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Large screen TV reportedly falls into pool at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

A large screen TV reportedly fell into a wave pool at Darien Lake Theme Park earlier this afternoon and injured a 7-year-old boy. He suffered a cut on his leg.  

Darien Lake issued the following statement about the incident:

Darien Lake confirms that today at 12:30 p.m., the outdoor movie screen set up for Darien Lake’s “Dive-In Movie” series fell into the park’s wave pool.

The screen was installed at the deep end of the wave pool this morning, in the same location and with the same installation contractor and process used for previous Dive-In Movie nights. The cause of today’s incident is currently under investigation.

Darien Lake’s emergency medical personnel were on scene within minutes and treated three guests who received minor injuries. The park’s maintenance crew removed the screen and reopened the wave pool within one hour of the incident.

Tomorrow night’s Dive-In Movie, "Finding Nemo," will proceed as planned. We will work with our contractors to reinstall the screen with extra precautions to ensure this situation does not happen again.

- Chris Thorpe, General Manager, Darien Lake

Photo from our news partner 13WHAM.

Photos: Slipknot & Lamb of God at Darien Lake

By Steve Ognibene

Slipknot headlined Darien Lake PAC Wednesday night. Lamb of God opened. Also performing were Bullet for my Vallentine and Motionless in White.

Pictured below photos of Lamb of God:

Pictured below photos of Bullet for my Vallentine:

Motionless in White:

Seven arrests reported following Slipknot concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Slipknot concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Frederick TWA Parker, 29, of Caribou Trail Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected. Parker was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $750 bail.

Name Redacted, 17, of Route 26, West Leyden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Broc O. Breen, 18, of Route 26, West Leyden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Joshua R. Dietz, 20, of Beach Ridge, North Tonawanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Matthew R. Quinn, 18, of Canal Road, Oneida, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Zachary J. Walkowski, 20, of Rogers Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another subject in the face.

Jason R. Fearnall, 33, of Knapp Road, Akron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Law and Order: Darien man allegedly steals almost $18,000 from his mother

By Traci Turner

Robert B. Hansen III, 52, of Colby Road, Darien, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Hansen is accused of making debit card purchases and cash withdrawals totaling $17,753 drawn on his mother's checking account.The purchases and cash withdrawals were made in 2013 between February and November. The alleged purchases were not made for the benefit of his mother who is living in a Medina nursing home.

Matthew M. Maniace, 32, of Fargo Road, East Bethany, is charged with: aggravated DWI with a child in the vehicle; DWAI drugs; criminal contempt, 1st; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; harassment, 2nd; endangering the welfare of a child; and unlawful imprisonment. The charges result from an investigation into an alleged domestic incident by Batavia Police. Maniace is accused of driving a motor vehicle in the City of Batavia while under the influence of drugs with a 5-year-old child in the vehicle. He was put in Genesee County Jail on $20,000 bail.

Richard G. Hafford, 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, following a reported physical altercation that happened on Maple Street. Hafford was put in Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Bobby L. Mobley, 30, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and menacing, 2nd, following an alleged disturbance that occurred on Hutchins Street on July 10. 

Kristine M. Smart, 39, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Smart allegedly stole $135 worth of merchandise from Kohl's Department Store in Batavia.

Law and Order: Darien man accused of DWI and resisting arrest

By Traci Turner

Steven N. Zink, 24, of Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or greater, DWI, resisting arrest, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and operating an unregistered ATV. Zink is accused of operating an unregistered ATV while in an intoxicated condition. When Deputy Joseph Corona attempted to pull him over for a traffic stop on Warner Road in Darien, he allegedly fled. After a foot pursuit, he was taken into custody and put in the Genesee County Jail on $1,500 bail.

Martin E. Slaymaker, 41, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child, 2nd. Slaymaker allegedly tattooed a child under the age of 18 years old. 

Three subjects from Ontario, Canada are charged with trespassing. Ryan N. Purcell, 19, of Baden, Jesse M. Fitzsimmons, 18, of Waterloo, and Spencer R. Story, 22, of Ajax, are accused of trespassing inside of Darien Lake Theme Park after hours early this morning.

Person trapped after rollover on Genesee Street, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle roll over accident is reported in the area of 175 Genesee St., Darien. 

A person is believed to be trapped. 

Dispatchers are checking on the availability of Mercy Flight. One helicopter is already tied up on a medical call in Stafford. 

Darien fire and ambulance dispatched. 

UPDATE: No serious injuries reported.

Kingdom Bound

By Howard B. Owens
The 29th annual Kingdom Bound Festival, one of the nation's largest and longest-running Christian music festivals, returns to Darien Lake July 22-25. The festival will feature more than 50 internationally acclaimed musical acts, including performances by 2015 Grammy Award winners Lecrae and for King and Country, as well as headliners Casting Crowns, Newsboys, and Thousand Foot Krutch. There will also be dozens of inspirational seminars. A complete list of all artists and speakers can be foundhttp://www.kingdombound.org.
Event Date and Time

Death of Depew man in Darien under investigation

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office is investigating the unattended death of a 20-year-old Depew man found in a field at 1756 Chick Road, Darien.

Garry P. Pitz was found in the field shortly after midnight and first responders administered CPR, but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead by County Coroner Karen Lang.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by troopers, Mercy EMS and the Town of Darien Volunteer Fire Department.

Law and Order: arrests for petit larceny and possession of marijuana

By Traci Turner

Lauren L. Heale, 26, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with petit larceny. Heale allegedly stole a video game system from a residence. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Ashley M. Morgan, 24, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The incident happened on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia.

Tyler J. Cutajar, 19, of 80th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana following a traffic stop by Deputy Joseph Corona on Alleghany Road in Darien.

Law and Order: Two Batavia men charged with petit larceny and criminal impersonation

By Traci Turner

Lamar A. McCain, 44, and Horatio Coleman, 61, both of Oak Street, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny and criminal impersonation, 2nd. McCain and Coleman allegedly stole $65 worth of merchandise from Kmart in Batavia. Following an investigation, Deputy Chad Cummings found they allegedly gave false identification to law enforcement while being questioned. McCain and Coleman were jailed on $2,000 bail.

Tanisha N. Gibson, 30, of Brooksville, Florida, was arrested on a grand larceny warrant for an incident that allegedly occurred while Gibson was employed at Walmart in Batavia in January 2014. Gibson was arrested in Florida and extradited to New York jailed on $10,000 bail. No further details released.

Richard M. Schiersing, 39, of Sandhill Road, Caledonia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, DWI drugs, moving from a lane unsafely and operating a motor vehicle with an obstructed view. The charges result from a traffic stop on Main Street in Batavia by Officer Kevin DeFelice. Schiersing was jailed without bail.

Robert L. Carney, 23, of Maurice Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Carney is accused of damaging a door in the emergency room at United Memorial Medical Center. He jailed on $1,000 bail.

A 16-year-old male from Batavia is charged with petit larceny, identity theft, 2nd, and unlawful possession of personal identification information, 3rd. The youth allegedly possessed debit card information belonging to another person and used that information to purchase several items.

Tyler D. Price, 22, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Price allegedly violated the terms of a Genesee County Family Court order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party. The incident happened on Liberty Street in Batavia.

Scott R. Kantra, 47, of Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated DWI and DWI following an erratic operation complaint at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Kantra allegedly was in operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Jason Stout, 28, and Bailey J. Heinzerling, 25, both of Rochester, are charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing video game accessories at Target in Batavia. Stout allegedly stole approximately $165 and Heinzerling stole approximately $230 worth of merchandise. Stout  was jailed on$500 bail. Heinzerling was released on her own recognizances.

Rondell J. Watson, 33, and Joy S. Robinson, 23, both from Rochester are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th, following an incident at Kohls in Batavia. Watson and Robinson are accused of conspiring together to steal two pairs of khaki pants from the store. Upon arrest, Watson allegedly became verbally abusive and was yelling obscenities in the parking lot. Robinson was also arrested for petit larceny for allegedly stealing several shirts from Marshalls in Batavia prior to the other larceny. They posted bail of $250 each.

Harry T. Gibson, 50, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gibson is accused of stealing an exhaust manifold from a business in Batavia and then scrapping it for money.

Joseph H. Schenk, 23, with no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Schenk is accused of stealing coins from an acquaintance. The incident happened on Mill Street in Le Roy. He jailed on $250 bail.

Timothy J. Wood, 26, City of Batavia, and Christopher D. Bisig 29, Town of Batavia, were charged with petit larceny. Wood and Bisig allegedly were allegedly caught stealing earrings from Kmart by placing them in their pockets and passing all points of sale.

Crystal A. Mounts, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Mounts allegedly stole a pair of sandals and a plastic container of earthworms at Walmart in Batavia. After an investigation, state troopers determined she had been banned from the store due to a previous incident.

Annual NYSCOPBA's Orleans Sector Charity Golf

By Lisa Ace

July 20, 2015 ­- Annual NYSCOPBA's Orleans Sector Charity Golf 
Tournament to benefit the Crossroads House. The event will begin at 10:00 am at the Chestnut Hill Country Club, 1330 Broadway, Darien Center, NY. 14040. We are expecting to have over 150 local participants in the tournament with dinner and Chinese auction to follow. Anyone can golf in this tournament! Any questions, to be a sponsor or participant, please contact Kenneth Gold, Orleans Chief Steward at (716) 603­-0195. 

 

Event Date and Time
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Law and Order: Man charged with aggravated DWI following accident

By Traci Turner

Tyler J. Goodenough, 21, of West Filbert Street, East Rochester, is charged with aggravated DWI following a two-car accident in the parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park.

Robert C. Hayes, 25, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana, plus he is cited for having an obstructed driver's view. Hayes was pulled over on Clay Street in Le Roy for allegedly having his driver view obstructed when police found him to be in possession of marijuana and an edged weapon.

Gena M. Naugle, 41, of South Lake Avenue, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Naugle allegedly threw a dinner plate at a juvenile causing glass shards to strike the juvenile. 

A 17-year-old male from Medina is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly punched a male acquaintance several times at a residence in Bethany.

Buffalo man hospitalized after assault following Toby Keith concert at Darien Lake

By Billie Owens

A 30-year-old Buffalo resident was hospitalized Sunday night after an assault following the Toby Keith concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Police have not released the victim's name.

According to Genesee County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, there was a confrontation between the victim and another individual in the parking lot prior to concert. Later, inside the venue, a physical altercation occurred between the two parties. Then around 10:30 p.m., a third confrontation took place in the parking lot and the victim reported being beaten by several individuals.

This resulted in the victim being flown by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center, primarily because of possible head injuries. The victim was released today.

Law enforcement sources said the assault was initially reported as a person injured due to falling from a pickup truck. But investigation revealed the person allegedly punched someone in the concert venue and later that person and the person's friends found the Buffalo resident and allegedly assaulted him.

Investigators are working to identify the suspects and gather evidence. No names or additional details are being released at this time. 

Five arrests reported at Def Leppard/Styx concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Def Leppard/Styx concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday:

Renno J. Rushton, 23, of Chili Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischie, 4th, criminal trespass, 3rd, harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct after allegedly refusing to leave Darien Lake property after being told to leave several times. Rushton allegedly attempted to grab a security officer, created a disturbance in the park parking lot, and also damaged a wall inside the security office. Rushton was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed on $500 bail.

Erika L. Schmid, 23, of Chili Avenue, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly creating a disturbance in the parking lot and pushing a security officer.

Krystie M. Martinez, 30, of Geneva Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Jason J. Tombari, 37, of Oak Orchard Road, Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Kevin G. Bent, 31, of Carol Place, The Bronx, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the park property after being escorted from the property and told not to return.

Five arrests at Toby Keith concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested while at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center during the Toby Keith concert on Saturday.  

Nicholas D. Winkley, 20, of Windspear Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with false personation after allegedly providing a false date of birth.

Nathan D. Cammarano, 25, of Broadway Road, Lancaster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue after being told he was not allowed inside.

James T. Deluca, 22, of Broadway Road, Lancaster, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue several times after being ejected and told not to return.

Tyler J. Goodenough, 21, of West Filbert Street, East Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while being ejected from the concert.

Alexander J. Rajla, 21, of Bobrich Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing marijuana.

Car crash with entrapment on Lovers Lane Road

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with entrapment is reported on Lovers Lane Road near Route 33. East Pembroke and Darien fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene and a landing zone is being established. Due to multiple incidents in progress, a second platoon from the City of Batavia is requested to headquarters.

UPDATE 6:48 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to the scene.

UPDATE 7:19 p.m.: Mercy Flight #7 is on the ground.

UPDATE: The blue sedan was southbound on Lovers Lane Road and came over the crest of a hill and an apparently high speed and the driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed over the center line into the northbound lane of traffic where it struck a Ford pickup truck. The driver is believed to be approximately 18 years old. The driver and minor teen passenger were both transported by Mercy Flight, with the minor going to Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo and the driver being taken to ECMC. The pickup driver was taken by private vehicle to UMMC. Charges are pending. Alcohol is not considered a factor, said Deputy James Diehl, but distracted driving has not been ruled out.

UPDATE: The driver of the sedan is identified as Brandon Faucett, 17, of Rose Road, Batavia. His passenger was Bailey Faucett, 13. Charges are pending. The driver of the truck was Gloria A. Schafer, 52, of Pearl Street, Batavia.

Accident reported on Bennett Road, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly struck a mailbox and is now in a ditch just west of 2528 Bennett Road, Darien.

Unknown injuries.

Darien fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 3:57 a.m.: Law enforcement on scene reports the driver has a possible head injury.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: William J. Bick was transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC with a head injury, according to the Sheriff's Office. Charges are pending against Bick, 26. His car struck two mailboxes. The Sheriff's Office is listing the accident as Dodgeson Road (both Dodgeson and Bennett are Highway 21).

Brad Paisley plays Darien Lake, nine people arrested

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office made the following arrests during the Brad Paisley concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

Dalton Matiasz, 19, Cambridge Road East, Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada, is charged with false personation after allegedly providing false identification information. Dalton was arraigned in Darien Court and put jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Antho M. Ilacqua, 23, Cary Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child after allegedly providing alcohol to a minor.

Matthew J. Wiza, 30, Lordan Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing another person and placing them in a choke hold.

Brandon J. Kuklewicz, 21, Frederick Street, Cheektowaga, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected by Live Nation staff.

Nathan D. Addenbrooke, 21, Willow Drive, Niagara Falls, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Joseph G. Melcher, 22, Ridge Road, Ransomville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Danielle Stolfa, 20, Lightwood Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Nicholas J. Jones, 24, Hawkins Road, Selden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Bailey A. Dawson, 18, Pennsylvania Avenue, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Two arrests announced following Train concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were announced by the Sheriff's Office in connection with the Train Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Connor W. Whitman, 20, of Pendleton Street Extension, Cortland, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana for allegedly smoking marijuana in view of other concert patrons.

Michael R. Marchese, 25, of Park Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert parking lot after being told to leave several times and then throwing his cell phone, striking a passing vehicle in the rear window.

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