Skip to main content

Photos: Youths spotted on roof of industrial building

By Howard B. Owens

Around noon, Batavia police received a report from an area resident of youths on the roof Excide Battery / Yancey's Fancy building on Ganson Avenue.

When police responded, they spotted people apparently trying to hide from officers.

Two officers found a way on the roof, located the boys and held them until city firefighters could respond with Ladder 15. (It's apparently easier to get on the roof, than off.)

Police said the teens would be taken back to the station, their parents called, questioned, and then they would decide whether to charge them with trespass or just turn them over to their parents.

In all, six boys age approximately 14 or 15 to 16 or 17, were involved.

Lisa Falkowski

"Boys will be boys." Unless there is evidence that the boys had intentions of damage or a break in, I believe that a consequence of their inappropriate choice is in order. As Brenda suggested, a financial reimbursement - or a meaningful form of community service.

Feb 5, 2012, 2:48pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Financial reimbursement? The firemen and police are already getting paid no matter what they're doing. The boys parents have already paid by paying their taxes. I think a better punishment would be to hand wash and wax all the police cars and fire trucks. That might even give the boys some face to face time with the firemen and police officers which could be a start to building a lasting respect for both departments. You could be looking at future officers and firemen who would have a story to tell later in life.

Feb 5, 2012, 5:24pm Permalink
cindy Schwartz

Doug:
You have one of the best ideas in the world. I think if these boys were disciplined that way, we may have better citizens, than inmates later. Maybe a program like that instead of these others should be started here in this county

Feb 5, 2012, 9:09pm Permalink

Authentically Local