Not only was Michael C. Kraatz hauled off to jail today in handcuffs, his car was impounded as well as part of a Batavia PD investigation into a Sunday morning strong-arm robbery of the 7-11 store on East Main Street.
Kraatz is charged with robbery, 3rd, grand larceny, 4th, and resisting arrest. He was jailed without bail pending his next court appearance.
The 34-year-old Batavia resident is accused of entering the 7-11 at 4:04 a.m., Sunday, grabbing a clerk and demanding money.
The suspect fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
When asked about the robbery this morning, Chief Shawn Heubusch characterized the case as "a very active investigation."
Three hours after Heubusch made that statement, police were knocking on the door of a residence on North Spruce Street.
Officers reported over the radio that the suspect was fleeing -- Kraatz allegedly jumped out of a rear window -- and minutes later an officer reported that he was "15" (code for making an arrest) with the suspect in the parking lot behind the apartments at 20 N. Spruce St.
As part of the investigation, police identified a late model Mercedes Benz as a suspect vehicle, which may have helped lead them to Kraatz. The vehicle was impounded shortly after Kraatz was taken into custody.
The Sheriff's Office and State Police, along with Genesee County Jail personnel, assisted in the investigation and apprehension of Kraatz.
Investigating the case from Batavia PD were: officers Arick Perkins and Matt Lutey; detectives Paul Caffo, Kevin Czora and Charles Dudek; Det. Sgt. Pat Corona, Todd Crossett and Sgt. Dan Coffey.
In New York, a person is guilty of fourth-degree grand larceny when the value of the property stolen exceeds $1,000.
CLARIFICATION and UPDATE: While one subdivision of grand larceny 4th states a theft of property worth $1,000 or more, there's also a subdivision that covers the alleged use of extortion and the threat of physical harm during the course of the theft. That is why Kraatz was charged with grand larceny 4th. However, it turns out, that the same set of circumstances can also lead to a charge of grand larceny 2nd and the charge against Kraatz are scheduled to be upgraded today to grand larceny 2nd.
Previously: Police nab suspect in robbery of 7-11
DOCCS website shows Michael
DOCCS website shows Michael C. Kraatz - 04-b-2305 in prison for 1 yr. For Attempted Assault 2nd & Criminal Poss. Of forged instramnet
i don't understand??? If hes
i don't understand??? If hes being charged with grand larceny 4 and thats when you steal more than 1000.....
how did 7-11 have that much money out at 4am???? I know for a fact that you are not to have more than 50 in your drawer at any time.... there is no other money out for someone to take... the safes are all time locked
Kim the articles says
Kim the articles says "property stolen" , he could and probably did grab other things, such as lottery tickets, merchandise etc. If that all added up to over $1000.00, then there is the charge. Pretty frightening.....
Here's his FB page. It's
Here's his FB page. It's pretty much open to the public: https://www.facebook.com/mike.kraatz.1
His interests include cash. That's fine as long as it's not cash that belongs to someone else! He's physically fit and motivated, but Instead of using all of those advantages to help people, he decided to victimize them.
He sure drives a swell car.
He sure drives a swell car.
This is the exact same shirt
This is the exact same shirt that he's wearing in his mugshot. It must be one of his favorites.
<img src="http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/8052/xcww.jpg">
There really is nothing to do
There really is nothing to do in Genesee county, huh?
Matt, what do you mean?
Matt, what do you mean?
He'll be wearinhg GCJ Orange
He'll be wearinhg GCJ Orange for awhile, then hopefully trade that in for NYSDOCCS Green!
I just added this note to the
I just added this note to the bottom of the story.
CLARIFICATION: While one subdivision of grand larceny 4th states a theft of property worth $1,000 or more, there's also a subdivision that covers the alleged use of extortion and the threat of physical harm during the course of the theft. That is why Kraatz was charged with grand larceny 4th. However, it turns out, that the same set of circumstances can also lead to a charge of grand larceny 2nd and the charge against Kraatz are scheduled to be upgraded today to grand larceny 2nd.
We know one thing for
We know one thing for sure....mr. Kraatz was not involved in the shooting incident In the city last night....he was tucked away snug as a bug in jail..A BIG HIGH FIVE to the city police for sweeping up a " little " bit of the trash polluting the streets of Batavia!
...funny how in this country,
...funny how in this country, we seem to forget that a person is innocent until proven guilty! Shame on all of you for your negativisms; Gary Spencer, Doug Yeomans, Billie Owens, and especially you, Mr Steve Hackett. You used to live next door to Mike in Oakfield and hang out at his house til all hours! So from someone that knows you, knows your history, I find the context of the statements you uttered referring to "A BIG HIGH FIVE to the city police for sweeping up a "little" bit of trash polluting the streets of Batavia!", as unsavory and biased at best! You didn't seem to mind "hanging" out at Mike's house to spend time with my sister? I'm truly at a loss as to why you all would make such inappropriate comments. Funny how people who live in "Glass Houses" seem to be the 1st ones to pick up stones to toss! Maybe you gentlemen(?), should sincerely hope that their are no skeleton's in your closets??? Remember, gentlemen(?)..."Due process for all under the law!"
Hey, Mike, all that Billie
Hey, Mike, all that Billie said was that he drove a swell car, I didn't see any prejudice in that statement at all. Hell I think he has a nice car.
I kind of read that as more that she (Billie) wants a car just like that
Hey Mark, Literally,
Hey Mark,
Literally, statements/comments may have More than one meaning. I guess if Billy would like to respond and clarify this, then that is just what will happen. Otherwise, I have to believe due to the other negative comments, the intent was to pile on. My pardon if this belief is incorrect. Mike deserves a chance in the Court of Law, NOT the Court of Negative Opinion. There is a lot more to this story than just what the press prints online or in a newspaper! Thanks for your input.
Thanks, Mark. I was a little
Thanks, Mark. I was a little confused about Billie being dragged into it.
Otherwise, Mike makes solid points. I really don't like seeing comments passing judgment on people just because they were arrested.
I think it's important to keep abreast of police activity and note when arrests are made, but readers should never forget that it is truly innocent until proven guilty.
I'll take my bashing standing
I'll take my bashing standing up, but I still believe he's guilty. After a short, but thorough investigation, he was arrested. I'll eat crow when and if he's found innocent, but I'm a betting man, and my bet is on a guilty verdict. I'll bet that the victim was able to positively identify him, and with his prior conviction and prison stint, I bet both of those things helped to identify him as a suspect. I don't comment on but a handful of arrests here. This is one I'm not gun-shy about.
He was probably wearing the
He was probably wearing the same shirt when he robbed the store as the one in his profile and mugshot photos. I didn't even say anything disparaging about the guy, either. I said it's unfortunate he chose to use his ambitious nature and physical attribute to victimize people, which I believe he did, instead of helping people.
One last thing, I don't think
One last thing, I don't think he's guilty just because he was arrested. I believe he's guilty because of the the thorough, detailed reporting of the investigation and subsequent arrest. His own car helped in the investigation. Innocent people don't jump from a window when police knock on their door.
He was also arrested In August:
Michael C. Kraatz, 34, of 66 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with trespass and harassment, 2nd. Following an alleged domestic incident, Kraatz allegedly returned to a residence he had been advised by police not to reenter. As Kraatz was being removed from a police vehicle following his arrest, he allegedly kicked the door of the car causing it to strike an officer, which led to the harassment charge.
If you still want to believe he's innocent, so be it. At this point it's just my opinion, but I believe he's as guilty as Janet Reno is for breaking every mirror she's ever gazed into.
Mike dont be selective in
Mike dont be selective in your quotes..... Everyone IS ginnocent until proven guilty.... IN A COURT OF LAW. As I look around the Batavian forum I see no Judge, no jury, no bailiff. So I conclude the is NOT a court of law but a court of public opinion. There's no such rule of innocence in the court of public opinion.....
I have to agree with you Mike
I have to agree with you Mike Mungillo, Mr. Steve Hackett himself has no room to judge anyone as most people who know him know what he's about. I'm extremely happy to see that someone else finally sees what I see. As for you Mr. Steve Hackett, remember judgment day will come to you soon enough and for all the wrong you have done in your life you will be judged for by one person and one person only. You have tons and tons of skeletons in your closet, this I know for a fact. KUDOS TO YOU MR. MUNGILLO. I'm happy to see that someone else see's what I see in Mr. Hackett. But here's my question for you, was he hanging out with your sister while still married?
Thank you Jessica. You are
Thank you Jessica. You are 100% right on! Little Stevie was dating my sister around 1988-1989. Very disappointed to see nothing has changed! I guess the point I am trying to make it that Mike has a right to a Unbiased, Fair Trial. I really must question if that will happen. Seems in this day and age the focus is on ridicule as well as trashing an individual BEFORE he/she can even have their day in court! I find it hard to believe that a comment about him being "trash" or multiple comments about his shirt, etc. factor in to the type person he is. He may very well be found guilty, an if so, hopefully will be fairly sentenced! Things are NOT always in Black or White! Life has taught me compassion for my fellow man/women, which through experience has shown me that there is also quite a bit of GRAY in everyday life! My hope is others will look at themselves and their own flaws prior to passing judgment on another human being.
Well I wish I could tell you
Well I wish I could tell you what Mr. Steve himself has done but I will save it for another time. Steve is FAR from perfect nor will he ever be. If you have a facebook find me on there and I will fill you in on what he has done.
I know Mike as well and I
I know Mike as well and I literally seen him a week before this incident happened. It's unfortunate to see what he has done, sad actually. Mike when not in certain situations is a good kid but something's get the best of other people. I hope this time he learns from his mistake.
Interesting side note on this
Interesting side note on this story.... Today his charges were upgraded to 2nd degree in the larceny and robbery. Guess there was enough evidence for this. We'll have to wait and see what happens at trial.