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A female passenger and the middle-aged male driver of a gray Mercedes involved in a high-speed chase with law enforcement earlier this afternoon after a shoplifting incident at Rochester's Marketplace Mall are both now in Strong Memorial Hospital; she is being evaluated and he has minor injuries. No one else was injured.

The chase began after the pair was suspected of a larceny at the Sears store in the mall on Miracle Mile Drive.

New York State Police Troop A Commander, Major Edward Kennedy, flanked by law enforcement officials from Genesee and Monroe counties, gave a press conference within the last half hour in the middle of Kelsey Road in Batavia about what occurred.

He said the call about the suspected shoplifting came in at 12:27 p.m. The suspects took off and got on Route 390, pursued by Monroe County Sheriff's deputies and troopers from E Barracks. The Mercedes then got on the Thruway and took the Batavia exit; it spun around and the driver lost control of the car, which was surrounded by troopers from A and E barracks and deputies from Genesee and Monroe counties.

At that point, Kennedy said the vehicle exited the Thruway plaza and drove aggressively toward law enforcement; an officer fired shots; the Mercedes collided with a police car. The suspects drove to Park Road, to Veterans Memorial Drive, and made their way to Route 5 before turning north on Kelsey Drive. They headed onto private property, driving down a long driveway before the suspected ditched the car and tried to flee on foot. They were quickly apprehended without further incident. 

A press release with more information will be released at 6 p.m., Kennedy said, noting there are multiple crime scenes involved in this ongoing investigation.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: Press release from NYSP:

On Aug. 3 at approximately 12:34 p.m., Troop E Troopers responded to assist Monroe County Sheriff’s Office who were following 1997 Mercedes Benz with switched license plates that was involved in a larceny from Sears at Marketplace Mall in Henrietta. 

At 12:51 p.m. the suspect vehicle fled once emergency lights were activated. This pursuit continued onto the Interstate-90 westbound. The suspect vehicle exited the I-90 at exit 48, Batavia. Patrols attempted to block the suspect vehicle near the toll barrier. The suspect vehicle continued aggressively toward Troopers and as a result a Trooper shot his service weapon at the threat. The pursuit continued until the suspect vehicle turned into a private driveway on Kelsey Road in the Town of Batavia at 1:19 p.m.  The suspect vehicle struck a dirt embankment and came to rest in a wooded area. 

The operator, Andrew Adeb Said, 49 of Port Richey, Fla., and the passenger Tara A. Hackrott, 35, of Williamsville, attempted to flee on foot and were subsequently arrested. Both suspects were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. Andrew Adeb Said had minor injuries and Hackrott was taken for evaluation. 

New York State Police Troop A, E, T, The Bureau of Criminal Investigation, NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit, NYS DEC, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Batavia Fire Department assisted in this investigation.

This is still an ongoing criminal investigation. Criminal charges are pending.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Major Edward Kennedy, Troop A commander, center, with Capt. Douglas Comanzo, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and Major Eric Laughton, Troop E commander.

Press release:

The almost 200-year-old Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn has been fully restored and expanded after a fire nearly destroyed the building in 2004. At just over one year in business, Farmer’s is making waves -- not only received the OpenTable Diners' Choice Award, but also recently being awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Establishments awarded, “The Award of Excellence” typically offer at least 90 selections, feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Whether compact or extensive, focused or diverse, these lists deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.

At Farmer's, we strive to offer a unique experience:

The world of wine is vast and nearly limitless. There are more than 25,000 different grape varietals grown in more than 6,000 regions. Politics, trade and agricultural economics have largely influenced what grapes dominate the market. Today, the average consumer is generally exposed to the “6 Noble Grapes” which include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

While Farmer’s Creekside pays homage to many of the “popular kids,” we’ve dedicated ourselves toward exploring many of the other 24,994 grapes from several of the lesser-known regions. Humans are explorers at heart and we hope to lead our guests through an exploration of wine.    

Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn Supports Local Agriculture:

Restaurants are a big foundation for supporting the local economy -- from masons to carpenters to cow farmers and wine producers -- we have an economic responsibility to support the local agricultural industry. Sommelier Drew Tschäppät notes that, “Finger Lakes and Niagara wine has come immeasurably far in the last 20 years. Sommeliers and critics have taken note and more and more consumers are getting on board as well. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be working in a region that is producing such incredible wines and that is getting better each year.”

With a modern menus, beautifully appointed guest rooms, and an award-winning wine list, Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn has positioned themselves as a destination dining venue worth visiting. It is located at 1 Main St. in the Village of Le Roy.

For more information visit FarmersCreekside.com or call to reserve a table 585-768-6007.

State Police were pursuing a gray Mercedes on the Thruway and the vehicle exited the Thruway at the Batavia exit. Shots have been fired. The vehicle is passing Gui's Lumber now.

UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: The vehicle is northbound on Kelsey Road.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: "Subject is on foot 8370 Kelsey Road. White male late 40s, early 50s," a dispatcher said. Cars are being sent to 3338 Pratt Road to set up a perimeter. A State Police helicopter out of Niagara County is hovering in the vicinity to help in the manhunt.

UPDATE 1:08 p.m.: Two subjects are in custody. Mercy medics #1 and #3 called to evaluate to patients at 8364 Kelsey Road. Law enforcement is with them. The location is between West Main Street Road and Pratt Road.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: East Pembroke Fire Department is asked to shut down Kelsey Road at Route 5 and Pratt.

Press release:

Batavia -- The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors will meet at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28.  The meeting will be held at the Extension Center at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia and is open to the public.

Any questions should be directed to Yvonne Peck at 585-343-3040, ext. 123.

The next 2018 CCE Board of Directors meeting will be at the same time/place on Nov. 20.

A car struck a tree at 7618 Sand Hill Road and the driver is injured. He is out of the vehicle, which is on its side, well off the roadway. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

The location is midway between Hopkins and Shanks roads on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

David M. Howard is indicted for the crime of assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on May 19 in the Town of Pavilion that Howard, with intent to cause physical injury to a person age 65 or older, caused such injury and the defendant is more than 10 years younger than the victim. In count two, Howard is accused of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly recklessly causing physical injury to another person May 19 in Pavilion.

Larry A. Hubler is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 20 in the Town of Stafford that Hubler drove a 2006 Chevrolet on East Main Street Road (Route 5) while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that he had a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In Special Information filed by the Genesee County District Attorney's Office, Hubler is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a Class E felony, on Nov. 21, 2007, in Genesee County Court, and the conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Brett N. Magoffin is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 15 in the Town of Darien that Magoffin drove a 2003 Chevrolet on Simonds Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that he had a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. In Special Information filed by the Genesee County District Attorney's Office, Magoffin is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on March 31, 2015, in City of Batavia Court, and the conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

There is a hazardous weather outlook in effect for Genesee County.

The National Weather Service says showers and thunderstorms today will increase in number with a marginal risk for strong to severe thunderstorms by late afternoon. Damaging wind gusts is the primary threat, with isolated large hail also possible.

Because of this outlook, tonight's free concert by the Batavia Concert Band at Centennial Park has been moved to Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College. It will also feature a student alumni musical tribute to the late Batavia school band instructor Neil Hartwick.

The Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter are in need of a comfy barn home for this kitty.

Juniper is a neutered, declawed male cat that came to the shelter as a stray. Because it was found that he did not use his litter box consistently, he cannot be adopted to a regular home.

He is a nice fellow, friendly with people, but needs a "cushy" outdoor place to live because he is declawed and he has "rustic" ways.

A good shelter, food, water and some human companionship are all that they ask. Not really a tall order when you think about it; kind of a no-brainer as they say.

It will be necessary to confine him for a couple of weeks to acclimate him to his new surroundings.

In addition to being neutured, Juniper is tested and vaccinated. There is no adoption fee for him.

If you can help him out, call the Shelter at 585-343-6410, option 7, or email Juniper's friends at info@vol4animals.org, or stop by the shelter during adoption hours.

This Saturday is the Jenny Kuzma Memorial Bergen Road Race.

Race director Eric Boyce will close out the races historic run as one of the most competitive 5K races in all of WNY and Central NY.

Don’t miss out! Register by Aug. 2nd for $25 here.

Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) is very pleased to announce that the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) will open on Aug. 13. This will allow patients to receive methadone to treat their addiction.

GCASA has been providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) since 2004. Like many other diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, patients require medication to treat their medical conditions.

Dr. Matthew Fernaays, GCASA’s medical director, has prescribed naltrexone and buprenorphine for patients for several years, with great success for some patients. But they don’t work for all patients. With the opening of the OTP, he will be able to prescribe methadone to treat a patient’s addiction, increasing access to appropriate treatment services for residents in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Kathy Hodgins, senior services director at GCASA, said “The ability to provide methadone treatment in our rural area will help so many people in our community. Those who are unable to drive to Buffalo or Rochester daily will be able to access the care they need to treat their addiction right here in Batavia. This is huge for our community.”

Methadone is highly regulated and monitored. Licenses were obtained by NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Research shows that most communities with similar programs have decreased rates of crime because people are able to get the help they need, instead of having to steal to maintain their drug use.

GCASA is very excited to be able to offer this treatment to help fight the opioid crisis.

“We want to see people in recovery," says Executive Director John Bennett. "We are working hard to fill in the gaps that currently exist in treatment services. We know that there are many pathways to recovery and we are grateful to be able to provide another path with methadone.” 

GCASA has been serving Genesee and Orleans counties for more than 40 years. Services include prevention education and outpatient and residential treatment for individuals with substance use disorders; and an employee assistance program. For more information, please call 585-343-1124 or visit our website at gcasa.net.

GCASA is located at 430 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Press release:

A Basic First Aid/ CPR class is scheduled to be held on Saturday, Aug. 4^th, at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.

The CPR portion will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by Basic First Aid from 12:30 to 4 p.m. The cost is $25 per portion or $50 for the full course.

The class will include instruction on basic first aid, use of an automated defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A First Aid/CPR certification will be issued to those who successfully complete the class.

Registration is required. Interested parties should contact the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services at 585-344-0078 or email Jeanette.diehl@co.genesee.ny.us.

Press release:

Farmers Market Coupons are still available at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia.

Booklets are available to adults aged 60 years and older who are income-eligible. Proof of age identification must be provided.

Income guidelines are as follows:  household of one $1,872 per month; household of two $2,538 per month; and, household of three $3,204 per month.

Maureen Estabrooks, Office for the Aging’s coordinator for the program, noted, “It still remains, that anyone 60 or older in a household may receive a coupon booklet as long as they are income eligible. This means that in a qualifying household, multiple individuals may receive booklets.

"This program is a wonderful way to help older adults with limited income to purchase healthy fresh produce from our local farmers.”

Questions may be directed to the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their fall and winter tribute shows, with one concert each month featuring music from great artists.

The Paddock Room will play host to Abbamania – A tribute to Abba, based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  The cast looks and sounds like the famous Swedish rock group and will roll through all your favorites on Saturday, Sept. 8^th.

Saturday, Oct. 6^th is the date for American Graffiti starring Johnny Gems and the Red Hot Bananas. These artists have collectively been performing for 30 years.  The show brings back every major hit from every major artist, from 1955 to 1965.  You’ll hear hits by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley and Bill Haley and the Comets! Into the 1960s with The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, Roy Orbison, Del Shannon and a highlight to Danny and the Juniors with “At the Hop” and “Rock and Roll is Here to Stay”!

Next up, on Saturday, Nov. 17^th, Batavia Downs welcomes Walk the Line – A Tribute to Johnny Cash.  With Gavan Rosseau playing the part of “The Man in Black” with a four-piece backing band, this tribute show showcases Rosseau’s ability to emulate the voice, look and mannerisms of the late singer. Songs performed include the Sun Record days all the way to those from the 1970s.

Blame it all on Their Roots –  Garth Brooks and Shania Twain Tribute takes the stage on Saturday, Dec. 15^th. This high energy show performs all this hits of the two country headliners whose records have sold more than 230 million albums worldwide.

Each concert will take place on a Saturday immediately following live racing. General admission tickets are $10 and are on sale now at www.BataviaConcerts.com for each show.

Each concert begins at 8:30 p.m. with doors at 8 p.m. Each ticket is redeemable on the gaming floor the day of the concert or the next day for $10 in Free Play. Tickets can also be purchased in-person at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at their “Lucky Treasures” Gift Shop located in the lobby.

“We are looking forward to these indoor tribute shows,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs Gaming. “Building on the success of our summer concert series, we’re happy to keep General Admission ticket prices at a reasonable $10 to make sure everyone can enjoy these great tribute shows.”

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 29 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.