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Train stopped for railroad tie fire near Donahue Road, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A railroad tie fire is reported east of Donahue Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire dispatched.

The caller is unsure of exact location. "It is by the water."

Train traffic is being shut down in both directions.

UPDATE 5:17 p.m.: The location is a half mile east of Donahue Road. A chief on scene says Engine 23 can respond non-emergency.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: A chief advises dispatch to contact CSX and notify the company that they might want to inspect the tie. "It's been burning for quite awhile."

Law and Order: 53-year-old man accused of pushing and following pair of little girls in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Alejandro Chaparro, 53, of Braley Road, Ransomville, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of second-degree harassment. At 9:29 p.m. on Aug. 4, following an investigation into a harassment complaint, Chaparro was arrested on Main Street Road in Batavia. He allegedly pushed and followed an 11-year-old girl and a 9-year-old girl. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and is due back there on Aug. 27. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Paul R. Hogle, 53, of Vallence Road, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 2 by Le Roy Police Department and charged with one count of stalking in the fourth degree, a Class B misdemeanor, and one count of forcible touching, a Class A misdemeanor. Hogle was arrested after a complaint was received by the Le Roy Police Department that he had allegedly placed a GPS locating device on the victim’s vehicle and used it to find them at a later time. It is also alleged that Hogle had unwanted contact with the victim. Hogle was arraigned in the Town of Stafford Court and was turned over to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail. Hogle was subsequently arrested on Aug. 3 for criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. On Aug. 3, Hogle allagedly violated a court order, ordering him to stay away from the protected party. It is alleged that on that date, knowing said order was in place, that Hogle made contact with the protected party. Hogle was arraigned again arraigned in the Town of Stafford Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail. Hogle is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 13 to answer all charges.

Jennifer Nichole Wenner, 31, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .18 percent or more; consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle; obstructed view; disorderly conduct -- urinating in a public place. Wenner was arrested at 1:58 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia after an investigation into a disturbance at a gas station. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Vincent M. Eschenlauer, 27, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired -- combined influence of drugs or alcohol/drugs; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; moving from lane unsafely; driving a motor vehicle on or across a sidewalk; operating a motor vehicle on a public highway while using a mobile phone. The defendant was arrested after he allegedly fled the scene of a one-car collision on Route 63 at Jackson Street in the city at 7:09 p.m. on July 30. He is due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Michael John Reeves, 39, of Military Road, Tonawanda, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; two counts of DWI; operating a motor vehicle with headlights; and uninspected motor vehicle. Reeves was stopped at 12:28 a.m. on Aug. 4 on Route 77 in Pembroke for allegedly operating a motor vehicle without headlights. Reeves was issued appearance tickets to answer the charges and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Aug. 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, assisted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Patrick D. Powell, 32, of Manor Park, Rochester, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; inadequate exhaust; drinking alcohol in motor vehicle on a highway. At 1 p.m. on Aug. 3, following a traffic stop on Richmond Avenue in the City of Batavia, Powell was arrested on the charges. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 21 in City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Sharon Yvonne Sharman, 47, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and DWI -- operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. Sharman was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident on Seven Springs Road at 3:12 a.m. on Aug. 4. She was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 20 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Clor, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Aerielle Susan Davis, 29, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI -- first offense, and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 pr more. She was arrested at 1:47 a.m. on Aug. 4 on West Main Street in Corfu following an investigation of a woman asleep at the wheel of a running vehicle in the village. She was issued an appearance ticket for Village of Corfu Court and is due there Aug. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Dalton C. Kelly, 20, of Chase Park, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. Kelly was arrested at 5:40 p.m. on July 30 in Batavia after a report of a male out of control who damaged property. He was scheduled to appear in court July 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Nasir C. Nathan, 22, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested 7:45 p.m. on July 24 on Watson Street in the City of Batavia after he allegedly made threats toward a person protected by a stay-away court order against Nathan. He is due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Ahdeosun R. Aiken, 20, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 10:19 p.m. on Aug. 3 on Walnut Street in Batavia after allegedly violating an order of protection during a domestic incident. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. He was due back in City Court today (Aug. 6). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Barbra Ann Nehl, 75, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 4:52 p.m. on Aug. 5 at a retail store on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke. She allegedly stole $37.70 worth of merchandise without paying and by passing all points of purchase. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Aug. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Michael L. Jackson Jr., of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 4:13 p.m. on July 27 on West Main Street in Batavia after he allegedly stole items from a grocery store. He is due in City Court on July 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Dustin Wayne Bogue, 36, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Bogue was arrested at 1:41 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia after it was alleged that he entered a convenience store and stole property. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Taylor L. Finnin, 25, of 131 S. Swan St., Batavia, is charged with trespass. The defendant was arrested at 5:30 p.m. on July 29 on South Main Street in Batavia after he allegedly trespassed at a residence after being told he was not allowed there. He is due in City Court tomorrow (Aug. 7). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Shane Eugene Dann, 41, of Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 1 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court. The warrant was issued after Dann failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance in regard to an incident that occurred on Feb. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Lindsay Christopher, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

A 16-year-old female who lives on Astor Ridge Road in Amherst is charged with DWI-drugs and unsafe backing. She was arrested at 11:21 a.m. on Aug. 5 on Alleghany Road in Corfu after an investigation into a property damage accident at Crosby's convenience store. She was issued an appearance ticker for Corfu Village Court and is due there on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

A 17-year-old female who lives on West Utica Street, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 5 on Alleghany Road in Corfu. She was allegedly found in possession of a small amount of marijuana during a DWI -- drug arrest. She was issued an appearance ticket for Corfu Village Court on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Bail increased for BHS athlete accused of stabbing teammate

By Howard B. Owens
      Antwan Odom

Even with a number of family members in the courtroom and a high score on the bail evaluation by Genesee Justice, 17-year-old Antwan Odom was ordered held on $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond by City Court Judge Robert Balbick on his attempted assault charge.

Odom is accused of stabbing Ray Leach with a sharp object at least 10 times during an argument over alleged stolen property at 135 Ross St., Batavia, on Friday afternoon.

Both Odom and Leach are star athletes at Batavia High School.

Odom appeared in City Court this afternoon dressed in a Genesee County Jail orange jumpsuit with his hands cuffed, represented by Michael Locicero from the Public Defenders Office.

Locicero argued that Odom should be released under the supervision of Genesee Justice with strict curfew requirements. Odom and Leach have been neighbors but Locicero said Odom could live at his sister's house, well away from the Ross Street neighborhood, while the case is pending.

When Odom appeared in City Court the evening of his arrest, his bail was set at $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond by Judge Durin Rogers. 

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini was consulted by phone that evening on a bail recommendation. She said that at the time she was not given the defendant's name nor had she seen news coverage about the case. She was only told at the time that the defendant had no prior criminal history, meaning no convictions. She did not know that Odom has a pending felony DWI case in the Town of Sweden.

It's a felony because he was allegedly driving drunk with an individual or individuals under the age of 16 in his vehicle. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of driving while under the influence of drugs. He was arrested by SUNY Brockport PD on April 8.

Balbick said he had to weigh and balance all of those factors, including Odom's family support when considering bail and determining whether Odom is a flight risk.

The bail evaluation by Genesee Justice -- Odom scored a 16 -- doesn't take into account the seriousness of the offense, both Cianfrini and Balbick noted, and that combined with the other pending felony must be considered, he said.

"Those factors make it imperative that bail be set in this matter," Balbick said. "A bail of $15,000 and $30,000 A and B is woefully inadequate."

Odom and Leach have been teammates on Batavia's football and basketball teams (Odom has not played baseball in high school, as previously reported). In basketball, Odom is one of the Blue Devils' top scorers.

Leach has been named to the All-Greater Rochester first teams each of the past two seasons. He gained 1,563 all-purpose yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2017. On Oct. 14, Leach scored six touchdowns, a school record. He ran the ball in five times and scored on a 22-yard interception as Batavia beat St. Mary's 69-20, setting a new school record for points in a game.

According to Leach's mother, as reported by our news partner 13WHAM, Leach is at home, able to walking and recovering. His stitches should come out in seven to 10 days. He expects to be ready for practice when pre-season drills begin.

Odom's father told 13WHAM that Odom doesn't remember stabbing Leach. He said his son didn't have a weapon and that he suffered a concussion in the fight.

Batavia nursing home acquired by NYC-based company

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia Health Care Center, a 62-bed skilled nursing facility in Batavia that provides rehabilitation and nursing services to patients who require short- or long-term nursing care following hospitalization, has been purchased by The Grand Healthcare System.

The Queens-based company, which has a track record of improving underperforming nursing homes through strong leadership, training and capital improvements, renovations and equipment upgrades, purchased the facility for an undisclosed amount.

Batavia Health Care Center, which is located at 257 State St., will be renamed The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia and will become one of numerous nursing homes across the state affiliated with The Grand Healthcare System. Other properties are located in Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Ilion, Madison, Oneida and Otsego counties, as well as the borough of Queens.

“We are thrilled to add this facility to our growing roster of New York-based properties,” said Jeremy B. Strauss, CEO of The Grand Healthcare System. “Batavia Health Care Center has a long and proud history and we look forward to elevating the quality and access to care for local residents.”

“Today marks a new beginning for this facility,” added Batavia's current administrator Jerome Krull. "Together, we will endeavor to create a facility where state-of-the-art rehabilitation and nursing care are coupled with a luxury experience for guests and their loved ones.”

Founded in 2014, The Grand Healthcare System strives to be the preferred choice for rehab and recovery. It offers a full continuum of premium healthcare and specialty care services, including amputee therapy, bariatric rehabilitation, cardiac therapy, complex medical care programs, hip repair and joint replacement recovery programs, IV antibiotic therapy, medical nutrition therapy, and stroke rehabilitation.

“In the months to come, we will examine how else we can be of service to the community,” Krull said. “Our team is well connected with the hospitals in the area and we will explore the possibility of adding specialty programs based on the needs of the region.”

The facility has a staff of more than 200 employees.

Possible stabbing reported on Ellicott Street in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A possible stabbing is reported in the area of 700 Ellicott St. Mercy medics are to stage at Liberty and Ellicott streets. City police are responding.

UPDATE 9:52 a.m.: The injury "was to the wrist"; Mercy medic #1 is called into the scene.

UPDATE 10:01 a.m.: Someone's stitches broke open and the person needs the wound repaired. No one was stabbed.

UPDATE 10:08 a.m.: Mercy medics transported the patient to UMMC.

Foxprowl reopens at location on Ellicott Street

By Howard B. Owens

The collectibles store Foxprowl is back at its original location, 440 Ellicott St., Batavia, after a couple of years of trying a location at Main and Jackson and pop-up stores and online sales.

After a barbershop that had moved into the location closed, owners Bill and Joy Hume saw it as an opportunity to get back to their roots.

"It’s a familiar spot," Bill Hume said. "I like the building and the location and I like the landlord so it was kind of obvious. It worked out good. It just happened to become available and I jumped on it. My gut instinct told me, go back home."

Added bonus, his stock of T-shirts with the 440 Ellicott St. address on them is back in style.

Yesterday, the Chamber of Commerce was on hand for a ribbon cutting with help from Batman's Penguin, Wolverine, Spider-Man & Velma from Scooby-Doo, all from WNY Superheroes and Cosplayers.

The grand-reopening yesterday also included appearances by Brenden Gillard, artist, voice actor, costume designer, and author. Anthony Zicari, comic writer and editor, was also on hand.

Bill Hume said he will bring in more celebrity guests and he's also looking to bring back Foxprowl Con, perhaps in the coming year, with some new ideas.

Tompkins Insurance to face Skyworks in men's softball championship

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Men's League Softball championship comes down to Tomkins Insurance vs. Skyworks this coming week.

On Thursday, in the semifinals, Tompkins beat T.F. Brown's Beers N Bombs 15-7. In the nightcap, Skyworks beat USPS 14-1.

Charges filed against Batavia HS three-sport athlete following stabbing of teammate on Ross Street

By Howard B. Owens

One of Batavia High School's star athletes is in the Genesee County Jail today, accused of stabbing a teammate during a disagreement yesterday afternoon at 153 Ross St., Batavia.

Antwan Odom is charged with attempted assault, 1st, a Class C felony, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, a Class A misdemeanor.

Odom is accused of stabbing neighbor, friend, classmate and teammate Ray Leach, a star running back for the Blue Devils and a teammate of Odom's during the football and basketball seasons. Odom is one of the basketball team's top scorers and also a standout in baseball.

Leach's injuries are not life-threatening. According to his sister Whitney Leach, Ray Leach was stabbed four times in the back, twice in his abdomen, once in each leg, and also has a couple of other superficial cuts.

Leach was discharged from UMMC last night after being treated for his wounds.

In a press release, Batavia PD said Odom allegedly attacked Leach after Leach accused him of stealing personal property.

By the time police arrived on the scene at about 3 p.m., Odom had fled. He was identified as the suspect by witnesses and police learned he had returned to his residence, also on Ross Street.

Police said multiple young children and other family members were in the house and "all occupants were safely evacuated." Odom was taken into custody without incident.

Odom was transported to UMMC for medical treatment then arraigned in City Court. He was then confined to the Genesee County Jail.  

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information in reference to this case may contact Officer Cowen or the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Previously:

Blue Devils star football player injured in stabbing on Ross Street

By Howard B. Owens

Ray Leach, Batavia High School's star running back, was the victim of a stabbing today 153 Ross St., Batavia.

His sister Whitney Leach said her brother was stabbed four times in the back, twice in his abdomen, once in each leg, and also has a couple of other superficial cuts.

He was discharged from the hospital this evening following treatment and is expected to recover.

According to social media posts, the suspect is a teammate and also one of Batavia's top athletes. Both are heading into their senior years. Batavia PD has yet to release the name of the suspect.

Leach helped the Blue Devils win sectional titles in 2015 and 2016 and helped lead them to the cusp of a fourth straight title in 2017. He has also been a standout on defense.

Shortly after the incident today, Whitney Leach asked for the prayers of friends and family.  Once she learned more about his condition, she said, "Pray that he will have a great recovery and we can get him back on the Batavia field (that's all he cares about, being able to play football)."

She said the first thing he did after arriving at the hospital was ask to see Head Coach Brennan Briggs and Briggs did visit him in the hospital.

He was treated at UMMC.

Chief Shawn Heubusch said Batavia PD will have a press release tonight about the incident.

Person stabbed on Ross Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A stabbing is reported at 153 Ross St. in the city. The scene is not yet secure. Police are responding. Mercy medics and city fire are asked to stage in the area. Communications are now secure; no further transmissions.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: The ambulance is told to come to the aid of one victim inside 153 Ross St.; an officer is there, too. Police are at 145 Ross St. Scene command calls for Ross Street to be shut down at Ellsworth Avenue and at North Street.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: A person with a hand laceration is reported in 145 Ross St.; Mercy medics are told to proceed there in non-emergency mode. The roadway can be reopened. Scene is secure. County deputies en route are told they can stand down.

UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: The victim is now at the Police Station and BLS medics are told to go there instead.

UPDATE 3:31 p.m.: An 18-year-old male is being transported to UMMC with a hand laceration.

Photos: The Big Latch On sponsored by UMMC

By Howard B. Owens

Alicia Forti with her daughter, 12-week-old Paisley during the Big Latch On, a celebration of breastfeeding moms sponsored by the Healthy Living Team at UMMC, at Cary Hall on Friday.

About 40 mothers participated in the event, which included an opportunity to learn about various programs that may assist mothers, as well as fun activities such as a selfie station. Parents could also have firefighters check the installation of their child car seats.

Thomas Greenwald encourages daughter Lilly, 5, to make an angry face with a mask in the selfie station.

Jessica Thomas-Heizyk with Klara completing paperwork at the child safety seat check.

Chris Bobo, City Fire, checking the base of a car seat.

Photos: GLOW Corporate Cup 2018

By Howard B. Owens

More than 860 runners and walkers -- a new event best -- participated in the GLOW Corporate Cup 5K on Thursday.

Batavia Downs was the top corporate team led by race winner Collin Mulcahy with a time of 16:43.

Kimberly Vona, also representing Batavia Downs, was the top female with a time of 18:25.

Collin Mulchay

Kimberly Vona

Batavia Downs


Upstate Toyota

Tompkins Financial/Bank of Castile

UMMC

City of Batavia

Charges filed in Friday's police chase that ended on Kelsey Road

By Howard B. Owens

The driver suspected of leading State Police on a chase down the I-90 into Batavia yesterday has been accused of assaulting a police officer and ordered jailed without bail.

Adeb Said, 49, of Port Richey, Fla., was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court on additional charges of: reckless endangerment, 1st; aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon; criminal mischief, 2nd; and criminal mischief, 3rd.

The woman who was reportedly a passenger in Said's 1997 Mercedes Benz, Tara A. Hackrott, 35, of Williamsville, was turned over to the Cheektowaga Police Department on an outstanding warrant.

Said's next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 27.

Said is accused of leading police on a chase from Henrietta to Kelsey Road in Batavia after being suspected of shoplifting. When the Mercedes exited the Thruway, the vehicle allegedly spun out and was surrounded by law enforcement vehicles. Said then allegedly drove aggressively toward a State trooper who fired his service weapon at the vehicle. The Mercedes continued on Park Road and was chased to Kelsey where Said and Hackrott reportedly tried to flee on foot before quickly being captured.

Previously:

Graham employees 'stuff the bus' to support local backpack program

By Howard B. Owens

Graham Corporation employees took on a special cause this past week -- donating backpacks and other school supplies to be distributed to local schoolchildren through the Salvation Army.

Student Transportation of America agreed to park a school bus on the Graham property so the 250 local employees could have a convenient place to drop off their donations.

Julie Roloson, human resources director, said the Graham community wanted to take on a new challenge to support the local community.

"Graham takes great pride in how many events and donations we can make locally and this happened to be one that we tried for the first time and we hope it will be very successful year after year," Roloson said. "We’re extremely proud to participate."

Idea of integrating Senior Center with new Healthy Living Center floated at legislative meeting

By Howard B. Owens

As the YMCA and UMMC have developed their plans for a new Healthy Living Center at Main and Bank streets they've found they could have available as much as 7,000 square feet to accommodate new space for the Genesee County Senior Center and the Office of the Aging.

County staff, led by County Manager Jay Gsell are working with the Y and UMMC on determining if such a merger of operations would be feasible.

Rob Walker (top photo), director of the Genesee Area YMCA in Batavia, and Dan Ireland, CEO of UMMC, brought the plan to members of the Legislature during the Human Services Committee meeting on Monday as part of a review of the progress on the Healthy Living Center plans.

"What we want to do is have a meaningful discussion with Jay and the team about what option does that present," Walker said. "How can that space be filled? How can it integrate with the community living area?"

The facility will be 85,000 square feet and contain community space, exercise space, a pool, a gym, meeting rooms and an interior walking/running track.

There will also be what Walker and Ireland called a "community living room" in the middle of the building with access from Main Street that will be open to all members of the community, without requiring a Y membership or the services of UMMC. The community living room will be a hub to access services at the facility or just meet with other community members.

The UMMC portion of the building will provide primary care, Ireland said, as well as a residency teaching program, behavioral health and crisis intervention, telemedicine, cancer prevention outreach services such as breast and colon cancer screenings, diabetes, cardiac conditions, dietary education, education services for team members and community.

The goal, Ireland said, is to increase the integration of services across the spectrum of needs for community members, and partnering with the Office of the Aging will help enhance that integration.

"A fully integrated network doesn’t just mean us getting other doctors or other specialists," Ireland said. "It means integrating services within the community. It’s integration with the YMCA and sharing resources and services to touch the community. It means integrating with the Senior Center and the Office of Aging."

Construction on the new YMCA portion should begin in 2019 and once the new Y portion of the building is open, the existing Y can be torn down and the UMMC portion of the building can be added.

If the county decides to integrate its senior, and perhaps its youth, programs, with the Healthy Living Center, it would be up to the county to decide what to do with the existing Senior Center building on Bank Street. Walker acknowledged it is a county asset.

Walker addressed the future of the building while answering questions about access to the new building for seniors using county services.

"Does the current building need to exist?" Walker said. "If it does, it does. But if it doesn't, that helps the flow of access."

The legislature is not being asked to take any action at this time and members were comfortable with letting Gsell and staff continue the discussions.

Police chase prompted by a couple of suspected shoplifters at Marketplace Mall in Rochester

By Billie Owens

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.

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