Darien

A car vs. truck accident with injury is reported at Alleghany and Sumner roads. One engine from Darien Fire Department and an ambulance are responding. One person is said to have a head injury. It is blocking traffic.

UPDATE 1:21 p.m.: A person is being transported to Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: Turns out there were multiple injuries in this accident. At least three ambulances are transporting patients. Another person is going to Sisters of Charity Hospital and four are inbound for UMMC.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Darien fire went back in service a few minutes ago.

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at Genesee Street and South Lake Road. The eastbound lane is closed. Darien Fire Department and medics are responding.

Injuries are minor. One patient will be taken to UMMC and one will be taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville. Sheriff's deputies are on scene.

Sheriff's investigators are looking for information on a spate of weekend vandalism in Darien that left several mailboxes damaged, a railroad crossing broken and a burned-out motor home in its wake.

Officials aren't sure if all of the incidents are related, but they suspect some of it is, and some of it may be tied to prior vandalism in the same area, said Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

Some time between 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:45 a.m. Sunday, a person riding in a car or truck and wielding an aluminum baseball bat struck six mailboxes on on Countyline Road and possibly another four on Fargo Road.

According to Dibble, Erie County law enforcement also reports eight mailboxes struck in the same time frame.

"This (mailbox vandalism) has been a problem as long as I've been in law enforcement," Dibble said. "Lately it's kind of plagued the area there."

Within the past few weeks, similar vandalism has occurred on Mammot Road and Seven Day Road, Dibble said.

Also, during the same time frame somebody smashed warning lights at the railroad crossing at Fargo Road and broke the crossing gates.

"This sort of crime is hard to solve," Dibble said. "It's the sort of thing where you're here today and gone in minutes."

There was also a mysterious motor home fire with no obvious cause on Countyline Road near Route 33, Dibble said.

While it occurred during the same time as the other vandalism, he said a fire doesn't really fit the pattern of quick-hit vandalism.

Dibble said that while this sort of vandalism is common in rural areas, it's frustrating for home owners who must then go to the trouble and expense of repairing or replacing mailboxes.

He said somebody in Darien must know who is responsible for the vandalism and he would encourage anybody with information to call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

A motor-vehicle accident was reported at 9:45 a.m. in the area of Richley and Simonds roads in Darien. A pickup truck will need to be wenched out. The scene is at a curve at the bottom of a hill. Darien Fire Department and Mercy medics are there. Authorities are handling traffic control.

UPDATE 10:13 a.m.: One lane of traffic is being reopened. A couple of Darien units are leaving, back in service.

UPDATE 10:28 a.m.: A male in his 50s is being taken to UMMC for evaluation and to have his blood drawn because he allegedly had positive results on a breathalyzer test for alcohol at the scene. The accident is described as minor -- vehicle vs. road sign and fence post.

UPDATE 10:39 a.m.: The truck has been towed away. Both lanes of traffic are open. All Darien unites are back in service.

Paul Edward Reynolds, 57, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, following too close, leaving scene of property damage accident and operating without proof of insurance. Reynolds is accused of following another vehicle too closely and then rear-ending that vehicle at the intersection of Rose Road and Wortendyke Road at 4:20 p.m., Saturday. Reynolds allegedly failed to produce an appropriate exchange of information and then left the scene. Sheriff's deputies allegedly located him and his Toyota pickup a short time later at his residence.

Jordan-Albert Grayson Finnin, 16, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with attempted assault, 2nd. Finnin is accused of trying to stab a DSS youth worker during a home visit. Finnin was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Joshua Lanair Webster, 25, of York Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Webster is accused of illegally possessing hydrocodone on April 16 while being arrested on a burglary charge. Webster was arrested on the new charge Friday while already being detained in the Genesee County Jail on prior charges.

Michael J. Elmore, 21, of 148 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Elmore is accused of damaging another person's vehicle.

Christopher James Gorman, 20, of Darien, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol under 21. Gorman was allegedly found in possession of alcohol after being involved in an off-road motor-vehicle accident at 8:10 p.m., April 30.

Dakota Dean Roberts, 20, of Darien, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol under 21. Roberts was allegedly found in possession of alcohol after being involved in an off-road motor-vehicle accident at 8:10 p.m., April 30.

Keith E. Robinson-Blue, 19, of Rugby Road, Rochester and Shawn D. R. Phillips Jr., 20, of Bartlett Street, Rochester, are charged with trespass. No details were released.

Charlene Anastasia, 40, with no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Anastasia was allegedly located inside a locked storage facility and was there without permission of the owner. Anastasia was jailed on $500 bail.

Veronica Paula Barajas, 17, of Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Barajas is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Victoria Marie Fleck, 18, of Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Fleck is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Darien Lake Theme Park had a media day yesterday, but I got there way late (finishing up the Ranzenhofer story took up most of my day yesterday) so just about everybody was gone and all but one of the new rides was shut down.

Still, I grabbed some photos of the new rides.

The park has turned over pretty much all of its management and with the changes comes a new energy. Besides the new rides, there are other differences at the park. After the jump (click on the headline to read more) is a press release from April 2 about the new rides and other changes. After that is a press release about today's grand opening for the season.

April 2 press release:

DARIEN CENTER, N.Y., April 2, 2012 — Darien Lake announced today the addition of more than $5 million in new attractions and significant park upgrades, as well as a new lower price on four-pack Season Passes.

When the park opens for the season on May 12, guests will have more to see and do than ever before, with the addition of three new family rides, internationally acclaimed live entertainment, new cabins, and upgrades to RV sites and the lodge.

• New family rides. The new “Rowdy’s Ridge” family area will open this season featuring three, brand-new, fun-for-the-whole-family rides. Moose on the Loose is a fun backwoods adventure on a “runaway moose” with funny encounters along the way. On Heave Ho!, riders pull themselves up to the top of a three-story tower by rope and then gently descend. Riders on the Hornet’s Nest can do exciting flying on a tall swing, controlling flight angle and height.
• A fresh approach to in-park entertainment. Seven new live shows will make their New York state debuts, including live comedy acts, performing dogs, a renowned magician, a mesmerizing hypnotist, and a modern rhythm and stomp group. The shows will rotate during the season, bringing a constant stream of all-ages comedy and amazing thrills to the park. More details are available at www.DarienLake.com.
• New and expanded lodging offerings. Guests can take advantage of numerous improvements to the park’s on-site lodging options, including 15 brand-new cabins equipped with free Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs; seven new pull-through RV campsites that accommodate larger vehicles with more power requirements; and a larger game room, a new fitness room and an expanded café menu at the Lodge on the Lake Hotel. All lodging offerings include free admission to Darien Lake’s rides, in-park shows and water park.

“Darien Lake no longer is just an amusement park, it truly is a destination experience offering unlimited fun and unbeatable value,” said Bob Montgomery, general manager, Darien Lake.

“This coming season will be better than ever, as we have added millions of dollars in upgrades to vastly improve the overall experience for guests, with new attractions, lodging and entertainment they can’t get anywhere else.”

Season Passes: More Than 100 Days of Unlimited Fun for Less than the Price of Two Visits Season Passes offer unlimited admission to rides, the water park and live shows throughout the 2012 season. Beginning April 2, Season-Pass buyers can save $40 by purchasing four or more passes for only $59.99 each (a single Season Pass is $69.99 each).

In addition to unlimited admissions during the park’s more than 100 operating days, Season Passholders who visit the park before Memorial Day will receive a free “bring a friend” ticket for any day during the season. They also receive a free ticket for a friend for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, savings on purchases at in-park restaurants and retail locations, and lower rates and special booking privileges on resort and campground accommodations. Passes do not include parking, but season-long parking passes can be purchased for only $20.

About Darien Lake

Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment has made it “destination fun” since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., today the park boasts more than 45 rides, including six world-class roller coasters; dozens of family rides; several world-class entertainment shows right in the park; the region’s largest water park complete with wave pool; and a 20,000-seat performing arts center, operated by Live Nation, that hosts some of the hottest music artists. The park is open May to October, and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations – from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs, and RV and tent campsites. For more information or to order Season Passes, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Today's Press release:

DARIEN CENTER, N.Y., May 12, 2012 — After a mild winter and a relatively balmy spring, fun-seekers are hungry for some action.The wait has finally come to an end now that Darien Lake is officially open for the summer season. The park opened its doors today to its first visitors of the season. With the addition of more than $5 million in new attractions and significant park upgrades, this season is bound to be one for the record books. 

“The team has put in a lot of hard work into the park and we’re excited to see how the guests will receive all of the improvements,” said Bob Montgomery, general manager at Darien Lake. “We look forward to welcoming guests and hope everyone enjoys all the thrills and great entertainment we have planned for this summer!” 

Guests Will Enjoy $5 Million Dollars in Improvements

Guests have more to see and do than ever before, with the addition of three new family rides, internationally acclaimed live entertainment, new cabins, and upgrades to RV sites and the lodge. 

• New family rides. The new “Rowdy’s Ridge” family area is now open and features three, brand-new, fun-for-the-whole-family rides. Moose on the Loose is a fun backwoods adventure on a “runaway moose” with funny encounters along the way. On Heave Ho!, riders pull themselves up to the top of a three-story tower by rope and then are gently descend. Riders on the Hornet’s Nest can do exciting flying on a tall swing, controlling flight angle and height.
• New and expanded lodging offerings. Guests can take advantage of numerous improvements to the park’s on-site lodging options, including 15 brand-new cabins equipped with free Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs; seven new pull-through RV campsites that accommodate larger vehicles with more power requirements; and a larger game room, a new fitness room and an expanded café menu at the Lodge on the Lake Hotel. All lodging offerings include free admission to Darien Lake’s rides, in-park shows and water park.

Live Entertainment Promises to Please a Wide Range of Audiences

Live, in-park entertainment at Darien Lake will be better than ever this season, with several new live shows making their New York state debuts, including live comedy acts, performing dogs, a renowned magician, a mesmerizing hypnotist, and a modern rhythm and stomp group – all of which guests can enjoy for free with the price of park admission.  Live shows will rotate during the season, bringing a constant stream of all-ages comedy and amazing thrills to the park. The nightly Laser Blast show returns as well, Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning May 18 – June 22, and then every night from June 23 – Sept. 3, with popular music, laser effects and fireworks. More details on shows and showtimes are available at www.darienlake.com/2012-in-park-shows/.

Three people were injured at 7:13 p.m., Sunday, when a pickup truck backed into oncoming traffic on Harper Road in Darien.

All three people were taken to Erie County Medical Center by Mercy Flight following the accident.

Shannon C. Bates, 29, of Broadway Road, Darien, reportedly backed a 2003 Dodge pickup onto the roadway in the area of 9796 Harper Road. She was issued a traffic citation.

Paul Dennis Barth Jr., 21, of Cohocton Road, Corfu, was northbound on Harper Road in a 1997 Dodge pickup.

Barth was cited for allegedly speeding.

Bates and Barth, along with a passenger in Bate's truck, Alexander J. Bates, 25, were conscious and alert when flown to ECMC.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chad Mower.

Assisting at the scene were Darien Fire Department and Mercy EMS.

(Initial report)

A car accident is reported at Harper and Richley roads in Darien. The car is on fire. There is entrapment. Injuries are reported. Mercy Flight is called. The helicopter is now in Buffalo and refueling. Darien Fire Department is responding along with Mercy EMS. The bird will land at the scene. It has a seven-minute ETA. One patient will be transported via Mercy Flight, two others via ambulance.

UPDATE 7:34 p.m.: Mercy Flight has a three-minute ETA and will land in a "wide open field" west of the roadway. Harper Road is shut down.

UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

UPDATE 7:47 p.m.: One patient has been transported to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 7:55 p.m.: All patients are being taken to ECMC.

UPDATE 9:31: Darien is just now back in service and the roadway is being reopened.

A two-car accident involving multiple injuries and possible entrapment is reported at 714 Harlow Road near Broadway Road. Mercy Flight is on in-air standby. Darien Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:58 p.m.: A responder on scene reports there is no entrapment.

UPDATE 12 p.m.: Law enforcement in on scene. An ambulance from Alden is also called to the scene. A responder reports that one vehicle has a 17-year-old driver and three passengers -- all under the age of 2. The driver of the other car has minor scratches. One of the vehicles is a Jeep.

UPDATE 12:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: One patient is being taken to Erie County Medical Center via the Alden ambulance. One patient is being transported to UMMC by Mercy medics.

UPDATE 12:31 p.m.: Mercy is taking one patient to Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 12:37 p.m.: An adult female patient is being taken to ECMC, but it is not clear if this is a new transport or if the rig that was going to go to Buffalo was re-routed.

UPDATE 12:53 p.m.: Darien is back in service.

A car and motorcycle accident is reported at 519 Genesee St. (Route 33) in Darien. The motorcyclist is alert and conscious and complaining of a headache. Mercy EMS and Darien firefighters are responding.

The location is between South Lake and Fargo roads.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: Darien is back in service. The motorcyclist is being transported to UMMC.

Michael Timothy Van Houter, 21, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed, driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone and failure to stop at stop sign. Van Houter was charged following the investigation into a motor-vehicle accident at 11:24 p.m., Tuesday, on Perry Road, Le Roy. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Rea Anne Leaha Wimmer, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Wimmer was stopped at 12:40 p.m., Tuesday, on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Austin L. Wester, 17, of 3373 Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal possession of stolen property, 4th. Wester is accused of violating an order of protection. During the investigation, Wester allegedly admitted to possessing property he knew was stolen. Wester was jailed without bail pending an appearance in Batavia City Court today.

Latoya D. Jackson, 26, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Jackson is accused of screaming profanities in Batavia City Court and then struggling with deputies in the lobby of the Genesee County Courthouse. Jackson was jailed on $2,000 bail.

A deputy is in pursuit of a motorcycle rider speeding southbound on Route 77 from Darien into Wyoming County.

The rider, on a small "crotch rocket" style bike, is allegedly going in excess of 100 mph, and the pursuit has just turned onto eastbound on Church Road.

The male rider is wearing a black jacket.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: The deputy backed off the pursuit and eventually lost sight of the motorcycle, but an Attica PD patrol is now behind the motorcycle southbound on Route 98.

Gorge L. Correa, 19, of 72 Ward St., F, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, trespass and possession of marijuana; Arami Morales, 16, of 72 Ward St., F, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, resisting arrest and trespass; Markeef H. Royal, 23, of 9 Beechwood St., Rochester, is charged with trespass; Joshua L. Burris, 22, of 21 Baumen St., Rochester, is charged with trespass; Malik J. Johnson, 19, of 916 Plymouth Ave., Rochester, is charged with trespass. The five suspects were arrested after Batavia PD responded at 6:40 a.m., Sunday, to a report of a disturbance at the Batavia Gardens Apartments, 679 E. Main St., Batavia. Morales is accused of hitting Officer Darryl Streeter. Further investigation led to the alleged discovery of a handgun and marijuana in the vehicle of Correa. Burris was turned over to Rochester PD on an arrest warrant. Correa and Morales were arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed on $5,000 bail each.

Joel D. Prouty, 25, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged criminal contempt, 1st, unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Prouty is accused of violating an order of protection by slammng a woman who is seven-months pregnant into a doorway and threatening to punch her in the stomach. Prouty also allegedly smashed the woman's mobile phone while she tried to call 9-1-1 and restrained her against her will. Prouty was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Gary Robert Dean, 61, of Buffalo Street, Alexander, is charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation, DWI and a violation of unlicensed operation. Dean was stopped at 9:32 p.m., April 4, on Broadway Road, Alexander, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Marquis Kwanaine Saddler, 21, of Brockport-Spencerport Road, Sweden, is charged with violation of sentencing conditions. Saddler was arrested by Village of Brockport PD on a warrant out of Batavia City Drug Court and jailed on $100,000 bail.

Raymond Kyle Jonathan, 23, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, unlicensed operator and failure to stop at stop sign. Jonathan was arrested by Deputy Kevin McCarthy following an investigation into a rollover accident at 3:17 a.m., Sunday, at 890 Judge Road, Basom.

Tara L. Hall, 33, of 132 State St., lower, Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd. Hall is accused of threatening two people.

Jennifer L. Stack, 25, of 5861 Walkers Corners Road, is charged with failure to appear. Stack was arrested after being located at an apartment on South Main Street during a disturbance at that location. Stack was jailed on $500 bail.

Sky M. Lewis, 18, of 38 Walnut St., lower, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Lewis is accused of fighting with another person while in the presence of two young children.

Shawn Michael Kwiatek, 33, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Kwiatek is accused of bringing alcohol to a party and serving it to people under age 21.

A tractor-trailer and another vehicle crashed in the area of 2732 Route 20 in Alexander. The tractor-trailer is off the road and the roadway is partially blocked. There are possibly injuries. Mercy Flight is contacted. Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Darien Fire Police are called to shut down eastbound traffic at Route 20 and Darien -- Alexander Town Line Road. Darien's ambulance is also called.

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: Traffic will also be shut down at Bowen Road. A total of three ambulances are responding.

UPDATE 5:39 p.m.: Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is called to the scene. The landing zone will be a wheat field next to the accident scene.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne with a 13- to 15-minute ETA.

UPDATE 6:19 p.m.: Alexander is back in service. Two women are being taken to UMMC. One is a 20-year-old complaining of shoulder, neck and head pain; the other is 19 and has pain in her head and ribs. One lane of Route 20 traffic is being opened now.

UPDATE 6:24 p.m.: Darien is back in service. State Troopers Sheriff's Office deputies are handling the scene.

UPDATE 6:25 p.m.: Mercy Flight transported one patient to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 7 p.m.: Darien Fire Police are now called to shut down traffic at routes 20 and 238. They are redirecting traffic so the tow company can remove the tractor-trailer at the accident site.

UPDATE 7:14 p.m.: Earlier, a fourth patient was transported, and taken to Buffalo General Hospital.

UPDATE 7:47 p.m.: They are going to allow traffic to flow on Route 20 in one direction, then another, alternating until the accident scene is cleared.

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Firefighters did their best Thursday to try and save dozens of pigs caught in a barn that burst into flames at about 1:30 p.m., but some piglets were killed, according to officials.

A quick response by Darien and Corfu firefighters along with a State Trooper helped keep the fire from spreading north in the barn and destroying more animals.

Willow Ridge Pig Farm, owned by Charlie Miller, housed at least 1,000 pigs, but the number killed is not yet available.

The fire apparently started in the nursery, but the cause has not yet been determined.

Some pigs from the burned structure were moved to other barns on the property, and some pigs were relocated to climate-controlled facilities at other barns.

After the fire was largely knocked down, more than two dozen piglets were carried out of the nursery by firefighters. They were covered with soot and Indian Falls Chief Ed Mileham feared some were overheated, so he sprayed them with water.

Miller's staff then put the piglets in another barn.

One firefighter familiar with hog farming and Miller's facility said normally people not wearing protective garb would not have access to the young pigs. The animals who survived the fire may yet be susceptible to disease.

Besides Darien, Corfu and Indian Falls, responding to the scene were Pembroke, East Pembroke, the Town of Batavia, Attica, Alexander, Bennington, Oakfield, Akron, Alden, and Crittenden, and the city's Fast Team.

Darien Fire went back in service at 5:26 p.m.

(Initial report, with more pictures)

Heavy smoke is spewing from the chimney of a church in Pembroke that has been converted into a house, according to a Pembroke firefighter on scene. The location is 690 Main Road on the corner of Lake Road. It looks like it's confined to the chimney. Corfu and Darien are also responding.

UPDATE 5:29 p.m.: The address is determined to be 8576 North Lake Road. Indian Falls is responding, too. All incoming units are to stage at Pembroke Engine 85, which is in a driveway across the street.

UPDATE 5:32 p.m.: They are trying to contact the homeowner regarding entry to the house but "have not heard back."

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: An unlocked door has been located on the north side of the structure. Interior firefighters are going to enter "to see what we can see." A firefighter warns that dogs can be heard barking inside. Akron is on scene. They are putting up ladder(s) on the roof.

UPDATE 5:37 p.m.: Two dogs are seen locked in the basement along with a cat. There's no smoke. The furnace is on. The cat is running around. They'll need to gain front entry to get to the basement. They have not been able to contact the occupants. Animal control is not available, according to dispatch. A code enforcement officer is called. There are multiple renovations under way. They are putting up a light tower and taking statements from people at the scene.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: They are going to contact the owner of the building, who lives in Indian Falls. The interior crew has reached the stove in the center of the building and they have knocked the fire down, now checking for extentions. Firefighters have to be careful inside as there are places where flooring is missing and there are open beams.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m.: They are shutting off the gas to the stove, which was "jerry-rigged," according to a firefighter. National Fuel has been contacted.

UPDATE 5:52 p.m.: One of the occupants has been located at the Union Hotel and firefighters are speaking with him. They are getting into the basement. They are all set with manpower and will begin releasing some of the responders.

UPDATE 5:55 p.m.: The Town of Pembroke's building inspector is going to be contacted. "It's definately needed," says the firefighter making the request. The female occupant is heading to the scene.

UPDATE 6:03 p.m.: "You can disregard contacting the building inspector. We're on the phone with zoning now." Once the occupant arrives, she can "take care of the dogs so we can get in there."

UPDATE 6:10 p.m.: A zoning officer is on scene.

UPDATE 6:14 p.m.: Corfu units are leaving the scene, in service. A National Fuel rep is on site.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Darien is back in quarters. The zoning officer has been provided the appropriate paperwork from the fire chief and there will be no further use of the chimney allowed at the residence until proper repairs are made and there is a re-inspection.