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On the Beat: Road rage

By Philip Anselmo

Harley Burfield, 20, of Buffalo, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Burfield is accused of damaging the window of another vehicle following a road rage incident in Alabama.


Jeffrey M. Schmitt, 54, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Schmitt allegedly drove off the road on Route 262 in Byron and crashed into a utility pole, where he was found by deputies. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.


Anthony P. Lovetra, 19, and James C. Hotnich, 20, both of 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Apt. 1102, Batavia, were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, deputies said. Following a traffic stop investigation one week ago, deputies searched the apartment of Lovetra and Hotnich and allegedly found marijuana. Hotnich was also charged with possession of alcohol under 21 with intent to consume.

Collision in downtown Batavia

By Philip Anselmo

City police and fire crews responded less than an hour ago to a two-car collision at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Bank Street. An SUV and a sedan collided, and the SUV was flipped up onto its side on Washington Avenue. We don't have all the details yet. Crews on the scene were still working them out when we left the scene. But it appeared that there were only minor injuries. We will get you the details as they become available. WBTA's Dan Fischer was also on the scene, so we'll check in later to see if he got any more information.

As you should be able to see in this photo, emergency crews had to cut out the windshield in order to extricate one of the vehicle's passengers. She appeared unharmed.

On the Beat: School bus driver accused of sexually abusing underage girl

By Philip Anselmo

Alan D. Tidd, 49, of 3191 Galloway Road, Batavia, was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child Saturday, state police said. An investigation revealed that while Tidd was employed at Oakfield-Alabama School District as a bus driver, he allegedly touched a 13-year-old student "inappropriately." Tidd was arraigned in the town of Pembroke Court and released on his own recognicance and is scheduled to return on December 9.

On the Beat: Drug search at school

By Philip Anselmo

A pair of Pavilion high school students face drug and alcohol charges following a K-9 search in the school's parking lot last week, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mason Dumbleton, 17, of Pavilion, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Sarah Freeman, 17, of Wyoming, was charged with unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage.


Cameron P. Sitarek, 18, of Darien, was charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a property damage accident Saturday, deputies said. Sitarek allegedly caused damage with his vehicle at a residence on Tinkham Road in Darien. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.


Jared Brannan, 24, of Churchville, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of drug paraphernalia Tuesday, deputies said. Brannan was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine following a traffic stop on Route 5 in Stafford.

On the Beat: Ejected from the vehicle

By Philip Anselmo

Charges are pending for a Batavia man who was ejected from his vehicle after he collided with a tree early this morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Brett T. Patterson, 20, of 8778 Alexander Road, was waiting for admittance into the emergency room at Strong Memorial Hopsital this morning. Deputies said that Patterson failed to negotiate a curve on Route 98 in the town of Batavia, then veered off the road, struck a Sunoco station pipeline marker, before the vehicle overturned and struck a tree. A passenger in the vehicle was not injured. Patterson was ejected.


Andrew W. Taylor, 21, of Albion, was charged with criminal impersonation and resisting arrest early this morning, city police said. Taylor is accused of giving police a false name in the midst of an investigation. Police then discovered an outstanding warrant issued for Taylor's arrest. Taylor allegedly attempted to flee and resisted arrest, struggling with the officers. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

As a result of the same investigation, Nicholas G. Mcadoo, 20, of Knowlesville, was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana. Police allegedly found Mcadoo in possession of a stun gun, a gravity knife and marijuana. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.


Norman D. Ball, 62, of Le Roy, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday evening, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Ball was picked up by deputies following an investigation into a minor motor vehicle accident in the Kwik Fill gas station parking lot in Le Roy.


Brian P. Calmes, 23, of Pavilion, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Calmes was located by deputies in the Yellow Goose parking lot on Route 20 in Pavilion following reported complaints of an erratic driver on Route 63.

On the Beat: Picking up the pieces

By Philip Anselmo

Andrea L. Manley, 38, of Wymong, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning, city police said. Manley allegedly crashed into a fire hydrant near the intersection of Swan and School streets then picked up the broken pieces of her vehicle and drove over to Liberty Street, where she scattered the damaged parts. She then parked her car and phoned police to report that her vehicle was struck while it was parked, police said. Manley was also charged with leaving the scene and falsely reporting.


Courtney A. Hodgins, 19, of 4719 East Road, Batavia, was charged with trespass Sunday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Hodgins allegedly entered a building on Batavia Stafford Townline Road after she had been told not to return to the property.


Joshua J. Menz, 22, of Mount Morris, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property Saturday, deputies said. Menz was stopped by deputies on Route 20 in Darien and found to possess a stolen New York state license plate. He was also ticketed with unlicensed operator and unregistered motor vehicle. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 bail.


Katrina Thigpen, 26, of 41 S. Main St., Batavia, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana Friday, deputies said. Thigpen was stopped by deputies for traffic violations and found to possess crack cocaine and marijuana.


Jason M. Perry, 26, of Albion, was charged with a felony count of fugitive from justice Friday, deputies said. Perry was stopped for a traffic violation Route 262 in Byron when deputies discovered that an outstanding warrant had been issued for his arrest out of a county sheriff's office in Pennsylvania. Perry was also ticketed with no front license plate. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail, where he will await extradition.


Daren A. Mott, 37, of Arkport, was charged with driving while intoxicated Saturday night, deputies said. Mott was found by deputies off Broadway Road in Alexander, where he had allegedly driven his vehicle into a farmer's field. He was also ticketed with moving from the lane unsafely.

On the Beat: Stalking

By Philip Anselmo

Glenn R. Manes, 43, of Oakfield, was charged with a felony count of first-degree criminal contempt and third-degree stalking yesterday afternoon, city police said. Manes was picked up following an investigation into a potential violation of an order of protection. He is accused of repeatedly telephoning another person on Wednesday. Manes was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail.


Philip S. Hall, 21, of 313 Bank St., Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and third-degree unathorized use of a motor vehicle Wednesday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Those charges stem from an incident in September when Hall allegedly drove a vehicle without the permission of the owner and crashed it while he was intoxicated.


Martin Pacer, 28, of Elba, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Pacer is accused of leaving two young children at home while he was out using drugs all night. When he arrived home that night, he allegedly caused a domestic disturbance after seeking more money for drugs. Pacer was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $800 bail, and an order of protection was issued for the children.


Terri Doctor, 29, of Basom, was charged with driving while intoxicated Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies. Doctor was picked up on a warrant related to a drunk driving charge from December, 2007. She was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500.

On the Beat: Drugs and Alcohol

By Philip Anselmo

Melissa A. Judd, 26, of 2 Shady Lane, Batavia, was charged with a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Judd was stopped yesterday afternoon at the intersection of Lincoln and Washington avenues. She was allegedly driving with a suspended license and in possession of crack cocaine. Judd was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000.


Rachael A. Baehr, 21, of Elba, was charged with second-degree harassment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree reckless endangerment yesterday for an incident that occurred on October 27, deputies said. Baehr is accused of breaking the window at a residence on Perry Road in Pavilion, entering inside the home and punching the homeowner in the face. While there, Baehr allegedly struck her friend with her vehicle while trying to leave. Baehr was also charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child. On that charge, she is accused of giving alcohol to her friend who is underage.

On the Beat: DWIs aplenty

By Philip Anselmo

Carey L. Bristol, 35, of Rochester, was charged with second-degree harassment Thursday in Bergen, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Bristol is accused of taking a phone by force from her niece.


Cody T. Corke, 22, of 311 Washington Ave., Apt. 2, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Saturday morning, sheriff's deputies said. Corke was stopped on Colby Road in the town of Darien for a traffic violation. He was also ticketed with no front plate.


Evan P. Barone, 18, of Stafford, was charged with driving while intoxicated, unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle early Sunday morning, sheriff's deputies said. Barone was stopped on Park Road in the town of Batavia for a traffic violation. He was also ticketed with no front plate and failure to keep right.


Richard P. Lazik, 25, of 8905 Creek Road, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated late Saturday night, sheriff's deputies said. Lazik was stopped on Route 33 in the town of Pembroke for a traffic violation. He was also ticketed with no front plate and failure to keep right.


Joseph A. Julvan, 44, of Oakfield, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Saturday evening, sheriff's deputies said. Julvan was stopped by deputies on East Shelby Road in Oakfield after he had allegedly drove into another vehicle head on. He was also ticketed with moving from lane unsafely.


Lonnie Ford, 37, of 113 Jackson St., Apt. 3, Batavia, was charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree criminal trespass Saturday, city police said. Ford is accused of entering the apartment of a female acquaintance on Bank Street and refusing to leave. While he was there, Ford allegedly pushed the female to the ground. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.


John P. Wittkopp, 25, of 107 Bank St., Ap. 1, Batavia, was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI Sunday morning, city police said. Wittkopp allegedly drove into the rear of a vehicle stopped at a red light on East Main Street in Batavia.


Demetrius J. Spinks, 37, of Albion, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt Friday night, city police said. Spinks is accused of telephoning a female acquaintance whom he was barred from contacting by a court order of protection. That incident occurred on July 13. Spinks was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.


State police issued a release on this Sunday's DWI saturation patrol following the Buffalo Bills home game. Four individuals were charged with driving while intoxicated. Another was picked up for unlawful possession of marijuana. Fifty-one other traffic citations were issued.

News roundup: Drug bust in Orleans

By Philip Anselmo

WBTA's Dan Fischer reports a big drug bust in Orleans County. Jeffrey Costanza, 51, of Murray, is accused of possessing more than 70 marijuana plants, a loaded shotgun and $25,000 cash. He has been sent to Orleans County Jail. There was no mention of the charges.

On the Beat: A dagger, DVDs and drugs

By Philip Anselmo

Scott Richardson, 19, of Rochester, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use and unlawful possession of marijuana Wedensday following a traffic stop on Route 262 in Elba, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.


Ericka M. Sprague, 23, of 307 Washington Ave., Batavia, was charged with petit larceny, and Christopher Say, 17, of no permanent address, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property Wedensday, city police said. Sprague is accused of stealing DVDs from a family member that Say then allegedly took to a local store in an attempt to sell them.


Dustin Say, 17, of Alexander, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana Thursday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.

Police continue search for missing Ashville mother — (Updated Friday)

By Philip Anselmo

This is a little bit outside of our area, but spreading the word near and far never hurts when looking for a missing person, especially this early in the search.

From the state police:

The New York State Police is currently investigating the disappearance of Corrie L. Anderson of Ashville, NY.  Ms. Anderson was last seen yesterday, October 28th at 1:10 p.m. leaving Lake County Dodge in the City of Jamestown, NY.  She failed to pick up her child from school which is very unusual.  She was last seen driving a blue, 2005 Dodge Caravan, NY registration number CX404.  The vehicle has not been located at this time.  Corrie Anderson is 36 years old, 5’11”, 170 lbs, with green eyes and blonde hair.  She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket and small wire rimmed glasses.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the State Police in Jamestown at (716) 665-3113.  To view a photo of Ms. Anderson and the vehicle she was driving view our website at www.troopers.state.ny.us.

(UPDATE Friday at 12:12pm): The following information was released by the state police Thursday afternoon:

Earlier this afternoon State Police recovered the 2005 Dodge Caravan belonging to Corrie L. Anderson. The vehicle was located in a field south of the City of Jamestown.  The State Police have secured the vehicle and continue to search for Ms. Anderson.  Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact SP Jamestown at 716-665-3113.

Batavia Daily News for Wednesday: Dateline may come to Genesee County

By Philip Anselmo

Recently convicted killer Robert Kirkup has got the attention of Dateline NBC, which plans to devote segment of its news magazine show this spring or summer retracing the path Kirkup took leading up the murder of his wife at a Genesee County campground, according to the Daily News.

Scott DeSmit spoke with County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who is being interviewed for the show. Friedman had this to say about the interest in the case:

"I think it's the elements of a cold case. ... You have a 16-year-old murder, an infirm, older defendant, a body that was never found and the fact that he was interviewed (by police) in the same motor home that he killed her in 16 years ago."

DeSmit was unable to connect with the show's producer. No one yet knows if the crews will be filming in Genesee County.


In other news, a mix-up Monday afternoon led to a 7-year-old Batavia city school student getting on the wrong bus and dropped off a few miles from her home. The girl, Emily DiSanto, did eventually make it back home safely. School Superintendent Margaret Puzio said that the schools will now require each child to carry a bus pass "with his/her name, address, drop-off point and bus number on it" so that this mishap is not repeated.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

On the Beat: Other uses for diaper bags

By Philip Anselmo

Three young parents have been accused of trying to steal "numerous" items from Kmart in Batavia Tuesday morning by stuffing them into their children's diaper bags, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Natalie M. MacArthur, 25, of Rochester; Melissa J. Ricigliano, 28, and Nicholas M. Ricigliano, 24, both of 132 State St. (Lower), Batavia, were charged with petit larceny. Three children were with the parents at the time: a 3-year-old, a 10-month-old and a 4-week-old.


Robert Sanfilippo, 49, of Depew, was charged with aggravated harassment Tuesday for an incident that occurred on October 1, deputies said. Sanfilippo is accused of making threatening phone calls to another individual's cell phone.


Derek G. Thomas, 32, of no permanent address, was charged with aggravated harassment Tuesday, city police said. Thomas is accused of grabbing a female acquaintance by the neck and slamming her into a wall during a dispute at a residence on South Main Street Sunday evening.

News roundup: Hiding in the dirty laundry

By Philip Anselmo

Bobby G. Mullen, 32, of Bergen, was picked up on a warrant for a felony charge of third-degree grand larceny Friday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Mullen was found hiding under a pile of clothes in a bedroom closet. He is accused of stealing approximately $4,200 and two cartons of cigarettes from the Wilson Farms store in Oakfield on August 1. Mullen was an employee at the time, though the theft is believed to have occurred following his shift that morning. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.


Aaron M. Shaffer, 23, of Byron, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning on Route 5 in Stafford, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said.


Matthew P. Stearns, 26, of Albion, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated Thursday night, city police said. Stearns was stopped by a police Stop-DWI patrol for a lighting defect on Ellicott Street. He was also ticketed with violation of a conditional license, refusal to take breath test and insufficient lights.


John J. Smalley, 46, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle Sunday night, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Smalley is accused of taking his girlfriend's vehicle without her permission. When the girlfriend tried to take back her vehicle in the parking lot of the Oakfield Hotel, Smalley allegedly pressed the accelerator from the passenger side of the vehicle while she was driving, causing it to strike a utility pole.


Rita K. Cintron, 18, of New Jersey, was charged with second-degree criminal trespass Sunday night for allegedly getting into an altercation in Maple Hall at Genesee Community College after she had been previously banned from the College Village, sheriff's deputies said.


Damien R. Graham, 36, no permanent address, was charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny Saturday, city police said. Graham is accused of breaking into the apartment of an acquaintance on Swan Street in Batavia and stealing the resident's dog.

On the Beat: Menacing and Contempt

By Philip Anselmo

Larry S. Yoho, 36, of 111 Liberty St. (Room G), Batavia, was charged with second-degree menacing and second-degree criminal trespass Thursday morning, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Yoho is accused of entering a home on East Main Street Road while the occupants were sleeping and threatening the property and the individuals. Yoho also allegedly swung a hammer at the individuals in the home. He was sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail. An order of protection was issued for the residents.


James J. Preedom, 24, of 18 East Ave., Batavia, was charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment Thursday for an incident that occurred Wednesday, city police said. Preedom is accused of harassing an individual who held an order of protection against him. He was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail, pending a court appearance this morning.

Burglary at the Batavia Elks Lodge (Updated)

By Philip Anselmo

Batavia City Police have confirmed a burglary downtown at the Elks Lodge on Main Street. No further information is yet available. We will provide the details when we get them.

(UPDATE 6:25pm): Det. Todd Crossett told us that there is not too much information available at this point.

"It's an ongoing investigation," he said. "We can say that it was entered, and property was stolen."

Det. Crossett could not say what was stolen from the lodge. He did not know when the break-in occurred, but he was able to say that the burgler accessed the lodge through a window.

On the Beat: DWI in Elba

By Philip Anselmo

Isaac A. Arias-Perez, 26, was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Deputies were investigating a reported domestic incident on Oak Orchard Road in Elba in which Arias-Perez was allegedly involved. He had left before deputies arrived but returned while they were still on the scene. Arias-Perez was allegedly intoxicated and driving without a license, for which he was ticketed. Arias-Perez was later sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $700 bail. Arias-Perez does not have a permanent address, and deputies report that there is a "federal detainer warrant" for his "alleged illegal entry into the United States."

On the Beat: Attempted burglary

By Philip Anselmo

Earlier this morning, we reported on a possible burglary on State Street in Batavia that had happened yesterday. Today, city police have found their suspect. Isaiah Munroe, 18, of 34 Buell St., Batavia, was charged with second-degree attempted burglary today. Buell is accused of breaking into the residence at 120 State St. A tenant of that residence awoke to the sound of someone forcing open the door to their apartment Monday morning, according to police. The tenant then observed two individuals on the hallway stairs exiting the home and subsequently contacted the police. Munroe was apprehended today and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

On the Beat: Another Batavia burglary?

By Philip Anselmo

Batavia city police say that no charges have yet been filed, but they are talking with potential suspects in what was reported as a burglary Monday afternoon. An initial call came in shortly before 11:00am yesterday morning for a "burglary in progress" at 120 State Street in the city. A young male had been seen leaving the residence and was later spotted walking down the street with a young female.

Det. Richard Schauf said later in the afternoon that police were still looking for the male suspect.

"The person has not yet been found who was described at the scene," he said. "We're talking with anyone who has information. It was reported as a burglary to a home on State Street, but we're still determining if it is or not."

Several downtown businesses, at least one church and a school were burglarized over the past few months, including Dan's Tire, Ponderosa and Palace of Sweets in the mall. No information has yet become available that would link those crimes. Investigation continues.


Jeffrey T. Peyman, 19, of 5204 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, was charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of a hypodermic needle Friday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Peyman was picked up by deputies on an allegation of stealing from the K Mart store in Batavia.


Ritchie L. Kirkum Sr., 47, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child last night, deputies said. Kirkum allegedly prevented an ex-girlfriend from leaving his residence and pushed her several times while she was holding a child. When she attempted to call 911, he then allegedly took her cell phone and threw it into the yard. Kirkum was also charged with second-degree harassment and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. A stay away Order of Protection was issued.

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