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Darien

Law and Order: Driver accused of being four times over legal limit

By Howard B. Owens

John Roderick Benton, 57, of Colby Road, Darien, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and obstructed plate. Benton was stopped at 12:44 p.m. Thursday,on Tinkham Road, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Benton was allegedly driving with a BAC four times the legal limit.

Anthony James Demmer, 20, of Town Place, Oakfield, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, 1st. Demmer was stopped at 9:34 p.m. Sunday on North Main Street, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Cierra Lanae Kettles, 19, of Elmdorf Avenue, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Kettles allegedly threatened another person while at a party at 12:30 a.m. Saturday on East Main Street, Batavia.

Christopher Reynaldo Santos, 21, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Santos allegedly stole merchandise from Kohl's Department Store.

Raymer Antonio Leonardo, 19, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Leonardo allegedly stole merchandise from Kohl's Department Store.

Nolan Robert Powless, 18, of East Center Street, Medina, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver and no plate lamps. Powless was stopped at 2:27 a.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona. Powless was allegedly wanted on a warrant out of Orleans County, so he was taken into custody and turned over to State Police.

Erin Marie VanDorn, 27, of Bennett Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle, failure to stop for a stop sign and unsafe lane usage. VanDorn was stopped at 12:36 a.m. Saturday on Buffalo Street, Alexander, by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Shaun Claude Connors, 36, of Bissell Avenue, Depew, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Connors is an inmate in the Erie County Jail. He was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Pembroke Court. Bail was set at $750.

Lucas Daniel Allen, 25, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Allen was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 6:59 p.m. Wednesday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Heidi L. Hopkins, 41, of Cherry Street, Perry, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Hopkins was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for an alleged equipment violation on Wolcott Street in the Village of Le Roy. After a brief investigation Hopkins was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of heroin and other drug paraphernalia.

Town of Darien justices attend annual meeting and training conference

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hon. Gary A. Graber (past president) and Michelle Krzemien, justices in the Town of Darien, recently attended the 106th Annual Conference and Certified Advanced Training Program of the New York State Magistrates Association held in Niagara Falls Sept.  27-30.

More than 250 local judges from all areas of New York State took part in the four day event, which combines the State Magistrates Association Annual Meeting and Conference with the Advanced Training Courses as required by New York State for all town and village justices in the Unified Court System.

The major purposes of NYSMA are the maintenance and support of the local judiciary through education and coordination with the New York State agencies regarding laws and other matters affecting local courts, “The Courts Closest to The People."

NYSMA works closely with the Office of Court Administration to assure the training enhances the professional development of the judges and is relevant to the practical situations encountered in the local courts. In addition to the required courses there are many elective opportunities offered for those attending.

The keynote speaker at the banquet was Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hon. Harold Bauman was sworn in as the 2016 president along with the officers and directors.

Presentations over the four day event were made by the Office of Justice Court Support, City, Town and Village Resource Center, Unified Justice Court System, The 8th Judicial District, Peter Gerstenzang, Esq., Commission of Judicial Conduct, Professor Heverly of Albany Law School, Service Education, Inc., Gerald Stern, Esq., Daniels M. Killelea, Esq. Maryrita Dobiel, Esq., Assistant Professor Al Chapleau of the College of St. Rose, Hon. James Murphy, Onondaga Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Michael Mohun, Wyoming County Court Justice, Hon. Sara Sheldon, Niagara County Supreme Court Justice, Selden Fritchner, Division Chief. CDL Division, FMCSA, Washington, DC., Neil Schoen Esq, Deputy Commissioner, NYS DMV, Office of Court Administration, DMV, Westlaw, Lexis-Nexis, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services, Dept. of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, as well as many of our officers and directors of the New York State Magistrates Association.

Authorities ask the public to report suspicious activity after series of burglaries in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A series of daylight residential burglaries has swept through the Town of Darien, reports the Sheriff's Office, and officials are asking for citizen help in thwarting the criminals.

In a statement from Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster, the office is asking that residents who see vehicles driving slowly through neighborhoods, stopped along the side of the road, or unfamiliar people walking down driveways or emerging from fields or wooded areas, be reported immediately.

Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 9-1-1 or (585) 343-5000.

Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers are helpful if they can be obtained without risk.

There were three burglaries on Route 77, Darien, on Thursday and another was reported on Route 20 yesterday.  

Brewster said these crimes mirror similar reports in Erie and Wyoming counties, where jewelry and weapons have been stolen.

Law and Order: Elma woman accused of stealing from cars at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

Tammy Kay Zasowski, 47, of Clinton Street, Elma, is charged with attempted petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Zasowski was allegedly found inside a vehicle Sunday she did not have permission to be in by Darien Lake Theme Park security. Upon further investigation, she is a suspect in larcenies from cars in the Darien Lake parking lot on July 26. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Jeremy Jamal Barnett, 24, of Brooks Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of burglary tools, grand larceny, 4th, conspiracy, 5th and harassment, 2nd. Barnett is accused of stealing merchandise from Marshall's and concealing the store alarm tags with covers. He allegedly struggled with store staff after leaving the story. He was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

Robert Emery Moore III, 29, of Ridge Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Moore's vehicle was stopped at 8:35 a.m. Sunday on East Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Chris Parker, for allegedly not having a front license plate. He was allegedly found in possession of a small bag of marijuana and a pipe.

Deborah Kristen Dibble, 46, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting a crime, 3rd. Dibble is accused of falsely reporting a crime related to a domestic dispute Sept. 14 while knowing the allegation was false.

Darien Lake announces all-new fall weekend attraction this month only: Harvest Fest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The summer season has come to a close but that doesn’t mean outdoor fun is at an end. In fact, Darien Lake will remain open through the end of September and is featuring an all-new fall attraction – Harvest Fest.

The park will be open for Harvest Fest the last two weekends in September including the 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th. Vacations guests will receive exclusive access to Harvest Festival on Friday, Sept. 18th and 25th.

Darien Lake will be featuring a variety of fall favorites including the following exciting new attractions all included with park admission:
·        Harvest Fest Express Hayride – a family hayride around the park starting at the general store;
·        Haymazing Adventure – a fun kids' maze and scavenger hunt;
·        Pumpkin painting;
·        Live local music including: 23 Swing Buffalo, Polish Heritage Dancers, African-American Cultural Dancers, 23 Skidoo Dixieland, and many more;
·        Food Trucks including: Sweet Melodys, Kona Ice, Brick-n-Motor, J&L Boulevard BBQ, and (716) Clubhouse;
·        Arts and crafts from local vendors.

Don’t forget – Darien Lake tickets are buy-one-get-one-free through the end of the season! For more information about participating artists and vendors, visit www.darienlake.com/harvest-fest/

HARVEST FEST -- WHEN: 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sept. 19, 20, 26 & 27.

Darien Town Justice completes course on 'Drugs in America Today' at National Judicial College

By Billie Owens

(Photo provided by National Judicial College.)

Press release:
RENO, NV – The National Judicial College (NJC) is pleased to announce that the Hon. Gary A. Graber of the Town of Darien Justice Court in Darien, NY, has completed Drugs in America Today: What Every Judges Needs to Know, Aug. 25-27, 2015, at The National Judicial College in Reno, Nev.

This course provides a comprehensive review of intoxicating substances and the short- and long-term effects on litigants in and out of the courtroom, recent developments in the law, and options for sentencing and intervention.

“This newly developed course should be considered for attendance by all members of the judiciary handling these cases,” said Judge Graber, who is an alumnus of the NJC since 2003 and faculty member since 2008.

The National Judicial College was founded in 1963 and is the nation’s leading provider of judicial education. The NJC is housed in a state-of-the-art building on the historic 255-acre campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. For more than 50 years, the NJC has been offering courses to improve judicial productivity, challenge current perceptions of justice and inspire judges.

The NJC and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges assisted the University of Nevada, Reno, in developing one of the nations first master’s and Ph.D. in judicial studies programs. Both programs provide a formal academic setting in which trial judges can integrate technical and academic studies to attain an intellectual understanding of the American judiciary.

The NJC is also home to the National Tribal Judicial Center and an International Program. The College’s curricula include a Seminar Series, made up of courses that provide judges the opportunity to study diverse and interesting topics at historically and culturally rich locations across the United States. Web-based courses are also offered enabling participants to explore a variety of subject areas online.

The National Judicial College has an appointed 18-member Board of Trustees and became a Nevada not-for-profit (501)(c)(3) educational corporation on January 1, 1978. Please visit the NJC Web site at www.judges.org for NJC news, ways to donate, course information and more. Or, call (800) 25-JUDGE for more information.

Seven arrests at second, sold out Luke Bryan show

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Luke Bryan Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sept. 4.

Casey W. Ault, 25, of South Main Street, Holley, is charged with trespass, resisting arrest and criminal mischief after allegedly refusing to leave the venue area after being told to leave several times. Ault resisted arrest and damaged a fence. Casey was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Daniel S. Furner, 43, of Mill Hill Road, North Brookfield, is charged with second-degree criminal impersonation after allegedly identifying himself as a police officer when in fact he is not.

Bryan P. Haude, 24, of Jade Drive, Hilton, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Tyler C. Deets, 21, of Route 21, Williamson, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Julie A. Margolycz, 40, of McGuire Road, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the concert venue exit area.

Grace M. Simmons, 17, of Hemlock Road, Eden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Aaron P. Santoro, 20, of Albano Drive, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Law and Order: Home health care provider accused of stealing credit card from client

By Howard B. Owens
   Rebecca Santiago

Rebecca L. Santiago, 29, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with possession of stolen property, 4th, and four counts of identity theft, 3rd. Santiago allegedly stole a credit card from a person under her care while working as a health care provider in Livingston County. She allegedly possessed and used the card while in the Village of Le Roy and other jurisdictions multiple times. Santiago turned herself in to Le Roy PD and was issued an appearance ticket. Santiago was also arrested by the Sheriff's Office and charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, and identify theft, 3rd. She allegedly used the stolen credit card to make purchases at Walmart.

Eric H. Pannell, 44, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI. Pannell was arrested at the Crosby's Gas Station in Corfu. Troopers reportedly observed a vehicle at the station and initiated an interview with one of the passengers. During the interview, another passenger was reportedly seen tossing a beer can out of the car. A trooper allegedly detected the strong odor of alcohol coming from Parnnell, identified as the driver. He was subjected to a field sobriety test and allegedly failed. At SP Batavia's barracks, his BAC was allegedly recorded at .17, more than twice the legal limit. He was jailed on $500 bail. Citations were issued for allegedly consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle and for littering.

Nicholas Morath, 26, of Bullis Road, Elma, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, unregistered motor vehicle and speeding (55 in a 35 mph zone). Morath was stopped at 11:15 p.m. Thursday on Route 77, Darien, by Sgt. Ron Meides.

Eric J. Merritt, 26, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass. Merritt allegedly forced entry into a dwelling on Bank Street Road at 2 a.m., Wednesday.

Deborah Elizabeth LaMartina, 34, of Ravine Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for first degree aggravated unlicensed operation, DWI and criminal possession of stolen property, 4th. She was arraigned in County Court and ordered held without bail.

Jose Antonion Martinez, 45, of Broadway Road, Alden, is charged with second-degree harassment. Martinez was being held in the Erie County Jail on an unrelated matter and was arrested on a warrant upon his release. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

Law and Order: Batavia woman accused of breaking into house, slapping a man and punching a woman

By Billie Owens

Amie P. Bloyer, 35, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, forcible touching and second-degree burglary of a dwelling. Bloyer was arrested Aug. 26 following an investigation into a domestic incident. It is alleged that Bloyer damaged a window to unlock a door on Ellicott Street, entered the residence, grabbed the victim by his genitals, slapped the victim, and broke his eyeglasses. It is also alleged that Bloyer punched another female who was in the residence at the time. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Edwin Francis Voelker, 47, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs, with two prior convictions within the last 10 years; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; speed violation (62 in a 30-mph zone); unlawful possession of marijuana; and operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver. Voelker was arrested Aug. 30. on Main Road in Pembroke. It is alleged that he was driving a vehicle after consuming a drug that impaired his ability to safely operate a vehicle on a public highway. He was put in jail on $25,000 bail. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by Deputy Gregory Walker.

Kimberly A. Brodsky, 24, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation (having three or more suspensions on three different dates); criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; unlicensed driver (expired Aug. 22, 2015); and operating a motor vehicle with an obstructed view. Brodsky was stopped at 11:34 a.m. on Aug. 28 on Ross Street by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack for a traffic violation. A subsequent investigation revealed that Brodsky has no NYS driver's license and her operating privilege has been suspended five times on five different dates. She was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was arraigned and put in jail on $5,000 bail. The  case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Klimjack.

Joseph Paul Lanphear, 31, of Rutgers Street, Rochester, was arrested Aug. 28 for: two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd; and speeding (52 in a 30-mph zone). It is alleged that Lanphear was found to be in possession of metal knuckles, a billy club, and that his driver's license was suspended and that he was traveling 52 mph in a 30-mph zone on Buffalo Road in Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Bergen Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by Deputy Bradley Mazur.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 26, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree harassment. At midnight, Aug. 31, Williams was arrested following an incident on Vine Street where he allegedly pushed a child up against a wall. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court Sept. 1. The case was investigated by Batavia Police officers Christopher Lindsay and Jason Ivison.

Shannon Marie Micucci, 46, of Bonnie Brae Drive, Darien, is charged with second-degree harassment. Micucci was arrested Aug. 29 at 12:30 a.m. following a domestic incident wherein she allegedly shoved a male during a verbal altercation. She was given an appearance ticket for Darien Town Court on Sept. 1. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

Brazil Gerald Brooks Peterson, 19, of Augustine Street, Rochester, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while ability impaired by drugs, first offense; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; unlawful possession of marijuana; and a speed violation -- exceeding 55 mph. He was arrested at 1:26 a.m. on Aug. 29 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bergen Town Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona.

Glenn Hammond, 57, Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 or more, first offense; driving while intoxicated, first offense; and running a red light. He was arrested at 1:20 a.m., Aug. 30, after a traffic stop on Trumbull Parkway. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in City Court on Sept. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police officers Christopher Lindsay and Eric Foels.

Roxanne Marie Crawford, 51, of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, was arrested Aug. 30 for third-degree burglary and petit larceny. She allegedly stole $25 worth of merchandise from Walmart. She was allegedly arrested at another Walmart store during a previous incident then banned from all Walmart properties. She was jailed without bail and is due back in Batavia Town Court Sept. 28. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Saile, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Erica Michelle Raphael, 30, of East Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On July 15, she allegedly stole $159.71 worth of merchandise from Kohl's. She was put in jail on $5,000 bail after being arrested at the Batavia Town Court Aug. 24 where she appeared on unrelated burglary and petit larceny charges. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker.

Zachary I. Miller, 19, of Ganson Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. On Aug. 25 on Swan Street in the City of Batavia, Miller allegedly punched and broke two glass window panes. He was issued on appearance ticket for City Court on Sept. 1. The case was handled by Patavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack.

Klarissa C. Price, 37, of Cleveland Avenue, Niagara Falls, was arrested Aug. 28 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court for failure to appear. Price was put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Christopher M. Smith, 21, of School Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 25 on an unspecified bench warrant and subsequently released on his own recognizance and given a court appearance date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Four arrests reported following Rascal Flatts concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.  

Morgan Jensen, 20, of Gleason Circle, East Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Emily M. Campbell, 20, of Birch Run, Orchard Park, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Calin C. Hotelling-Defrance, 22, of Durant Place, Fairport, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching CSC security officer.

Jacob M. Robinson, 18, of Dolores Drive, Greece, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Five arrests announced at Van Halen concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Van Halen Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.

Michael L. Mawk Jr., 22, of Stellane Drive, Angola, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing over a fence and entering the concert venue.

James H. Munt, 37, of Robinson Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Codie J. Taylor, 21, of Greenwood Place, Angola, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing over a fence and entering the concert venue.

Donald H. Gardener, 29, of Briggs Avenue, Bronx, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering Darien Lake property after being ejected and told not to return.

Thomas J. Scheurlein, 25, of Chili Avenue, Rochester,  is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

Accident with injuries and entrapment reported at Route 20 and County Line Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries and entrapment is reported at County Line Road and Route 20. Darien fire is responding along with medics.

UPDATE 7:19 p.m.: A dispatcher says the injuries may be serious and there are two vehicles involved.

UPDATE 7:22 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene.

UPDATE 7:31 p.m.: A victim is complaining of severe leg pain. Responders are working to free the entrapped. Mercy Flight has a five-minute ETA.

UPDATE 7:36 p.m.: "The patient was just extricated from the vehicle."

UPDATE 7:37 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 7:53 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne with one patient aboard and headed to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 8:09 p.m.: An emergency responder told Howard at the scene that there were two people in each vehicle. Three of them were treated at the scene. The injuries of the person taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC were unspecified. That victim was a passenger in a green sedan -- a Dodge Neon. A witness who arrived first on scene said the victim was initially unconscious but after regaining consciousness, complained of back and side pain. The driver of the other vehicle, a red Chevy Blazer, was a female and she was taken into custody. The actual site of the accident is in Erie County and its officials would provide no additional information.

UPDATE 9:06 p.m.: We're attempting to get more information from the Erie County Sheriff's Office, which is proving difficult.

Law and Order: Three Batavia mothers accused of letting sons out after curfew

By Howard B. Owens

Amanda R. Gillett, 32, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obligation of a parent (curfew violation). Gillett's 14-year-old son was allegedly found out and about in violation of the city's 10 p.m. to sunrise curfew for minors.

Donna A. Laird, 47, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with obligation of a parent (curfew violation). Larid's 15-year-old son was allegedly in Williams Park in violation of the city's 10 p.m. to  sunrise  curfew for minors.

Chandra M. Propst, 46, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obligation of a parent (curfew violation). Larid's 15-year-old son was allegedly in Williams Park in violation of the city's 10 p.m. to sunrise curfew for minors.

     Adrienne Bradford

Adrienne A. Bradford, 39, of Darien, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and menacing. Bradford was arrested by State Police following a report of a domestic incident involving a knife. Bradford allegedly menaced another person and exited the residence holding two large kitchen knives. Troopers report it was necessary to deploy a Taser to subdue Bradford before taking her into custody. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Salvatore F. Pedone, 20, of Fairport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Pedone was a passenger in a car stopped for speeding on Judge Road in the Town of Alabama. Marijuana residue was allegedly found in a container in Pedone's possession.

Maricarmen Rivera, 24, of Kenwood Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding in zone (61 in a 30 mph zone). Rivera was stopped at 2:18 a.m. Thursday on Oak Street, Batavia, by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Leonard C. Millard, 58, of Jackson Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a court case.

James Edward Wroten, 48, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with violation of an order of protection. Wroten was allegedly found in the home of the protected party.

A 16-year-old resident of Darien is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and speeding in special hazards. The charges were filed in Wyoming County following an accident on Folsomdale Road, Bennington. The vehicle was allegedly stolen out of Cowlesville and was owned by the youth's parents. The youth was also charged in Genesee County.

Chris Brown concert not without issues, but 'it was a good night'

By Howard B. Owens

A sold-out Chris Brown show at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center kept emergency responders busy for hours last night, but other than making for a long, tiring night, it wasn't that bad, said Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

There were no serious fights and there are no reports of serious injuries, and while there were 16 arrests at the show, they were mostly for run-of-the-mill offenses, from trespassing to unlawful possession of marijuana.

"Generally, it was a very pleasant crowd," Dibble said. "They were polite, for the most part, even when caught in traffic coming in, they mostly had a good attitude. Some of these people coming in waited a long time and for the most part they were very nice. They just wanted to get to the show like everybody else."

The traffic tie-ups were not unexpected, Dibble said. The traffic jams around the park were typical of a sold-out concert on a weekday night, when everybody gets off work and heads to the show instead of coming in over the course of the day, like on a Saturday or Sunday.

Traffic started to back up shortly after 5 p.m. and traffic jams slowed down concertgoers coming in from all directions. Three or four minor traffic accidents caused some blocked lanes and tollbooth workers at times had a hard time keeping up, causing traffic to back up on the Thruway.

"So many of the roads were built when that place was a swimming hole, a hot dog stand and a couple of lifeguards," Dibble said. "Those are the same roads then as they are today."

Dibble is aware there are still people who advocate for a return of private parking around the venue, but that's not the answer Dibble said. Those lots, he said, create more problems than they alleviate.

"I'm under the opinion after my many, many years out there that congestion on Sumner makes it worse," Dibble said. "You have masses of people walking on Sumner and mixing pedestrians and traffic isn't good. This is much safer. And then you had people pulling into private lots dickering with the people taking the money and backing up traffic. There's no way I want to go back. Darien Lake has the space available to handle the parking."

There's been talk for years about how to open up more entrances and exits to the lots, but there's no easy answer, Dibble said.

Colby Road isn't the answer because of the configuration of the roadway.

"Exiting, that would be good, but the topography of that road, the hills and blind spots, make that difficult and very dangerous," Dibble said.

Dibble noted that Cherry Hill Campground continues to accept concert parking and that doesn't really help matters.

"They get them in there and then abandon them there and that's a problem for us when it's time to leave," Dibble said.

Early in the evening, local emergency responders were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of medical calls, mostly for alcohol-related illnesses. That was a combination of the alcohol and the heat, Dibble said.

The county needed backup units from Erie and Orleans counties and patients were transported to multiple hospitals so no one hospital became overwhelmed.

Live Nation had two doctors in the venue, as is now standard practice for sold-out shows.

"There are a lot of things they're able to take care of right on property instead of transporting them," Dibble said.

Dibble didn't have a count yet on how many citations were issued for underage drinking, but they were numerous.

"Each band has its own personality and its own following and this particular band attracted a the type that was younger and there was a lot of underage drinking," Dibble said.

The early-evening enforcement of ABC violations helps cut down on problems later in the night, Dibble said.

"For the number of people there, it was really a good night, actually," Dibble said.

Chris Brown concert results in 16 arrests at venue

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Chris Brown concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Matthew J. Norton, 22, of South Main Street, Evan Mills, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a security officer in the face. Norton was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $750 bail.

Ashley Ginter, 27, of East Main Street, Alleghany, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the parking lot. Ginter was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

A 16-year-old of Kline Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another patron in the face.

Curtis W. Brock, 19, of Hedgewood Drive, Williamsville, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Katie A. Hamilton, 21, of Marvel Lead Drive, Greece, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Brett M. Dechent, 23, of Hamburg Turnpike, Lackawana, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Joshua B. Reed, 22, of Church Street, Medina, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Haley L. Filippone, 19, of Salt Road, Clarence, is charged with trespass, criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue twice after being ejected and told not to return. Filippone allegedly provided another subjects identification on the initial trespass. Additional charges are pending.

Christopher F. Weber, 18, of Ransom Road, Lancaster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

A 16-year-old of Chili Avenue, Rochester, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Ronald J. Minni, 23, of Wheeldon Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Justin M. Ferraraccio, 19, of Chestnut Ridge, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of codeine and methylphenidate and marijuana.

Lisa R. Occhipinti, 20, of Balla Drive, North Tonawanda, arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Sydney C. Pontzer, 18, of Shaffer Avenue, Ridgeway, Pa., arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

A 17-year-old of Francine Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Mark A. Donahue, 36, of Townline Road, Sanborn, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another subject in the face with a closed fist.

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