road in those early morning hours because surveillance cameras of nearby businesses recorded passing traffic.

Anybody who has any information that may assist the case, no matter how insignificant the information might seem, should call the Sheriff's Office at 343-5000. Tips can be made anonymously.

Grand Jury Report: Couple accused of growing pot without a license

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Grand Jury today issued these indictments:

Robert E. Knoefler is indicted on one count of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony, after he was stopped May 15 in Darien driving his 1995 Dodge pickup on Route 238. He is also charged with one count of aggrevated driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony, for having a BAC or .08 or greater. In addition, he is charged with aggrevated unlicensed operation in the first degree. (Knoefler's driving privileges had been revoked or suspended following his conviction in Attica Village Court for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, on May 9.)

Nicholas A. Pleace and Susan M. Fincher are indicted on a charge of criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree, a Class D felony. On Aug. 8, 2010, they are alleged to have knowingly and unlawfully possessed marijuana with an aggregate weight of more than 16 ozs. at 2622 Pratt Road in the Town of Batavia. They are also indicted on one count of growing cannabis by an unlicensed person, a Class A misdemeanor, and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree.

The Grand Jury issued a "No Bill" in the matter of Greg A. Thomas after considering the evidence about incidents in the City of Batavia on April 23. He was accused of unlawful imprisonment, 1st, menacing, 2nd, strangulation, 2nd, and coercion, 1st. The charges were dismissed.

Reader tips leads to the arrest of alleged vandal

By Howard B. Owens

It wasn't much of a video, but it was just enough to help identify a suspect in two incidents of vandalism in May at the BOCES facility on State Street Road.

The video, posted on The Batavian, led directly to the arrest of a suspect, Christopher Michael Smith, 17, of Porter Avenue.

Smith is accused of subsequently, while the case was under active investigation, returning to BOCES on July 10, and causing more damage.

Smith was also accused last week of causing damage to vehicles at Godwin Pumps on Route 98 and Ashley Furniture on West Saile Drive.

Investigator William Ferrando said if not for reader tips, all five of these cases might still be open.

In connection with the BOCES allegations, Smith is charged with three counts of criminal mischief in the third degree.

Smith is accused of doing damage estimated at $950 on May 21, more than $1,300 on May 29 and more than $800 on July 10.

Police Beat: Holley resident accused of leaving scene of accident in Darien, DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Name redacted upon request, 21, of Lake Road, Holley, is charged with DWI, a felony count of DWI (child under 15 in the car), failure to keep right and following too closely. xxx was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident on Colby Road, Darien at 11:57 p.m., Sunday, and then fled the scene. A witness described xxx vehicle, which was later reportedly spotted on Pearl Street Road, Town of Batavia. xxx was also charged with leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident, speed not reasonable or prudent, reckless driving and unsafe passing.

Kimberley Anne Showler, 46, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Showler is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Christopher Brian King, 19, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and improper left turn. King was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 5:17 p.m. Monday, at Route 33 and Hartshorn Road, Town of Batavia. King reportedly made a wide left turn while allegedly driving too fast. He reportedly lost control of his car and struck curbing at the intersection. Two other people were in his vehicle. Nobody was injured.

Benjamin Gove Evans, 22, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Evans is accused of shoplifting from Bed Bath & Beyond in April.

Daniel Frank Martino, 22, of Red Maple Court, Amherst, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and following too closely. Martino was charged following a non-injury accident in the parking lot of Darien Lake. The accident was reported at 11:11 p.m. Tuesday.

Christine U. Rose, 23, of Cedar Place, East Rochester, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI (driving with a BAC of .18 or greater) and unlawful possession of marijuana. Rose was charged after her 1998 Ford Taurus reportedly struck to parked cars at 12:39 a.m. Wednesday on northbound Route 77. There were no injuries reported in the accident. 

Jessica L. Ritch, 29, of North Avenue, North Tonawanda, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ritch was charged following an investigation into an accident reported at 1:08 a.m. Wednesday in the area of 9993 Alleghany Road, Darien. Ritch's vehicle was reportedly found in a ditch along the road.

Frank Joseph Oddo, 29, of Alleghany Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and no/inadequate exhaust. Oddo was charged following a traffic stop at 11:29 p.m. Tuesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Christine Lynn Aman, 45, of Big Tree Road, Hamburg, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, failure to obey a police officer and improper turn signal. Aman was stopped at 12:05 a.m. Wednesday after allegedly failing to stop for a deputy directing traffic at the intersection of Route 77 and Sumner Road, Darien.

Arrest report 'Summer's Edge' concert at Darien

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during “The Edge’s Summer BBQ” concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday:

Bruce W. Tweedie, 54, of Homewood Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal possession, of a controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of Adderall pills. Tweedie was released on $500 bail.

Sarah C. Kowalczyk, 25, of 69th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Michael J. Kwiatowski, 35, of Davey Street, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a security guard while being ejected from the concert venue.

Chad M. Patterson, 32, of County Road 4, Filmore, is charged with trespass after allegedly being found backstage without permission.

Rick C. Bush, 35, of Seneca Street, Savannah, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly entering the venue to strike another patron who was being ejected. During the altercation, Bush broke a CSC security guard's radio headset. He also refused to be taken into custody and allegedly fought with security and Sheriff’s deputies.

Fred W. Phillips, 19, of North Creek Road, Lakeview, is charged with disorderly conduct and possession of alcohol with the intent to consume under age 21 after allegedly causing a disturbance while at the concert.

The following people received citations for allegedly consuming alcohol under age 21.

Christian D. Allen, 18, of Ridge Road, Albion
Haley R. Zilka, 19, of Boncroft Drive, West Seneca
Alexandria C. Smith, 18, of Cottage Road, South Dayton
A 17-year-old of Cottage Road, South Dayton
Edward D. Barnes, 18, of Danker Road, South Dayton
Gavin C. Doran, 20, of Big Tree Road, East Aurora
Lyndsey E. Feidt, 20, of West Cherbourg Drive, Cheektowaga
Michael A. Rauth, 19, of Chapel Glen, Hamburg
A 17-year-old of Lincoln Park Drive, Syracuse
Corey R. Crowe, 18, of Bonnie Drive, Syracuse
Timothy J. Scott, 18, of Regatta Row, Syracuse
Brandon M. Morales, 18, of Edgewood Drive, Buffalo

TVs, video games stolen from Batavia Youth Center

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Youth Center at 12 McArthur Drive was broken into over Friday and Saturday, with burglars stealing a pair of 37-inch flat screen TVs and video games.

The forceable break-ins occurred between Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 3:15 p.m.

Besides the TVs, the thieves stole a Wii console and several Wii games.

The TVs and games are used by children who attend the youth center.

The Batavia Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving this crime. If anyone has any information about the burglary, they are asked to call the Batavia Police confidential tip line at 345-6370.

A reward is being offered for anyone who will provide information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

Police Beat: Two Batavia men accused of overnight burglary in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Jamie Scott Schlonski, 39, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th, criminal mischief, 3rd, possession of burglar tools and trespass. Also charged, Joseph Allen Hogan, 42, of Bank Street, Batavia. Schlonski and Hogan are accused of breaking into a location on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, at 2:05 a.m., and stealing the windows of the residence. The pair was arrested at 2:40 a.m. Schlonski and Hogan were issued appearance tickets. The case was investigated by Deputy John Weis and Deputy Jason Saile.

Grant A. Sundown, 47, of Skye Road, Basom, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, reckless endangerment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. On July 3 at approximately 3:18 p.m., Sundown allegedly drove a vehicle into a set of stairs at a residence on Skye Road, Basom, while a person was standing on the stairs. There was allegedly an order of protection in place barring Sundown from having contact with that person. Sundown was jailed without bail.

Pair involved in South Byron meth lab enter guilty pleas in county court

By Howard B. Owens

A 29-year-old meth cook from South Byron accepted a plea bargain today that could lead to a three- to five-year prison sentence, rather than the maximum 10-year sentence he was facing.

Matthew Zon pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance, 2nd, for his part in the meth lab operation at 6319 E. Main St., South Byron (inset photo from the search).

His accomplice, Tricia Tundo, 24, of Byron, also entered a guilty plea, admitting to a lesser felony count of unlawful disposal of methamphetamine lab material.

Tundo faces a passible one and a half years in prison and a year of supervised release.

Zon and Tundo were were arrested April 14 during a traffic stop that was the culmination of a months long investigation by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Lead investigator Sgt. Steve Mullen said at the time of the arrest that the trail that led to Zon and Tundo weaved its way back through a series of related meth lab busts starting with one -- the first one in Genesee County -- Nov. 12, 2009, in Alabama.

The South Byron raid uncovered a working meth lab and an amount of completed product.

Today, Zon satisfied multiple counts pending against him with his guilty plea. He is being held without bail and will remain in jail until his sentencing Aug. 24.

Tundo's guilty plea also satisfies a number of pending charges against her as well as charges that Asst. District Attorney David Gann said could have been filed against her. Gann indicated the Sheriff's Office has sufficient evidence to charge Tundo with all of the counts laid against Zon.

Tundo remains on release under supervision pending her sentencing Sept. 27.

Both Zon and Tundo face a possible $5,000 fine each as well as the suspension of their drivers' licenses.

Sword-wielding Batavia man holds police at bay for two hours in standoff

By Howard B. Owens

A 52-year-old Batavia man barricaded himself in his residence, claimed to have a hostage and tried attacking deputies with knives and a sword during a standoff on Pine Hollow Drive on Monday.

The incident started at 8:30 p.m. when law enforcement was dispatched to 8 Pine Hollow Drive to deal with a subject who had allegedly threatened to stab two occupants of the residence.

When State Police and Sheriff's Office deputies arrived the suspect barricaded himself in the home and, according to a State Police press release, "threatened police with various cutleries, including a sword."

During the standoff, the suspect, Jody Blaine Gillett, claimed to have a hostage.

At one point, Gillett allegedly lunged at a deputy through a window attempting to stab the deputy.

After about two hours of negotiations, the State Police press release says, Gillett was "forcibly taken into custody."

Gillett was charged with menacing a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and two count of menacing.

He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on bail of $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.

There were no reported injuries related to the incident.

Earlier this month, Gillett was arrested on a DWI charge stemming from a rollover accident on Clinton Street Road in February. Gillett was also arrested for alleged DWI in Le Roy in January.

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