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Rollover accident on Thruway

By Billie Owens

A rollover motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported on the Thruway in the westbound lanes near mile maker 400.6.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are called to the scene along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 3:53 a.m.: The driver is uninjured and is out of the vehicle. Mercy EMS is back in service. Pembroke fire is at the scene. Indian Falls is continuing in nonemergency mode. Responders are told to use caution on approach, presumably because of icy road conditions.

Pembroke students raise money for a good cause, teacher pledges to match funds

By Billie Owens

Submitted by Kimberly Schiefer:

The second-grade class of Pembroke Primary School teacher Kim Altmann is raising money for "Wings Flights of Hope."

So far they have raised $75 and Mrs. Altmann is going to match whatever they raise by Dec. 23. The children decided on their own not to exchange gifts with each other and decided to do something good for someone else this Christmas instead.

There are 21 kids in her class and "they are such special children this year," notes Kimberly Schiefer.

The organization the class is raising money for is 100-percent donation supported -- it uses no government funds. Its volunteer pilots use their skills and passion for flying to help people get medical care who otherwise lack the means or ability to access transportation.

Wings Flights of Hope also makes "compassion flights" so loved ones can visit those receiving medical treatment.

The organization's slogan is "Help Wings Give People a Lift."

To make a donation, write a check payable to Wings Flights of Hope, and mail it to:

Pembroke Primary School

Atten: Kim Altmann

2486 Main Road

Pembroke, NY 14054

Grand Jury Report: Indictment filed against accused child rapist

By Howard B. Owens

Gregory A. Jones is indicted on a charge of predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-11 felony. Jones is accused of raping a child of less than 13 years of age while in an apartment at 34 Main St. in the Village of Le Roy.

Craig A. Tiberio-Shepherd is indicted on a charge of DWI as a felony. Tiberio-Shepherd is accused of driving drunk Aug. 14 in the Town of Pembroke.

Dominic J. Cordello Jr. is indicted on charges of DWI as a felony and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater as a felony. Cordello is accused of driving drunk on Aug. 11 in the Town of Alexander.

Matthew A. Beccue is charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Beccue is accused of possessing two stolen Dell desktop computers. The Grand Jury did not find sufficient evidence to indict Beccue on felony charges, but did find sufficient evidence to sustain the misdemeanor charges, so the case is returned to the Pavilion Town Court.

Jason L. Pask is indicted on a charge of criminal mischief, 2nd. Pask is accused of damaging another person's car, a 2010 Camaro SS, causing damage in excess of $1,000 in value, on July 24.

Tacoya S. Johnson is indicted on charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and grand larceny, 3rd. Johnson is accused using a forged instrument to steal more than $3,000 while at a local bank branch on Oct. 31, 2007.

Dannielle D. Sturgis-Ruise is indicted on charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and grand larceny, 4th. Sturgis-Ruise is accused of using a forged instrument to steal more than $1,000 from a local bank branch on Oct. 27, 2007.

William A. Muoio III is indicted on charges of DWI as a felony and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater as a felony. Muoio is accused of driving drunk Aug. 22 in the Town of Le Roy.

Jennifer L. Coombs is indicted on charges of DWI as a felony and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater as a felony. Coombs is accused of driving drunk June 30 in the Town of Byron.

Cheryl A. Vagg is indicted on a charge of driving while ability impaired by drugs as a felony. Vagg is accused of driving while under the influence of drugs July 3 in the Town of Alabama.

The Grand Jury returned a "no bill" (finding insufficient evidence to support the charges) on Shawn C. Wetmore. Wetmore was charged in the City of Batavia of burglary, 3rd, criminal possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Smoldering oven mitts thrown on back porch likely cause of East Pembroke fire

By Howard B. Owens

A pair of smoldering ovens mitts are the likely cause of a late morning fire in East Pembroke that has put an Angling Road couple out of their home.

The fire destroyed the back portion of the home at 2583 Angling Road, and it sustained heavy smoke and water damage throughout.

Daniel and Sarah Norway escaped the home safely with assistance from Deputy Brian Thompson. A dog was taken out of the house with Sarah and a cat was rescued by firefighters. Two other family cats perished in the fire.

The fire was reported at 12:10 p.m. Sarah reported smelling smoke, looked out the back door and saw flames. She woke up Daniel. He immediately went outside and found the back stairs gone and flames climbing up the walls.

Thompson arrived on scene to find Daniel trying to put out the fire and Sarah was still inside with the dog. Thompson got them out of the house. The deputy's report says "snow was thrown on the fire" while awaiting the arrival of firefighters, without saying who threw the snow on the fire.

According to Thompson's report, Sarah said she had thrown a pair of smoldering oven mitts out the back door around 11 a.m.

East Pembroke Fire responded to the scene and assisting at the scene or in fill-in roles were Town of Batavia, Pembroke, Corfu, Darien, Indian Falls and Oakfield along with Genesee County Emergency Services. An Animal Control officer also responded and took an orange tabby to the Batavia Animal Hospital.

The fire was first called in by neighbor Raymond Russell of Read Road.

The house is assessed at $71,300 and was insured.

(Initial Report)

House on fire on Angling Road

By Billie Owens

A structure fire is reported at 2583 Angling Road. It's between Read Road and Church Street. There is black smoke billowing from the corner of the house.

A firefighter on scene says there is heavy smoke coming from the rear of the residence.

Another says "Occupants and dog are out. It is involved."

East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. An engine from Corfu is also requested.

UPDATE 12:24 p.m.: This East Pembroke fire has gone to a second alarm. Mercy medics are on scene. Corfu has called for an engine from Darien to stand in at Corfu's hall. A tanker from Indian Falls is requested. "It's starting to go fast -- everybody be careful because of the ice." But a bit later "The floor is gone. All interior firefighters are ordered out of the structure."

UPDATE 12:29 p.m.: Town of Batavia calls for an engine from Corfu to fill in at its station. Some units on scene are working to try and protect the garage.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Oakfield is called to fill in at Town of Batavia's fire hall. Despite the prior directive, and the collapse of the floor, firefighters are now on the second floor of the house working to put out the fire. National Grid is notified, no ETA given. A chief asks "Do we have a crew for the roof?"

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: The chief says "The fire's out. We're just trying to clean up in here. There aren't any hot spots." Also, a badly injured cat was found at the scene (presumably it has suffered burns). It is not known whose cat it is, if anyone's. It has been placed inside the garage and people from the animal shelter are on their way to get it and treat it. According to Sheriff's Deputy Brian Thompson, the fire started outside in a stairwell from unknown causes. A man and woman were asleep in their bedroom when the woman awoke and smelled something burning. By then, the fire had starting climbing the walls of the residence.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: The rescued cat did not apparently suffer from burns. Rather it experienced severe smoke inhalation and was heavily doused with water. It is one of three of the family's cats and is being taken to Batavia Animal Hospital on West Main Street Road. The other two cats remain unaccounted for.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m. (by Howard): Red Cross requested to the scene. Also, photo above of the red tabby that was rescued from the house. It was covered in water that had frozen and probably suffered from smoke inhalation, but was crying loudly as it was being carried here. The firefighter is taking the cat to a garage where it might be warmer. An Animal Control officer picked up the cat a short time later and took it to Batavia Animal Hospital.


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Big wreck at Alleghany and Indian Falls roads

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Alleghany and Indian Falls roads. Mercy Flight is called but unavailable. Alleghany Road (Route 77) is blocked north and south. Traffic is also to be shut down at Little Falls, Gabbey Road and the Thruway exit.

Responders include Pembroke, East Pembroke, Indian Falls and Oakfield fire departments and Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 11:55 a.m.: so far, on victim has been transported to UMMC and another to ECMC.

UPDATE 12:01 p.m. (by Howard):  Roads back open, fire departments back in service.

Police Beat: Car found in ditch off Route 77, driver arrested

By Howard B. Owens

John Micheal Parker, 58, of Phelps Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI (driving with a BAC of .18 or greater), speed not reasonable for conditions. At 12:41 a.m., Dec. 4, the Sheriff's Office received a call of a car in a ditch on Route 77 in Pembroke. Deputy Kevin McCarthy responded and found a car in a ditch, partially blocking the roadway. Parker was allegedly found to be intoxicated.

Charles M. Blatt, 48, of 319 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Police responded to a reported domestic incident at 6:25 p.m., Thursday. Blatt was allegedly found in violation of an order of protection that barred him from being intoxicated in the presence of the protected party. Blatt was jailed on $1,000 bail.

William A. Andrews, 31, of 54 Hutchins St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Andrews allegedly violated an order of protection by making repeated threats of violence against the protected person. Andrews was jailed without bail.

Gordy Abiola Akinpelu, 18, of Lincoln Street, Brooklyn, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Akinpelu is accused of entering a room at Oak Hall in College Village without permission.

Tractor-trailer and car crash on Thruway at Pembroke exit

By Billie Owens

A car and tractor-trailer accident is reported on the Thruway, eastbound, at the Pembroke exit.

The tractor-trailer jacknifed and the car is underneath. But the car's driver is out and walking around. No injuries are reported.

The eastbound on-ramp lane is blocked and is shut down.

Indian Falls Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 11:28 a.m. (by Howard): The truck still wasn't cleared of the scene this morning. Kevin Switzer sent in this picture.

Car reportedly strikes guardrail on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly struck a guardrail and came to rest in the median in the area of mile marker 396.2.

Unknown injuries.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Also, there's a two-car, no-injury accident on Route 77 near Indian Falls.

Car off the road on the Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A car is off the road in the median on the Thruway near mile marker 398.

Unknown injuries.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 3:59 p.m.: No injuries. Traffic is heavily backed up in the westbound lanes. There also appears to be another car off the road in the area.

Rollover accident, no injuries, on Route 5 in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Route 5, west of Indian Falls Road, in Pembroke. There are no injuries, but a medic is called to evaluate in an infant who was in the vehicle.

East Pembroke fire is responding.

Photo: Brent Persia's CD release party

By Howard B. Owens

Tonight, Pembroke native Brent Persia, hosted a CD-release party at Center Street Smoke House, Downtown Batavia. Before a full house, Persia sang songs from his debut CD as well as some favorite covers. The singer-songwriter's CD will be available for purchase through his website.

Police Beat: Driver accused of hit-and-run in the city arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Justin J. Wheeler, 37, of Attica, is charged with driving with ability impaired by drugs and failure to keep right. Wheeler is accused of being involved in an alleged hit-and-run accident on South Main Street, Batavia, and was subsequently stopped on Route 98, Town of Alexander, for allegedly operating erratically. (initial report)

Thomas Anthony Sobczak, 45, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Sobczak was stopped on an unidentified road in Batavia at 2:45 p.m., Nov. 15, for allegedly following too closely behind a semi-trailer by Deputy Brian Thompson. Thompson reported allegedly finding marijuana and codeine in Sobczak's possession.

Jeffrey M. Kohorst, 22, of 6105 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Kohorst was stopped at 9:51 p.m., Saturday, in the City of Batavia by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Michael Todd Dibble, 19, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dibble was stopped at 11:35 p.m., Saturday, on Route 5, Town of Batavia, for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

A 16-year-old of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was charged following a traffic stop on Angling Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Brian Thompson. A 16-year-old passenger in the car was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The 17-year-old driver was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, reckless driving and speeding (90 mph in a 55 mph zone). The reckless driving drive stems from an alleged attempt to elude law enforcement with four passengers in the car.

Gary David Doctor, 28, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unsafe tires. Doctor was stopped on Route 33, Pembroke by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Dylan James Hawkins, 18, of Hilltop Acres, Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hawkins was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped on East Avenue by Deputy Brian Thompson. The 17-year-old driver, of Bryant Street, Batavia, was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Teriance M. Schramm, 20, of Edwards Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana. Schramm was allegedly seen on Nov. 15 walking down Ross Street with nunchaku ("nunchucks") in his pocket. He was questioned by Deputy Matt Butler and also found to allegedly possess marijuana.

Summer Ogden, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and disobeying a court order. Ogden was arrested by State Police at 8:32 a.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Driver loses consciousness on Thruway, car in a ditch

By Howard B. Owens

A driver reportedly lost consciousness while on the Thruway and his car went off the roadway into a ditch.

The accident occurred in the area of mile marker 398.2.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Police Beat: Bail set at $1K for man accused of violating order of protection

By Howard B. Owens

Ronald A. Smith, 18, of 3189 Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith is accused of violating a court order protecting a female acquaintance. During the investigation he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Smith was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Latoya Y. Stanley, 101 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief, 4th. Stanley is accused of going to the apartment of another person and damaging the doorway.

Randy L. Sanfratello, 41, of 4016 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sanfratello is accused of trying to fight another man at East Town Plaza on Oct. 20. He was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court.

Nathan Lorel Smatana, 21, of Lincoln Place, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smatana was arrested following the investigation into a motor-vehicle accident at 5:12 p.m., Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Victoria Lynn Phillips, 49, of Molasses Hill Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Phillips was arrested by Deputy Jason Saile following a 9-1-1 call out of the Town of Darien at 11:46 p.m., Friday.

Adam Scott Hamilton, 25, of Curwood Drive, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct. Hamilton was picked up on a bench warrant out of Town of Darien Court for failure to pay a fine. He paid the fine and was released.

Alejandro Cortes Ruiz, 28, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate headlights, unlicensed operation and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Ruiz was stopped at 11:54 p.m., Friday, on South Lyon Street, City of Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile. Bail was set at $2,500.

A 17-year-old from Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was nabbed when a K-9 allegedly alerted on his vehicle parked in a parking lot.

A 17-year-old from Basom is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was nabbed when a K-9 allegedly alerted on his vehicle parked in a parking lot.

Randall William McKeown, 48, of Dellinger Avenue, is charged with a felony count of DWI, driving with a BAC .08 or greater, aggravated unlicense operation, 3rd, and moving from lane unsafely. McKeown was stopped on Route 5, Batavia, at 12:31 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Christopher Thomas Guillod, 23, of Olde Tavern Circle, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings and inadequate exhaust. Guillod was stopped at 1:12 a.m., Sunday, on Oak Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Two-vehicle accident in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident, blocking the roadway, is reported at West Main and Allegany Roads in Pembroke.

Car hits pole in fron of Kutter's Cheese

By Billie Owens

A car-into-pole accident with minor injuries is reported in front of Kutter's Cheese, located at 857 Main Road in Corfu.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE (4:11 p.m.): The woman is reported to be uninjured. Mercy EMS is continuing in non-emergency mode. She told responders that she was trying to park her car when her vehicle struck the pole. The vehicle is damaged.

Three-car accident reported on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries has been reported on the Thruway, eastbound lane between mile markers 402 and 404.

Pembroke and Indian Falls Fire  with Mercy EMS being dispatched.

The Pembroke chief warns that responders should be aware that the Route 77 bridge over the Thruway is very slick.

On scene, the chief reports three vehicles involved. No word yet on injuries.

UPDATE 9:04 a.m.: Everybody is out of the cars and walking around. One person may have an eye injury.

UPDATE 9:14 a.m.: A second ambulance is requested to the scene.

Grassfire reported in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A grassfire is reported on Marble Road, near Akron Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding.

UPDATE (3:22 p.m.): The little fire has burnt itself out. Alabama fire helped out and got to the scene first. The units from Pembroke and Indian Falls were held back and now Alabama is returning to quarters.

Police responding to possible child abduction on Route 77

By Howard B. Owens

Multiple law enforcement units are responding to Route 77 north of Route 5 following the report of a possible child abduction by a parent.

The report came in through OnStar.

The suspect car is a 2010 silver Chevy Malibu.

UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: The search is now located in the area of Flying J.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: A deputy has the vehicle stopped in the Flying J's parking lot. Brighton PD is being notified. The car is registered to a woman in Spencerport.

UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: Deputy: "The child is fine. (The driver) was heading to the rez for cigarettes." Now it appears that Ogden PD is lead agency.

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