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Le Roy

Driver says she fell asleep prior to accident that caused car fire

By Howard B. Owens

A young woman from Le Roy said she believes she fell asleep before her car went off the road on Route 5 in Stafford at 11:22 p.m., Thursday.

The 2003 Dodge sedan became fully engulfed in flames after hitting a mailbox and then an earth embankment.

Marisa B. Fox, 20, of South Street Road, Le Roy, suffered minor injuries in the accident, which was investigated by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

No citations were issued.

Stafford Fire Department responded to the fire call and Mercy EMS assisted at the scene.

(Initial Report)

Beware of bears in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Be on the lookout for bears in Le Roy!

According to its police department, there have been some bears sightings in the area around Hartwood Park.

And today, a resident in a housing tract known as Presidential Acres called police saying his bird feeders were destroyed and the animal tracks in the wet grass went into a wooded area behind his house. Presidential Acres runs between Summit Street Road and Robbins Road, west of the Hartwood Park area.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation was contacted and their advice to the homeowner is something the police department would like readers to know:

  • Ensure that all garbage outside is either secured or brought in.
  • Bird feeders, while they can be out during the day, need to be brought in at night, every night.
  • Know that bears are intelligent animals and once they determine the location of an easy meal, they will come back continually.
  • It should be emphasized that bears are wild animals and should be left alone.
  • If the animal appears injured, or there is some incident causing danger, call police or the DEC to address the problem. Do not approach the animal.

To contact the Le Roy Police Department call 768-2527, ext. 2225, and leave a voicemail for Sgt. Timothy R. Hayes or call the Dispatch Center at 345-6350.

To contact the DEC office for Genesee County (Region 8) in regard to wildlife issues, call the Avon office at (585) 226-5380.

Grand Jury Report: Man indicted in Le Roy home-invasion rape case

By Howard B. Owens

Charles D. Johnson is indicted on two counts of predatory sexual assault, a Class A-II felony, rape in the first degree, criminal sexual act in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, burglary in the first degree, criminal mischief, 4th. Johnson is accused of raping a woman in Le Roy on May 9 and using a knife in commission of the crime and threatening the victim with the knife. He is accused of breaking into the residence with the intent to commit a crime using a knife and of breaking a window screen to gain entry. The criminal possession of a weapon count is also based on a prior conviction for Johnson in the City of Buffalo on an obstructing governmental administration charge.

Stephen E. Johncox is indicted on counts of burglary, 3rd, and petit larceny. Johncox is accused of entering a building on Hebbard Road, Le Roy, with the intent of committing the crime of stealing deep cell marine batteries.

Matthew R. Smith is indicted on a count of rape, 1st, and sexual abuse, 1st. He is accused of raping a person in Alabama on Jan. 31.

Daniel L. Dioguardi is indicted on counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, burglary, 2nd, and petit larceny. Dioguardi is accused of illegally possessing a Sony Playstation Vita and a game, "Unit 13." He's accused of possessing two forged checks, written out for $120 and $150. He is accused of entering a residence on North Lyon Street, Batavia, with the intent to commit a crime. He is accused of stealing prescription pills and cash.

Rowlan Gureje is indicted on two counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. Gureje is accused of possessing stolen Dell projectors with a value of $23,657 and stolen 3200 WXGA network projectors with a value of $18,025.

James R. Barnett is indicted on two counts of criminal possession of stolen property third and one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Barnett is accused of possessing stolen Dell projectors with a value of $23,657 and stolen 3200 WXGA network projectors with a value of $18,025. He's also accused of of possessing a forged NYS driver's license.

Christopher W. Fowler is indicted on counts of felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Fowler is accused of driving drunk Jan. 20 on Miller and Stegman roads. Fowler allegedly has a prior DWI conviction in the City of Batavia on May 20, 2010.

Person reportedly injured in car vs. deer accident on the 490

By Howard B. Owens

A car as reportedly struck a deer in the westbound lane of the I-490 near mile marker .06 and injuries are reported.

Le Roy fire and Bergen fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 7:20 a.m.: Minor injuries at most.

UPDATE 7:21 a.m.: Fire apparatus response cancelled. Le Roy Ambulance can handle. Only bruising from airbags reported.

Second suspect charged in alleged marijuana growing operation in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A second person has been accused of illegally growing marijuana in Le Roy following a raid Friday of a residence on East Main Street, across from Wolcott School.

Charged with unlawful growing of cannabis, a Class A misdemeanor, is 33-year-old Michael J. Penvose.

Penvose was in the news in April after he was accused of stealing a thermometer from Le Roy's Dollar General store. Penvose told officers he stole the thermometer because he had a sick infant daughter. A Le Roy police officer purchased the thermometer for Penvose.

Members of the the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, assisted by Le Roy PD and Sheriff's deputies, executed a search warrant on the Penvose residence and because of the uncertainty of what might occur during a law enforcement raid, officials asked that students at Wolcott "shelter in place."

Penvose was also cited for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana and issued an appearance ticket on both charges.

Sara Schimley, 23, was home at the time of the raid and also charged with unlawful growing of cannabis, a Class A misdemeanor, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Truck fire reported on the Thruway near West Bergen Road overpass

By Howard B. Owens

A tractor-trailer fire is reported on the Thruway near mile marker 381 in the westbound lane.

At least one caller has reported the fire. It's not known what cargo the truck may be carrying.

Le Roy Fire Department is responding.

Mile marker 381 is just west of the West Bergen Road overpass.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: A chief on scene reports there is no fire. The truck driver is having mechanical trouble.

Le Roy woman accused of growing marijuana

By Howard B. Owens

An investigation by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force into alleged marijuana cultivation in Le Roy has led to the arrest of a woman following a raid of a home on East Main Street near North Street.

Officers from multiple agencies participated in the raid and as a precaution, administrators of Wolcott School were asked to have students shelter in place.

Taken into custody and issued an appearance ticket was Sara Schimley, 23, of East Main Street, Le Roy

Schimley is charged with unlawful growing of cannabis, a Class A misdemeanor, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

Participating in execution of the search warrant were uniformed officers from Le Roy, the Sheriff's Office and State Police.

The search allegedly uncovered a quantity of marijuana and equipment used to grow marijuana.

Le Roy PD announces arrest of burglary suspect from Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

A Pavilion resident already in custody for allegedly for possessing a stolen truck was charged today with burglary following an investigation by Le Roy PD.

The initial arrest of Bryan M. Hargrave, 26, of 7273 Morrow Road, Pavilion, came Saturday by the Sheriff's Office.

Earlier that day, a box-style work truck was reported stolen from a West Main Street, Le Roy, location. A deputy located the truck in Bethany and Hargrave was arrested.

On the morning the truck was reported stolen, Le Roy PD received a report at 12:30 a.m. of a forced-entry burglary in progress at a business on Lake Street.

Investigators developed a suspect, but the man could not be located at that time. 

With Hargrave in custody on the stolen property charge, Le Roy PD continued to investigate the Lake Street burglary.

Today, Hargrave was charged with third-degree burglary and a first-time DWI misdemeanor.

Big rig on westbound Thruway reportedly on fire

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is reportedly on fire, headed westbound on the Thruway toward the Ontario Service Center. Le Roy Fire Department is responding along with Le Roy Ambulance Service.

UPDATE 7:57 p.m.: A responder says he has the semi pulled over at mile marker 378.2.

UPDATE 7:59 p.m.: Le Roy fire and ambulance are told to go back in service.

UMMC urgent care in Le Roy closed for two weeks for plumbing repair

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

For the next two weeks, the lower suite of the building at 8745 Lake Street Road, Le Roy, which houses United Memorial’s Urgent Care and Diagnostic Services, will be undergoing extensive and disruptive repairs to its plumbing systems. After several discussions with the building’s owner, United Memorial feels that it is in the best interest and safety of our patients to temporarily close during this period.

During this time, patients are encouraged to utilize Urgent Care and Diagnostic Lab and Imaging Services at the Jerome Center at 16 Bank St., Batavia. Staffing at the Jerome Center will be enhanced to accommodate the expected increase in patient volumes.

United Memorial’s integrated computer system will allow any patient with standing orders for diagnostic laboratory or medical imaging, usually seen in Le Roy, to be seen at the Jerome Center without having to have orders resent from physician offices.

The Jerome Center is located in the center of Downtown Batavia. From Le Roy, take Route 5 (Main Street) to Batavia. Turn right onto Bank Street. The Jerome Center will be located on the right. Hours for Urgent Care are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends. Laboratory and Medical Imaging services are available 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

We apologize for any inconvenience and expect to reopen the Le Roy site on Monday, June 17.

Pot bust in Le Roy prompted Wolcott School to 'shelter' students

By Billie Owens

A search warrant was executed at a property within view of Wolcott Street Elementary School in Le Roy this morning, prompting school administration to issue a stay-put order -- known as "shelter in place" but not a complete lock down of the facility.

The measure was taken so that children would not witness Le Roy Police and the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force raid a house where they suspected marijuana was being grown.

Shortly after 9:30 a.m., law enforcement conducted the action and took one person into custody. There were no weapons fired or injuries. Once the operation ended, the school day continued as normal.

Truck leaking large quantity of diesel fuel at Le Roy Service Center

By Howard B. Owens

A semi-truck is having mechanical trouble at the Le Roy Service Center off the Thruway near Vallance Road and is leaking a large quantity of diesel fuel, according to dispatchers.

The leak is coming from its saddle tanks.

Le Roy fire is dispatched to the scene.

UPDATE 8:56 a.m.: Chief asks for notification to the Department of Environmental Conservation. The fuel has leaked into one of the drainage ditches.

UPDATE 9:03 a.m.: There are more than 30 gallons on the ground.

UPDATE 9:32 a.m.: Le Roy assignment back in service.

Motorcyclist strikes tree, is seriously injured, on Oatka Trail Road in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A motorcyclist struck a tree and is seriously injured at 8116 Oatka Trail Road. Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service are responding. The rider is unconscious but breathing. The location is between Gully and Circular Hill roads, in front of the sign for a public fishing area. Le Roy Fire Police are asked to shut down traffic on Oatka Trail between Circular Hill and Hubbard. Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

UPDATE 5:48 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 6:01 p.m.: The patient is being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Le Roy Ambulance. Le Roy fire is back in service.

Senior alert scam reported in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Two people in Le Roy have complained to police, according to Chief Chris Hayward, of getting phone calls that sound suspiciously like a scam.

Hayward is asking local media to alert seniors to the potential scam, which Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued a statement about a few days ago.

The purported scam begins with a robo call that tells seniors they've been approved for an emergency alert device that they can receive for free. Scare tactics are used to encourage seniors to continue with the call, telling them that seniors have died when emergency responders were not notified quickly enough.

The company allegedly running the scam may be based in the Utica area and employs a 315 area code.

For a $35 monthly fee, the company says it will monitor this free equipment.

Potential victims are asked to give personal billing information over the phone.

Schneiderman issued the following tips on avoiding fraud:

  • Never give out billing or other personal information over the phone, especially if you receive an unsolicited telephone call from a stranger;
  • Never cash a check from an unknown source, especially if you are being asked to wire a portion of the proceeds to a stranger;
  • Never wire money to someone you don't know who contacts you; it's the same as handing over cash.

Law and Order: Batavia resident charged with burglary

By Howard B. Owens

Kyle Justin James Jackson, 20, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Jackson is accused of entering a residence on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia, and stealing property. Jackson was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Jonathan Edward Fox, 25, of Rumson Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test and failure to dim headlights. Fox was stopped at midnight, Monday, on Route 19 in Le Roy by Deputy Matthew Butler.

Law and Order: Two Le Roy men accused of stealing scrap in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Jason A. Klinkbeil, 24, of 80 South St., Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny and criminal traspass, 3rd (entering an enclosed property). Klinkbeil is accused of stealing scrap metal from a location at 653 Ellicott St., Batavia. Also charged, Nathan S. Snyder, 27, of 7185 W. Main St., Le Roy.

Tracy L. Hume, 41, of 3351 Iroquois Road, Caledonia, is charged with DWI, failure to use a turn signal, failure to keep right and failure to submit to breath screening device. Hume was stopped by Le Roy PD at 12:28 a.m., Saturday, on Clay Street for an alleged traffic infraction.

Tiana N. Terry, 31, of 30 Buell St., Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Terry allegedly threatened another person with a knife during a domestic incident reported at 10:21 p.m., Saturday.

Jason D. Alessi, 20, of 9741 Simonds Road, Corfu, is charged with making graffiti. Alessi was allegedly caught spraying painting some equipment at the Skate Park off Evans Street, Batavia.

Kevin O. Simmons, 53, of 20 Central Ave., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and unlicensed driver. Simmons was arrested by Sgt. Jason Davis following an investigation into a property damage accident reported at 2:30 a.m., May 18, at 210 State St., Batavia.

Steven Matthew Seyler, 22, of Bridgeman Road, Sanborn, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (44 in a 35 mph zone) and failure to keep right. Seyler was stopped at 12:39 a.m., Monday, on Route 33, Corfu, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Law and Order: Pavilion man accused of possessing stolen vehicle, tools

By Howard B. Owens

Bryan McWayne Hargrave, 26, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. Hargrave was reportedly found in possession of a vehicle and tools that had been reported stolen in Le Roy on Saturday. Hargrave was jailed on $20,000 bail.

Woodrow Clarence Horseman, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Horseman was allegedly caught shoplifting at Kmart.

Beth M. Overacker, 34, of North Chili, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, aggravated DWI (child in car), endangering the welfare of a child, controlled substance not in original container and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Overacker was stopped at 11:53 a.m., Saturday, on R. Stephen Hawley Drive, Batavia, by State Police. Overacker was held on bail. No further details released.

Jason W. Lebar, 27, of Stafford, is charged with illegal discharge of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th (prior criminal conviction). Lebar was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident reported at 7:08 p.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Town & Country Garden Club of Le Roy's annual plant auction at Presbyterian Church

By Billie Owens

The Town & Country Garden Club of Le Roy is holding its annual PLANT AUCTION at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the Presbyterian Church on the corner of Routy 5 (Main Street) and Route 19. It is free and open to the public.

We will be auctioning perennials, bulbs, houseplants and other miscellaneous garden items. There will be free refreshments! Come out and join us for a great night of fun! Proceeds are used for civic beautification in Le Roy.

Event Date and Time
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Law and Order: Batavia resident arrested on drug charges

By Howard B. Owens

Chad M. Johnston, 27, of 15 N. Lyon St., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, public appearance under the influence of a narcotic and possession of a hypodermic needle. Johnston was observed at 10:15 p.m., Monday, on Liberty Street by Officer James DeFreze, under the apparent influence of a drug. Upon investigation, Johnson was allegedly found in possession of heroin and a needle.

David Michael Robinson, 51, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with forcible touching. Robinson is accused of touching the intimate body parts of another person after being told not to do so.

A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old resident of Porter Avenue are both charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, criminal tampering, 3rd, and unlawful possession of marijuana (16-year-old only). The youths are accused of going into the bedroom of their sister and brother-in-law and damaging all of their personal property, throwing everything on to the floor and down a stairwell. A marijuana pipe was found at the residence of the youth while Officer James DeFreze was at the location questioning the 16-year-old.

Jessica R Johns, 30, of 122 Jackson St., lower, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant out of City Court related to a DWI charge. Johns allegedly failed to report to jail. She was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

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