byron

Press release:

Approximately 700 National Grid customers in the Byron-Bergen area will experience a brief electrical service interruption on Saturday (April 14) morning to allow technicians to safely replace a vital transformer in a substation servicing that region.

Affected customers are receiving automated telephone calls from the company prior to the outage, which is scheduled from 4 to 6 a.m. on Saturday.  In addition, National Grid has notified local police and fire officials.

National Grid makes every effort to minimize both the number and length of planned service outages, and attempts to schedule events during times that will have the least impact on most customers.  Work in the Byron-Bergen station is part of the company’s commitment to provide safe and reliable service.

The brief interruption should have no lasting impact on service, but customers may wish to disconnect sensitive electronic equipment during the outage as a precaution.

Matthew Joseph O'Connor, 19, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. O'Connor is accused of stealing a debit card from a friend and using it in Genesee and Monroe counties to make purchases and ATM withdrawals. At the time of his arrest, O'Connor was allegedly found in possession of a small baggie of marijuana.

Lacey M. Muntz, 28, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Muntz is accused of stealing license plates from a vehicle she did not own.

Paul Uzarowski, 41, of Genesee Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC 0f .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Uzarowski was stopped at 8:57 p.m. Tuesday on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Amy Lynne Koch, 37, of Route 98, Alexander, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, and petit larceny. Koch is accused of using information of her estranged boyfriend, who is incarcerated in state prison, to file both state and federal income tax forms. Koch allegedly created a bank account in both of their names so any tax refund money could be deposited in the account. Once the money was deposited, Koch allegedly withdrew the funds.

Timothy S. DiSalvo, 51, of 106 North St., Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, and two counts of harassment, 2nd. DiSalvo was allegedly involved in a fight with a family member at their business location on Harvester Avenue, Batavia. DiSalvo is accused of choking another person and shoving a female employee who tried to intervene to stop the fight.

Cheryl Lynn Vanelli, 52, of 2101 Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 and failure to keep right. Vanelli was stopped at 2:42 a.m, Jan. 21, on Boyce Road, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. Vanelli will be arraigned in Pembroke Town Court on April 17.

Veshaun D. Thomas Sr., 34, of 110 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and suspended registration. Thomas was stopped at 2:40 a.m. Sunday by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Kyle David McNutt, 21, of Route 238, Warsaw, is charged with petit larceny. McNutt is accused of shoplifting $24.99 in merchandise from Kmart.

Gina Marie Glor, 18, of Route 238, Warsaw, is charged with petit larceny. Glor is accused of shoplifting $24.99 in merchandise from Kmart.

Sandra Lynn Cassford, 29, of South Main Street, Castile, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. Cassford was arrested on a warrant stemming from alleged events on Dec. 22. She was jailed on $200 bail.

Peter Joseph Gravante, 23, of Townline Road, Byron, was arrested on a warrant for driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Gravante was taken into custody on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court by NYSP in Monroe County and turned over to the Sheriff's Office.

Ryan Douglas Woodward, 22, of Vallance Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed for a curve, moving from lane unsafely and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Woodward was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident while intoxicated on Route 19, Bergen, at 2:45 a.m. on Feb. 26.

Michelle Tarin Crawford, 26, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and failure to keep right. Crawford was charged following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident at 12:55 a.m., March 8, on Townline Road, Byron, in which Crawford was seriously injured. Crawford remains jailed on a violation of probation charge. (Previous stories, one, two and three).

Michael Octavio Tardy, 46, of Woodside Drive, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to stop at stop sign and moving from lane unsafely. Tardy was allegedly driving at 1:41 a.m. on Lewiston Raod, Oakfield, when his vehicle struck a curb.

John Chrisley, 46, of Mechanic Street, South Byron, was arraigned in Town of Byron Court today on charges of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

Chrisley is accused of sexual contact with a child under age 11.

The incident allegedly occurred Oct. 5 in Byron.

Chrisley was released under supervision of Genesee Justice, pending his next court appearance April 2.

The case was investigated by John Dehm.

A Batavia woman still suffering from serious injuries following an accident March 8 in Batavia won't get out of jail any time soon to help her recovery, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled today.

Michelle T. Crawford, 26, of 7963 Batavia Stafford Townline Road, had her jaw wired shut following the accident, but Noonan said that given her legal status at the time of the accident, he couldn't see setting a bail amount for her.

Crawford was on probation stemming from a DWI arrest in Erie County and had already been convicted once of a probation violation.

She appeared before Noonan days before the accident, having completed one substance abuse program and was awaiting an open bed in another treatment program.

"She committed to me that she had seen the light and was all rehabilitated and ready to get on with a clean life," Noonan said. "She expressed on the record that if she was allowed to stay at liberty until we could find a bed or another treatment program she would stay clean."

Noonan continued the case pending sentencing on the probation violation until 9:30 a.m., April 16.

Assistant District Attorney William Zickl said Crawford was operating on a suspended license at the time of the accident and he has been told by investigators that she had alcohol and a small amount of cocaine in her system at the time of the accident.

She may be facing multiple felony charges, though the Sheriff's Office has not yet completed its investigation.

When Noonan said he wouldn't let Crawford out of jail, she turned and looked at her parents and boyfriend in the gallery and started to cry just a bit.

Crawford didn't speak during the hearing.

Her attorney, Lackawana-based Louis Violantin, pleaded with Noonan for a lower bail to help his client be better prepared for what may come next.

"The court may be hesitant to set reasonable bail," Violantin said. "It's imperative that we do get her help because she's ailing right now and certainly jail is not a hospital. Michelle needs to get herself well physically right now in order to be able to go through anything else."

A brush fire is reported just east of 6385 N. Byron Road. Bryon and South Byron fire departments are dispatched. The location is between Route 237 and Bird Road.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: All responding units are back in service. We believe this was a controlled burn that the firefighters extinguished. We heard that they had talked with the property owner, which we take to mean they informed the person about opening burn regulations.

Jason William Wolf, 36, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, unlicensed operator and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Deputy Kevin McCarthy was reportedly on routine patrol in the Village of Corfu at 3:51 a.m. Sunday when he observed a vehicle pulling randomly into driveways. Wolf was arrested following further investigation.

Jessica M. Miller, 18, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Miller is accused of hitting another person during a dispute.

Evan Ryan Anderson, 30, of 2832 Pearl St. Road, Batavia, is charged with operating while ability impaired by drugs. Officer Darryle Streeter responded to a report at 3:43 a.m. Saturday of a person passed out behind the wheel of a car with its engine running at 419 W. Main St. Anderson was allegedly found at the wheel of the car.

Daniel Jeffrey McGiveron, 26, Phelps Road, Basom, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. During an unrelated investigation at 9:50 p.m. Saturday in Oakfield, McGiveron was allegedly found in possession of suboxone. Deputy Brian Thompson was assisted by K-9 "Pharoah."

Jessie Lee Jackson, 27, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Jackson was reportedly involved in a domestic incident in which he allegedly struck a vehicle with a skateboard and hit a person in the side of the head with his hand. Jackson was jailed on $800 bail.

Alexandra R. Wood, 21, of 8193 McCall Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, unsafe start and failing to yield the right of way. Wood was stopped at 2:14 a.m. Friday on Myrtle Street by Sgt. Michael Hare. Wood allegedly refused to submit to a breath test.

A warrant was issued in Genesee County Court today for a woman involved in a one-car rollover accident March 8 and expected to be released from Strong Memorial Hospital today.

Michelle Crawford, who in 2009 was the first person in Western New York charged with felony DWI under "Leandra's Law," was placed on the court docket for an alleged violation of probation.

"I would request a warrant," said Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl, "especially considering the circumstances that required her appearance, which included drinking and driving and getting into a serious motor-vehicle accident."

No charges have been filed related to the March 8 accident. The Sheriff's Office is awaiting results of blood tests before determining what, if any, charges are filed.

According to attorney William Harper, of the Public Defender's Office, Crawford was taken out of the intensive care unit yesterday.

Crawford will require ongoing medical care upon her release from the hospital, but Zickl said outside of court that if she is arrested and jailed, the jail can provide for her care.

Reportedly, Crawford's jaw has been wired shut.

The 26-year-old Batavia resident has three children and was arrested for alleged DWI in November 2009. Her children were reportedly in her car at the time of her arrest, making it a felony DWI under a fairly new law that made driving while drunk with children in the car a more serious crime.

However, in a bench trial in Erie County, Crawford was acquitted of the felony charge and convicted of driving while ability impaired and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Mason Dumbleton, 20, of Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unsafe speed, unsafe lane change and unlawful possession of marijuana. Dumbleton was reportedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident on Route 20A in the Town of Perry at 10:30 p.m., Saturday. Dumbleton's vehicle reportedly left the south side of the road, struck a driveway culvert and a utility pole causing it to go airborne. The car landed on its roof. Dumbleton reportedly suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Daniel Norman Brown, 39, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Brown is accused of placing a phone call to a person he is barred from contacting. Brown was also arrested the day before, on Sunday, and charged with harassment, 2nd. Brown was accused of grabbing a woman and pushing her down.

Enoch Ronald Cole, 61, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cole allegedly punched another person in the back.

Kevin James Hodge, 28, of Valley View Drive, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hodge is accused of stealing $66.21 in merchandise from Kmart.

Kathryn Ann Tordy, 45, of Sheriden Drive, Williamsville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, improper left turn and failure to keep right. Tordy was stopped at 12:34 a.m. Saturday on Remsen Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Daniel Jay Balduf, 20, of Angling Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and insufficient tail lamps. Balduf was stopped at 3:35 a.m. Saturday on Angling Road by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Danielle Marie Stevens, 35, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Stevens allegedly entered and remained unlawfully in a hotel room.

Jill Ann Fulater, 59, of Shepard Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving left of pavement markings and improper right turn. Fulater as stopped by Deputy Kevin McCarthy at 4:20 a.m. Sunday on Route 63, Batavia, following a complaint of an erratic driver.

Timothy Ryan McJury, 24, of Madison Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for petit larceny. McJury was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court. McJury was arrested on a city court warrant for parking violations. McJury was jailed on $1,000 bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Warboys Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, speeding (75 mph in a 55 mph zone) and driving on a junior license (state Class DJ) after 9 p.m. and driving on a DJ license with two or more passengers under age 21. The youth was stopped at 1:13 a.m. Sunday on Buffalo Road, Bergen, by Deputy Timothy Weis.

A 26-year-old Batavia resident suffered a head injury in an overnight rollover accident on Townline Road in Byron and was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Michelle T. Crawford, of 7963 Batavia Stafford Townline Road, is listed in guarded condition.

Charges are pending against Crawford, according to the accident report prepared by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Crawford was reportedly westbound on Townline Road at 12:55 a.m. when her vehicle spun counterclockwise and traveled off the south shoulder near Ivison Road. Her 1999 Ford sedan went into a ditch and continued into a field, overturning and coming to rest on its wheels.

Crawford reportedly was bleeding from her head and was in shock when transported to Strong.

An 18-year-old Byron resident who was reportedly driving a golf cart Nov. 26 on North Byron Road when the cart was struck from behind by a car, leading to the death of her passenger, was arrested today on two felony charges.

A blood sample taken by investigators that night allegedly tested positive for alcohol and a drug.

Cortney L. Greene, of North Byron Road, Byron, is charged with vehicular manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

The top felony, a Class D, carries a maximum prison term of seven years.

The Sheriff's Office did not release the type of drug allegedly in Green's system at the time of the accident.

Zachary J. Rusin, 18, of Holley, died as a result of his injuries after being thrown from the golf cart when it was struck.

The accident was reported at 12:07 a.m. and Green was arrested that morning and charged with DWI, at which time she agreed to provide a blood sample to law enforcement.

The driver of the car, Emmaleigh R. Odom, 19, of Pavilion, was not injured and not charged.

Joshua Tyrise Lyons, 18, of Fellows Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with petit larceny. Lyons is accused of stealing a Valentine's present from a location in a common area at Genesee Community College.

Andrew DeMara Hewitt, 27, of Skyline Circle, Brockport, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Hewitt was arrested on a warrant out of the Town of Byron Court. Hewitt is accused of stealing scrap metal from a location in Byron. Hewitt was jailed on $250 bail.

Christopher Patrick Ball, 29, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Ball is accused of contacting a person he was ordered not to contact.

Lee Uzarowski, 44, of South Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Uzarowski is accused of punching a woman in the face and taking her mobile phone when she attempted to call 9-1-1. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Sean Allen Kota, 18, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, and a 17-year-old of Warboys Road, Bryon, are charged with petit larceny. Kota and his companion are accused of stealing beer from the Bergen Sugar Creek Store. From a separate incident, Kota is also charged with criminal mischief, 4th. At 2:47 a.m., Jan. 28, Kota allegedly drove his vehicle through a yard on West Bergen Road causing damage.

A one-vehicle rollover accident reported in the area of Warner Road and Route 33 with possible minor injuries.

Byron Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding to the scene.

Angelo A. Cassidy, 35, of Lewis Place, Batavia, and 59-year-old Charles R. Gay, of Hemlock Ridge Road, Medina, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Cassidy was reportedly employed by a business on Angling Road, Corfu, and allegedly falsified a weight ticket, allowing Gay to collect  money for scrap that was not actually part of his load. Cassidy and Gay are accused of making an arrangement regarding the money. The case was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

Carolyn M. Hooten, 29, of 12 Myrtle St., Le Roy, is charged with DWI and several traffic violations. Hooton was stopped late Friday evening on Myrtle Street by Le Roy Police.

Mathew Duncan Brew, 33, of Freeman Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to yield right of way. Brew was arrested by Deputy Brad Mazur following a traffic accident at 9:24 p.m. Saturday at Route 262 and Bank Street Road.

Donovan Michael Zandi, 22, of Campbell Boulevard, Getzville, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Zandi's vehicle was reportedly found by Deputy Kevin McCarthy at 2:59 a.m., Jan. 26, on Countyline Road, Darien, with four-way flashers on.

Kara Ellen Wojkowski, 28, Hall Road, Holley, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Wojkowski is accused of stealing a motor vehicle on Oct. 25. She turned herself in at the Sheriff's Office on a warrant for her arrest. Following arraignment in Byron, she was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Kathryn L. Johnson, 24, of 20 Hutchins St., lower, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Johnson was arrested following a visit by County Probation to her home and jailed on $1,000 bail.