batavia

A fight, now broken up, was reported on Maple Street near Jackson Street. Police are on scene.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: An ambulance is called to the scene for a person with a laceration.

Jason Micheal Kone, 31, of Townline Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, violation of probation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, operating with a suspended registration and operating without insurance. Kone was stopped at 1:51 p.m., Sunday, on Townline Road, Byron, by Deputy Chris Parker. At the time of the stop Kone was allegedly found in possession of a pipe containing marijuana. Kone was also arrested on a warrant out of Monroe County for alleged violation of probation and turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Christina J. Larsen, 37, of 6024 Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, improper left turn, uninspected motor vehicle and unregistered motor vehicle. Larson was stopped at 7:21 p.m. Sunday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Jamie Givens.

Nicholas C. Klippel, 28, of 80 Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Klippel is accused of threatening to "murder" another person.

Steven A. Earl, 27, of 8017 Bank Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to yield right of way. Earl was stopped at 2:02 a.m. Sunday on South Swan Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Richard L Coughlin, 59, of 17 Fisher Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and menacing, 3rd. Coughlin is accused of putting another person in fear of physical injury by yelling and screaming while in close proximity to that person and raising clenched fists. Coughlin is accused of violating an order of protection issued by Family Court.

Michael L. Valle, 31, of 146 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with attempted burglary, 2nd, criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Valle is accused of attempting to break into the residence of a person protected by a court order causing damage to a window screen and exterior light. Valle was jailed on $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond.

Brian D. Stotts, 35, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana and running a red light. Stotts was stopped Saturday in Le Roy by a Le Roy police officer.

Bobbie Jo Hudson, 28, of Banks Road, Churchville, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving on a suspected registration, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, and uninspected motor vehicle. Hudson was stopped at 2:25 a.m. Friday on Route 19, Bergen, by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Lucas G. Yauchzee, 23, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Yauchzee's arrest stems from the investigation of an alleged domestic incident Oct. 20. He was allegedly found in possession of LSD and marijuana. The case was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson and Trooper J.J. Pitz.

Richard G. Medwid, 27, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unreasonable speed. Medwid was reportedly involved in a one-vehicle accident on Route 98, Town of Batavia, at 12:55 a.m., Sept. 15.

While I was out with my film cameras today, I came across Mark Dougherty and Wayne Newton on my street with their old Ford trucks. That seemed like a suitable subject for film photography, and these are both beautiful old trucks.

Two people were taken to regional hospitals by Mercy Flight after an accident at 2:40 p.m. on West Main Street at the turn-in for Valu Plaza.

Both people, the driver of one car and his passenger, had non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was taken ECMC and the passenger to Strong Memorial Hospital.

A third person, the driver of a red Chevy Avalanche involved in the crash, was taken to Strong by Mercy EMS.

Reportedly, the driver of a blue Chevy Aveo was making a left-hand turn from the westbound lane into Valu Plaza. He allegedly pulled in front of the red Avalanche.

City and Town of Batavia fire departments responded and Sheriff's deputies are investigating the accident.

Information and photos provided by Alecia Kaus.

Students from Penn State are on Batavia's street corners today and tomorrow morning collecting spare change from passing cars as part of there charity drive on the behalf of pediatric cancer.

The students are part of a group called THON, which was first organized at Penn State in 1977. The group has raised more than than $89 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Last year alone, students raised $10 million.

The students came to Batavia this weekend because one of the members, James Leisenring, is from Genesee County.

They will be collecting change until 4 p.m. today and tomorrow morning before heading back to State College, Pa.

Each year, THON culminates its fundraising efforts with a 46-hour dance marathon. For more information, visit THON.org.

Pictured is James Metz, of Butler, Pa., and below, Rick Mancuso, who happened to stop at the Hess Station and then found out about the fundraiser and kicked in a donation.

Bottom photo of participating students submitted by Lisa Rapone.

Members of Adventure Crew 69, Scout Pack 69 and Boy Scout Troop 69 were on the Southside this morning collecting donations for the food pantry at St. James Episcopal Church.

Photo submitted by Jason Smith.

A few minutes ago, a law enforcement officer was asked to return to the jail to help a guy who'd locked himself out of his vehicle. The officer said brightly "Sure, I'd be glad to." It's the same person he'd just taken to jail for prints and photos, who was then subsequently released on his own recognizance.

So far, according to Mike Adams, everything about moving Kreative Design Kitchen and Bath to a new location at 5582 E. Main Road, Batavia, has been a success.

Mike and Debbie Adams founded their business in 1993. A big reason for the move was so they could enjoy the financial benefits own owning their own building. In doing so, they also expanded their showroom space by 800 square feet. The expansion has allowed them to expand their business to include more flooring and closet systems.

In the kitchen and bathroom departments they still offer Omega and Diamond cabinets.

With more than 100 people showing up for the grand opening weekend last Saturday and Sunday, Adams said he's pleased the new location is attracting some attention.

Photo, Debbie and Mike Adams, left, and designer Aubrey Kingston.

A 27-year-old Batavia man stopped for alleged traffic violations is in jail today, being held on a warrant out of Clark County, Nevada, for alleged sexual assault of a child under age 14.

Kevin Jerome Bacon II, of Bank Street, was stopped by Deputy Joseph Graff for allegedly operating a vehicle in the City of Batavia without headlights or taillights.

Subsequently, Bacon was identified as a warrant suspect.

Bacon is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail as a suspected fugitive from justice.

A 42-year-old Manhatten Avenue resident was taken into custody today on suspicion of selling cocaine in Batavia.

Robert K. Andreassen is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Andreasson is accused of selling a quantity of cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Task force members along with Batavia PD officers arrested Andreassen at his residence.

Following arraignment in county court, Andreassen was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

An ashcan, or ashtray-type container, is reportedly on fire at 319 W. Main St., Batavia.

The owner has pulled the container away from the building.

City fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Fire out. City fire back in service.

Submitted by Bare Antoles:

The students of Notre Dame started their day on Friday by gathering to cheer on their classmates, the Girls XC Sectional Championship team -- Madison Gluck, Laurie Call, Anna Warner, Emily McCracken, Shelby McGinnis, Rosemary Flumerfeldt, Emily Sherman -- and Boys Sectional Champion Jeffrey Antolos prior to leaving for the NYSPHSAA State Championships to be held tomorrow at Elma Meadows Golf Course in Elma, NY.

A Brooklyn man is facing a rare bribery charge in Genesee County, but that's not nearly the end of his legal troubles.

He's also wanted in Poughkeepsie and Virginia.

Christian J. Nykian, 20, was in custody and identified as a man wanted on a warrant out of Henrico County, Virginia, when he allegedly told State Troopers, “Yo, I will give you all my money in my pocket to make this go away."

In his pocket, according to Investigator Andre Dunlap, was $198.28.

Troopers Jenny Bryman and Steve Brady initially made contact wth Nykian at College Village on Wednesday after responding to a trespassing complaint.

Four subjects were found in a dorm room who allegedly did not have permission to be there.

When questioned, Nykian said his given name was Christian, according to Dunlap. When a records check turned up a warrant in Virginia, he said his real name was Johnny.

The troopers took him back to the State Police Barracks on West Saile Drive and a fingerprint scan positively identified him as Christian J. Nykian, Dunlap said.

That's when Nykian allegedly offered the troopers his $198.28 to "make this go away."

Locally, Nykian is facing a Class D felony for the alleged bribery of a public official as well as false personation and obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd.

In Virginia, Nykian is wanted for felony false pretense and false utterance.

Poughkeepsie PD authorities are also seeking Nykian on charges of grand larceny, 3rd, and possession of a forged instrument, 2nd.

Dunlap said both jurisdictions have said they will seek extradition of Nykian. He will likely face the New York charges before being sent to Virginia.

Nykian is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

An electrical fire is reported in a storage room in the back of the Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at 96 Jackson St. The fire is said to be inside an electrical panel box. City firefighters are on scene but report nothing showing.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: A fire chief says there is an odor of smoke coming from the panel box and he requests that National Grid be notified of the problem.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: The power company has been notified. No ETA given.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: National Grid says a rep will be there in about 10 minutes.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: An electrician will need to be called in. The circuit breakers are completely burned, according to the chief. The power is shut down.

A 40-year-old man turned himself in to Batavia PD following a complaint that the man sexually abused a child under age 11.

John W. Eastridge, 40, of 7058 N. Pearl St., Oakfield, was charged with sexual abuse, 1st. Following arraignment he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Eastridge allegedly subjected a child to sexual contact in September 2009 in Batavia.

Assisting Det. Charles Dudek on the investigation were Chris Erion and John Dehm of the Sheriff's Office.

An injury accident that is blocking traffic is reported at East Main and Liberty streets. One patient has a back injury. Mercy medics are on scene and city fire is responding.

Press release:

Batavia police are investigating a hit-and-run accident which occurred on Thursday, Oct. 25, between 2:15 p.m. and 2:20 p.m. in the rear parking lot of the YMCA at 209 E. Main St.

A white Chevrolet van, belonging to Next Generation Vending, was struck by another vehicle. The van had been parked along the sidewalk behind the building and was struck by a vehicle backing out of one of the 15-minute parking spaces.

The suspect vehicle is a newer black SUV which had a Web address written on the back hatch. The Web address was "(an unknown word) signs.com" and the driver of the suspect vehicle may have been an older male wearing a ball cap. It appears that he may not have been aware that he struck another vehicle.

Anybody with information is asked to call the Batavia PD at 345-6350.

Faith Brenda O'Berne, 44, of Mount Read Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. O'Berne is accused of stealing a $200 TV from Kmart. During the investigation by Deputy Brian Thompson she was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine.

David R. Mark, 26, of Dansville, is charged with petit larceny. Mark is accused of shoplifting $89 in merchandise from Kmart.

Thomas Michael Rider, 55, of Lathrop Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Rider was stopped by Sgt. Greg Walker at 6:58 p.m., Tuesday, on Buffalo Road in Bergen after allegedly being observed driving and striking a curb in a parking lot.

Trashawn D. Bell, 17, of 46 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Bell is accused of punching another person Nov. 2.

Taylor L. Finnin, 19, of 1 Cone St., Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and 16 counts of possession of a forged instrument. Finnin turned himself in after learning of an arrest warrant on the listed charges. Finnin was jailed on $10,000 bail.

No matter how much John A. Cabrera Jr. wants to prove to the community he's a good person, he's going to have to wait, Judge Robert C. Noonan told the church burglar this morning.

The 22-year-old Cabrera told Noonan he knew had made mistakes and he was sorry for hurting people.

"In your crime spree, you victimized people who are the people who help others in the community," Noonan said. "Nothing but a long prison term would be appropriate. I'm glad you want to turn your life around, but it's going to be a long while before you can do that."

In October, Cabrera admitted to three Class D felonies of burglary and escape.

With a possible maximum sentence of two-and-a-third to seven years on each count, Noonan came close to giving Cabrera the max. Cabrera will serve two to six on all three counts, served consecutively, which means he could be in prison for six to 18 years. If he's released any time before 18 years, the balance of the sentence will be served on parole.

Cabrera's crimes included a burglary of St. Paul's, St. Mary's, Ascension West, First Baptist and St. James.

"I'm very, very sorry for what I did," Cabrera told Noonan. "Looking back on it, it's never worth it to hurt somebody, especially in a community setting like a church. It effects a lot of people. You hurt everybody in the church."

The Oct. 9 plea also satisified any uncharged crimes Cabrera may have committed and in court today Cabrera was ordered to pay restitution to a Town of Batavia women he also stole from.

He will also be required to pay restitution to Genesee County for damage he did to the jail when he escaped.

His total restitution to the churches and the woman total $7,018. Whatever balance remains unpaid upon his release from prison will be paid in $200 monthly installments, Noonan ruled. The churches and the Batavia woman will be paid first, followed by the county, before the insurance companies are paid.

"What I did was wrong," Cabrera told Noonan. "Either way, whether it was churches or somebody else, it was wrong. I'm ready to change, to seek help and to pay my debt and pay restitution. I want to do what is right. I don't want this to linger after I get out. I don't want to be remembered for the bad things I did after I get out. I want to be remembered for doing good because I'm not a bad person. I'm a good person."

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman argued that given the scope of the crimes and the nature of the victims, Cabrera should receive the maximum possible sentence.

Attorney William Harper, representing Cabrera for the Public Defender's Office, asked Noonan to consider that Cabrera never had any contact with law enforcement prior to his early summer crime spree.

He noted that Cabrera had a mental health and drug problem, which he sought help for on his own before the crime spree even started, but never really got help.

There's also an indication, Harper noted, that Cabrera's church burglaries didn't begin until after Cabrera started using bath salts.

"Bath salts wreaked havoc with his ability to deal with his mental health issues and refrain from engaging in criminal activity," Harper said.

Noonan said he was sympathetic to Cabrera's mental health issues, but the issues were not of the severity or nature that he couldn't recognize what he was doing was wrong. Presentence reports, Noonan said -- not withstanding Cabrera's own statements in court -- indicate that Cabrera believes the normal rules of society do not apply to him.

Updated with additional information from the Sheriff's Office at 6:38 p.m.

A Batavia woman was arraigned on two felony drug counts today in county court.

Tracey Brewer (aka Tracey Cook), 47, of 52 Columbia Ave., Batavia, is accused of selling hydrocodone and oxycodone.

She was arrested Tuesday on a sealed grand jury indictment. She is charged with one count each of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th, and criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Brewer's arrest followed an investigation by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

She is accused of making the sales April 4 and April 18 at her Columbia Avenue residence to an undercover agent.

Batavia PD assisted in her apprehension.

Brewer was released following arraignment under supervision of Genesee Justice.