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Darien

Law and Order: Convict from Batavia caught in Florida, brought back and sent to prison

By Howard B. Owens

Brandon Michael Maldonado, 24, of Strennma Road, Largo, Fla., was arrested on bench warrants for criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Maldonado was arrested at a relative's residence in Florida and returned to Genesee County. Maldonado was sentenced on his prior convictions in County Court and sent to state prison.

Rodney Blackshear, 53, of 2 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct (obscene language/gestures). Blackshear was allegedly using obscene language and gestures during an incident at 6:54 p.m. Wednesday on Lewis Place, Batavia, in front of children and adults.

Wayne D. Potter, 29, no address, is charged with assault, 3rd, unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem form an alleged domestic incident on June 24. Potter was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Joel Hernandez-Zempoaltecati, 30, of Washington Street, Albion, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, driving without interlock device and failure to keep right. Hernandez-Zempoaltecati was stopped at 3:16 a.m. Sunday on Oak Street, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Lori L. Mullen, 46, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mullen is accused of shoplifting at Kmart. Upon exiting the store, Mullen reportedly tried to elude security officers on motorized wheelchair and discarded the allegedly stolen items in the parking lot.

Joshua D. Ricter, 32, of Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls, is charged with criminal mischief. Richter allegedly damaged a laser radar unit while in Kmart.

Nicholas Calvin Klippel, 29, of Walden Creek, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to keep right. Deputy Chad Minuto responded to a report at 3:17 a.m. Saturday on North Road, Le Roy, of a suspicious vehicle in the area. Upon investigation, he found an abandoned vehicle in an area of thick brush a short distance off the road. Klippel was located a short time later in the parking lot of his residence in Batavia by Batavia PD. Upon investigation, it's believed Klippel was driving the vehicle at the time he went off the roadway in Le Roy.

Katie Lee Winnie, 19, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. Winnie allegedly stole $188.31 in merchandise from Walmart.

Tate Nicholas Westmeier, 21, of Church Road, Darien Center, is charged with petit larceny. Westmeier allegedly stole $188.31 in merchandise from Walmart.

Arginia Elizabeth Jones, 19, of Whitney Place, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop for stop sign. Jones was stopped at 2:19 a.m. Saturday on Alleghany Road, Darien, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Benjamin J. Townsend, 25, of Clarence, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Townsend was stopped by State Police at 10:30 p.m. Friday on Colby Road, Darien.

Arrests and citations reported for Mayhem Festival at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested during the Rockstar Engery Mayhem Festival at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

Matthew J. Greif, 42 of Ranchview Avenue, North Olmsted, Ohio, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Greif was jailed on $500 bail.

Christopher Matusak, 30 of North Avenue, Avon, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with concert security inside the venue. Matusak was jailed on $300 bail.

Christopher M. Hund, 36, of North 12th Street, Olean, is charged with forcible touching after allegedly grabbing the buttocks of a 17-year-old girl.

Christopher M. Fasso, 16 of Point Peter Road, Gowanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of another’s license after allegedly being found in possession of another person's NYS driver's license and marijuana.

Stephen R. Kenney, 20 of Thurston Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of another’s driver's license after allegedly being found in possession of another person's NYS driver's license and marijuana.

Nicholas G. Guido, 17 of Central Street, Moravia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and issued a citation for possession of alcohol after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and alcohol being under 21.

Joshua B. Scott, 18 of Richardson Hill Road, Moravia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and issued a citation for possession of alcohol after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and alcohol being under 21.

Caitlin C. Bernard, 20 of Hillview Avenue, Collins, is charged with criminal possession of a
controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of a controlled substance.

Jason M. O’Reilly, 26 of Jackson Road, Webster, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, after allegedly being found in possession of a dagger.

Anthony M. Basso, 22 of Parkhurst Boulevard, Tonawanda, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, after allegedly being found in possession of more than 25 grams of marijuana.

Jack C. Staples, 23 of Wheeler Road, Lockport, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the employee parking area after being ejected from the concert.

Patrick A. Garbutt, 24 of Penfield Road, Penfield, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping onto the concert venue back fence in an attempt to reenter the venue after having been denied entry.

Austin M. Jorgensen, 16 of West Genesee Street, Auburn, issued a citation for possessing another’s license and possession of alcohol after allegedly being found in possession of another person's NYS driver's license and alcohol being under age 21.

The following people were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana:

Daniel R. Mentecky, 22, Harvest Avenue, Buffalo
Justin K. Berner, 18, Countryside Lane, Orchard Park
Damon C. Koscinski, 22, Moose River Road, Boonville
Rebecca M. Kaufman, 19, Hemlock Road, Forestport
Joshua A. Sudyn, 18, North Creek Road, Lakeview
Eric J. Lortz, 21, Violet Parkway, Eden
Timothy J. Nicholson, 19, State Route 414, Seneca Falls
Benjamin T. Cultrara, 18, Allens Creek Road, Pittsford
Corey A. Miller, 19, South Street, Lyndonville
Gregory P. Smith, 25, Jefferson Street, Dansville
Christopher J. Mouer, 30, Doran Street, Rochester
Joseph T. Adams, 26, North Greece Road, Hilton
Dwayne M. Conyne, 25, East Linden Avenue, Rochester
Jeremy D. Seiling, 20, East Park Road, Grand Island

The following people were issued citations for possession of alcohol with intent to consume under 21. 

Bryant J. Hough, 17, Lockegroton Road, Groton
Zachery J. O’Donnell, 20, West Quaker Street, Orchard Park
Andrew M. Kirsch, 20, Tuscarora Road, Chittenango
Devin J. Christpher, 20, West Hazeltine Avenue, Kenmore
Max Tyler J. Blueher, 19, Huckleberry Lane, Liverpool
Derek A. Markle, 19, Fireside Drive, Liverpool
Dolan G. Morton, 20, South Geneva Street, Ithaca
Dylan M. Jorgensen, 20, West Genesee Road, Auburn

Criminally speaking, fairly quiet night at Brad Paisley concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were made during the Brad Paisley concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday.

For photos of the show, click here.

Travis J. Sheldraky, 19, Burke Road, Dunville, Ontario Canada, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance by pushing a security guard.  Sheldraky was arraigned and jailed on $250 bail.

Anna K. Rauber, 18, County Route 46, Dansville, charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly being ejected from the concert venue and then being found within the venue after being told she could not reenter.

Ashley L. Shields, 24, Main Road, Akron, charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another subject and throwing her into a vehicle fender.

Ian M. Emes, 20, Wayside Drive, Lewiston, charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and possession of another person's license. After allegedly being ejected from the concert venue Emes was   found within the venue after being told he could not reenter, and was found to have another person's NYS driver's license.

Kiersten M. Salanger, 20, Coventry Road, Syracuse, charged with possession of a fictitious license and possession of another person’s license after allegedly possessing a fake ID and another person's NYS driver's license.

Michael S. Rawdin, 18, Shimerville Road, Clarence, charged with possession of another person's license after allegedly being found in possession of another person's NYS driver's license.

Emily M. Simson, 20, Dorrance Avenue, Lackawana, charged with possession of another person's license after allegedly being found in possession, another person's NYS driver's license.

The following people were issued citations for allegedly consuming/possessing alcohol under age 21:

Michael W. Mctarnaghan, 18, Groveland Road, Geneseo
Gabrielle M. Kwaiatek, 17, Alleghany Road, Darien
David S. Phillips, 17, County Road 37, Bloomsfield
Kyle P. Juda, 20, Stevenson Court, North Tonawanda
Alexandra B. Hubert, 18, Amberwood Drive, Amherst
Lindsay R. Lippert, 17, Cornish Heights Parkway, Syracuse
Kerstyn L. Empey, 18, Ellsworth Place, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Zachary M. Tiepiechowiak, 18, Woodland Drive, West Seneca
Carmen J. O’Donnell, 18, Elmsford Drive, West Seneca
Katheryn M. Layer, 17, Candlewood Lane, Clarence Center
Blair E. Budzinski, 17, Clardon Drive, Williamsville
Magnum M. Kibler, 17, Randall Road, Le Roy
Hayden A. Lester, 18, Dickerson Street, Lyons
Elizabeth A. Daley, 16, Curtis Parkway, Buffalo
(name redacted upon request), 16, Casenovia Street, Buffalo
Jacob M. Zimmerman, 18, Stony Point Road, Grand Island
Christopher J. Spoto, 18, Falcon Crest Drive, Rochester
Adam B. Kalivoda, 19, West 28th Street, Erie, Pa.
Ryan C. Farrell, 18, Payne Avenue, North Tonawanda
Nicholas H. Bluff, 17, Woodland Drive, Tonawanda
Chelsea R. Masich, 17, Highland Avenue, Buffalo
Nicholas M. Troup, 20, Route 31, West Holley
Philip J. Sipp, 19, Gary Drive, Brockport
James P. Fallon III, 19, Trefoil Lane, Brockport
William F. Maddison, 18, Michael Drive, Welland, Ontario, Canada
Chad A. Moccia, 19, Thorold Road, Welland, Ontario, Canada
Stacey L. Roegner, 18, Lawton Road, Hilton
Kevin J. Spitzer, 20, Foxwood Lane, Williamsville
Nicholas R. Novak, 17, Derby Road, Derby
Kailey S. Maronski, 20, Queens Lane, Hamburg
Danielle L. Aragon, 17, Hart Place, Orchard Park
Larissa M. Weis, 19, Treehaven Road, West Seneca
Rachel M. Spencer, 17, Hardwood Road, West Seneca
Kevin J. Adgate, 17, Treehaven Road, West Seneca
Maggie E. Hale, 18, Oatka Road, Warsaw
Thomas D. Elling III, 18, Thorncliff Road, Kenmore
Michael A. Prentice, 18, Lisa Ann Lane, West Seneca
Tyler M. McTique, 18, Hilltop Courts, West Seneca
Daniel U. Danovskis, 19, Molnar Drive, West Seneca
Eric S. Lipa, 17, Heather Drive, Lockport
Samantha J. Welling, 20, Florida Avenue, Rochester
Courtney S. Coots, 19, East William Street, Bath
Arielle M. Tomb, 19, Howell Street, Bath
Andrea N. Aldrich, 20, Crittenden Road, Alden
Michael J. Cipolla, 18, Water Street, Perry
Bryan M. Geise, 18, Ridge Road, Lockport
Corbin H. Grassman, 18, Timber Creek Court, West Alexandria, Ohio
Brandon M. Hasfurter, 19, Theresa Court, West Seneca
Kathleen Mazur, 19, Keller Road, Clarence
Alissa N. Macpeek, 20, Lincoln Avenue Ext., Lockport
Andrew R. Reinwald, 20, Clymer-Sherman Road, Clymer
Jordin M. Bernard, 18, Parkside Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Gina M. Ross-Detro, 18, Spring Street, Geneva
(name redacted upon request), 20, King Anthony Way, Getzville
Joshua J. Coffey, 20, Woodcrest Drive, Amherst
Brian W. Hayes, 20, Cayuga Street, Clyde
Christopher S. Briggs, 19, Nelson Road, Cassadaga
Gregory A. Snyder, 17, Barnum Road, Cassadaga
Derek J. Wise, 19, High Street, Cassadaga
Collin J. Ruge, 20, Nelson Road, Cassadaga
Jacob W. Kwoka, 19, Corinthia Street, Lockport
Laura C. Tait, 19, Carnegie Drive, Vestal
Ryan D. Dombrowski, 20, South Protection Road, Holland
Cody M. Slattery, 20, Olean Road, South Wales
Allie J. Whitehouse, 18, Maple Avenue, Wellsville
Alana M. Becker, 17, Whitestone Lane, Lancaster

Photos: Brad Paisley, Chris Young and Lee Brice at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The concert season at Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center continued Friday with country superstar Brad Paisley headlinging another one of his annual shows locally, with opening acts Lee Brice and Chris Young.

Brad Paisley.

Lee Brice.

Guitarist Travis Bettis with Lee Brice.

Chris Young.

Chris Young's bass player, Shane Chilton.

Kid Rock apparently gives $5K to assist man in a coma after altercation

By Howard B. Owens

A $5,000 donation from Kid Rock is listed on the Web page set up at giveforward.com to raise funds for Jason McNeil, the former WNY resident who is in a coma after apparently being punched by another patron at the performer's concert at Darien Lake on July 6.

McNeil is still in a coma but making progress according to a Facebook page set up to keep people apprised of his condition.

The donation page says that so far 290 donations have been made totaling more than $30,000 with a goal of raising $20,000 more over the next 29 days.

The 43-year-old Alabama resident is originally from Alden, but reportedly is very involved in his community in Tuscaloosa and has lots of friends and supporters there. He is involved in several charities in the community and is a member of Kiwanis.

He's been in a coma since being taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC after allegedly being punched in the face by Craig Malcolm Lawson, 34, of Talbot Street, Courtland, Ontario, Canada.

Lawson is charged with assault, 3rd, a misdemeanor, and is out of jail on $1,000 bail.

While the Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said his office will review the evidence as the case develops. It's possible Lawson could face a felony charge if there is sufficient evidence to sustain such a charge.

An upgraded assault charge would be assault in the second degree. In order to prove that charge, the prosecution would need to show that the defendant intended to cause serious injury.

Previously: Alleged assault case at Kid Rock concert grows more complicated with news of serious injuries

Law and Order: Rochester man jailed for alleged shoplifting at Walmart and Kmart

By Howard B. Owens

Steven Douglas Crandall, 50, of Driving Park, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Crandall allegedly stole an air conditioning unit at Walmart with a $479.08 value. Crandall is allegedly banned from all Walmart stores because of a prior shoplifting allegation. Crandall also had an warrant for his arrest out of Town of Batavia Court for a prior shoplifting charge at Kmart. Crandall was jailed on $500 bail.

Daryl R. Hamler, 19, of Wescott Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and speeding. Also charged with criminal possession of marijuana was Rebecca E. Cook, 19, of Caldwell Road, Groveland. Hamler and Cook were allegedly found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana during a traffic stop by Deputy James Diehl at 12:02 a.m. on Route 19, Le Roy.

Andrew Alexander Halloran, 48, of Northwest 7 Street Road, Miami, Fla., is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, DWI, refusal to take breath test, speeding and failure to keep right. Halloran's vehicle was stopped at 11:43 p.m. Tuesday on Route 20, Darien, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Cheryl L. Behm, 53, of Alden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, failure to use designated lane and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Behm was stopped at 1:24 a.m. Wednesday on Main Road at Back Street in Pembroke by State Police.

Earl S. Lockhart, 20, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lockhart is accused of stealing from Kmart.

Alleged assault case at Kid Rock concert grows more complicated with news of serious injuries

By Howard B. Owens

Craig Lawson

The suspect in the alleged assault following the Kid Rock concert July 6 at the Darien Lake Performing Art Center has probably learned by now that his alleged victim is in serious condition, but District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said he has no reason to believe the Canadian resident won't make his scheduled court appearance July 30.

Craig Malcolm Lawson, 34, of Talbot Street, Courtland, Ontario, Canada, was initially charged with just a misdemeanor, assault in the third degree, so bail was only set at $1,000.

Indications are, however, that Lawson, who according to sources has a good job in Canada, is taking the case seriously. He's hired a private attorney, who happens to also be a state senator, Michael Ranzenhofer.

"He has retained an attorney who has appeared on his behalf," Friedman said. "The defendant is scheduled to appear in court on July 30 and at this point I have no reason to believe that he won’t be there."

If Lawson were to fail to appear, the District Attorney's Office would need to work with Canadian authorities to obtain his arrest and extradition, which could delay progress of the case.

The alleged victim, Jason McNeil is in a coma, according to friends, at ECMC.

A few days ago, media in Alabama reported on the 43-year-old McNeil's condition and described the Tuscaloosa resident as a "prominent businessman." His coworkers set up a fundraising campaign on his behalf with a goal of raising $25,000 (now $50,000, with more than $18,000 raised so far). There's also a Facebook page set up for McNeil.

McNeil is the owner and operator of Synchronous Industrial Services and has a wife and two children. He's originally from the Alden area and besides going to see Kid Rock he was in WNY for a few days to visit with family.

The fundraiser and media coverage of McNeil's condition could likely alert Lawson that the case is more serious than he might have thought after his initial arrest, but Friedman said he believes Lawson will meet his obligation to appear in court.

"As I said, it appears to me that the defendant has retained counsel and will do the right thing and he will address these charges as he needs to," Friedman said. "I’m not going to speculate on any problems in that regard."

Last August, the District Attorney's Office went through a similar case, which is still pending, against Kelly L. Alcorn, who was initially charged with harassment for allegedly hitting another patron at the Jason Aldean concert.

The alleged victim went to Buffalo media and claimed she was more seriously injured than might warrant a misdemeanor charge. The woman sought a felony charge against Alcorn, a police officer in Niagara Falls.

Friedman's office reviewed the accounts of events, the available evidence and the medical records and eventually sought a grand jury indictment against Alcorn, who is now facing a charge of assault in the second degree.

The same process could be followed in the Lawson case, Friedman said.

"We need to get a handle on what occurred, statements of witnesses, police reports, things like that, and follow the victim's medical condition before we make any decision," Friedman said.

When Darien Town Justice Gary Graber arraigned Lawson the night of July 6, he was presented with a document called an accusatory instrument that specified the charge against Lawson -- the misdemeanor of assault, 3rd -- and a very brief narrative of what police believed happened. He also was given, in this case, two brief witness statements.

From the penal code:

A person is guilty of assault in the third degree when:
1. With intent to cause physical injury to another person, he causes such injury to such person or to a third person ...

The accusatory states that Lawson, "did punch Jason McNeil in the head with a closed fist causing him to lose consciousness and fall to the pavement."

There were also two witness statement's in Lawson's court file.

One witness, who said she is a cousin of McNeil's, said that as she was coming out of the concert, "some guy came up to my cousin, Jason McNeil, and punched him in the face with a closed fist. Jason proceeded to fall backwards and hit his head on the pavement and did NOT MOVE. Jason was not arguing with anyone and I have no idea why he was punched."

Another witness, a Depew resident working for the concert venue, also said he saw the alleged incident.

"I saw a man wearing a red tee shirt arguing with a male that was younger than him," he wrote. "The man in the red pushed the younger kid. The younger looking male was walking backwards and the male in the red pulled his arm way back and punched the younger looking kid. I heard the punch hit the kid in the face and I also heard the younger kid's head hit the ground."

At the time Graber set Lawson's bail at $1,000, he would have had no direct information on McNeil's condition or the fact that McNeil was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

To sustain a charge of assault in the second degree, the prosecution would need to be confident that it could prove the defendant intended to cause serious injury. For example, the need to prove intent eventually lead to the dismissal of one of the felony counts against Jacquetta Simmons in the Walmart Christmas Eve assault case. Simmons was convicted by a jury of a single felony involving the assault on a person over age 65, rather than straight assault, 2nd.

Top photo via giveforward.com.

Passenger falls from bed of pickup truck in Darien, driver charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

A passenger riding in the back of a pickup truck on Fox Trail Road in Darien at 1:04 a.m. suffered a head injury and was taken by ground ambulance to UMMC while the 17-year-old driver of the truck was charged with DWI.

The Sheriff's Office did not release the name of the accident victim.

Taken into custody was Norman Peter Locher, of East Center Road, West Seneca. He was also charged with driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, no seat belt for the driver, operating out of class and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Darien fire assisted at the scene and transported the patient to UMMC.

The investigation was conducted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Two horses on Broadway Road in Darien Center believed to be abandoned

By Billie Owens

A caller reports two apparently abandoned horses at 746 Broadway Road in Darien Center. The caller was going to approach the horses and try to give them some food.

There's a barn and house on the property, and they appear abandoned as well.

"I am familiar with that address," an animal control officer tells dispatch.

A Sheriff's deputy is also responding.

UPDATE 2:18 p.m.: The horses are gone, therefore the animal control officer is not responding. Their owner was looking for a place to relocate them, according to the animal control officer, and was apparently successful. The horse owners had been renting the property and no longer live there. The landlord allegedly told people that the horses would probably be removed today. The deputy is adding narrative to his report and will be clearing the scene.

Few arrests at Vans Warp Tour at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office announced the following arrests Saturday during the Vans Warp Tour at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Charles W. O’Shea, 35, of 6972 W. Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, after allegedly being found operating in an intoxicated condition in the campground area. 

Shalanda L. Darden, 24, of North Hampton Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jed T. Jastrzemski, 18, of Rumbold Avenue, North Tonawanda, was the only person cited for alleged possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Alleged assault requiring Mercy Flight among arrests at Kid Rock concert

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office made the following arrests during the Kid Rock concert Friday at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Jordan J. Apps, 35 of Bertie Bay Road, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief after allegedly punching the window out of a vehicle. Apps was on $20,000 bail.

Craig M. Lawson, 34 of Talbot Street, Ontario, Canada, was charged with third-degree assault after allegedly punching another patron in the face knocking him unconscious. The victim was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight. Lawson was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Brian R. Becker, 38 of Eastham Court, Webster, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and operating with a suspended registration.

Patrick J. Gillen, 22 of Baywood Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jhon A. Polanco, 16 of North Clinton Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

The following people were cited for alleged possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Elliot J. Austin, 18, of Claybed Road, Filmore
Abbey C. Paulsen, 17, of Route 19 Filmore
Megan A. Bailey, 18, of Roszyk Hill Road, Machias
Charles C. Lorraine, 20, of West Walworth Road, Macedon
Chelsea M. Wartinger, 20, of Corydon Drive, Depew
Kriston M. Farrell, 20 of Beale Avenue, Cheektowaga

Trailer fire reported at Darien Lake campgrounds

By Howard B. Owens

A trailer fire is reported at the Darien Lake Theme Park campgrounds, site 155.

Darien fire is dispatched with Corfu fire responding mutual aid.

UPDATE 6:27 a.m.: Fire is out.

Fourteen arrests, scores of citations at Dave Matthews concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were made Wednesday by the Sheriff's Office during the Dave Matthews Band Concert at Darien Lake Theme Park.

ToniMarie Gigante, 39, of Hallam Road, Buffalo, is charged with disordlerly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance and refusing to leave the concert venue. Gigante was arraigned and jailed on $250 bail.

Christopher K. Grasso, 30, of Westside Drive, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing an officer who was breaking up a fight. 

Shane M. Curry, 18, of Broxbourne Drive, Fairport, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly attempting to fight a deputy in the concert venue. Curry was jailed on $100 bail.

Thomas W. Hummel, 17, of Chapel Hill Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession, of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing oxycodone and marijuana.

Michael D. Capezzuto, 19, of Fenwick Lane, Victor, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly jumping onto the hood of a car, causing damage.

John R. Adams, 17, of Welsey Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into a restricted area of the concert venue.

John M. Vandemoortel, 31, of Chadwick Drive, Waterloo, is charged with disordley conduct after allegedly using obscene language, causing a disturbance.

Robert C. Stapleton, 44, of Orchard Street, Ovid, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security while being escorted from the concert venue.

John J. Stefaniak, 18, of George Street, Hamburg, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue after being previously ejected from the concert.

Lawrence J. Lent, 20, of Bownshill Lane, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being told not to return.

Patrick T. Van Vortel, 19, of Garnsey Road, Pittsford, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a deputy while being ejected from the concert venue.

Matthew D. Wieczorek, 44, of Westminster Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected.

Rachel M. Sanchez, 24, of Lake Street, Angola, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly using obscene language and causing a disturbance while exiting the concert venue.

Kristen B. Faricellie, 17, of Wood Acres Drive, East Amherst, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket.

The following people received apperance tickets for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana:

Kelsey B. Sargent, 20, of Creek Road Extension, Lewiston
Matthew W. Ortiz, 20, of Gleason Circle, East Rochester
Richard S. Bailey, 24, of Garage Road, Farmington
Keith D. Langdon, 18, of Dublin Road, Penfield

The following people were issued citations for alleged possession or consumption of alcohol under age 21:

(Name redacted upon request)  18, of Ashford Court, East Amherst
Gabriel S. Zumpano, 19, of State Route 28, Barneveld

(Name redacted upon request), 19, of Shirley Avenue, Buffalo
Daniel J. Miller, 19, of Norbrook Road, Fairport
Rachel D. Anderson, 18, of Drayton Parkway, Hamburg
Thomas W. Gavin, 18, of Frontier Drive, Blasdell
Brian M. Castonguay, 17, of Willowbrook Drive, Orchard Park
Ryan M. Enright, 19, of Buffalo Road, Churchville
Adam C. Ludwicki, 20, of Knollwood Drive, Churchville
Ian F. Mohr, 17, of Wildmere Road, Rochester
Michael E. Anvelt, 19, of Forest Wood Lane, Pittsford
William C. Phelan, 18, of New England Drive, Rochester
Madeline R. Kalke, 18, of Rogers Parkway, Rochester
Luke A. Tierney, 18, of Minuteman Trail, Rochester
Brandon W. Hardy, 20, of Bridlepath Lane, Lancaster
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Caroline Lane, Elma
Nicole E. Deming, 18, of Country Club Drive, Syracuse
Annessa N. Sax-Bolder, 19, of Hillair Circle, White Plains
Avery P. Palardy, 20, of Joseph C. Wilson Boulevard, Rochester
Zachary J. Mietus, 20, of Congress Avenue, Rochester
Zoe T. Duberstein, 19, of Antlers Drive, Rochester
Hannah E. Roselli, 19, of Mill Street, Hornell
Allison E. Roberts, 19, of East Washington Street, Hornell
Danielle K. Dero, 19, of Bradnell Avenue, Le Roy
Nicholas C. Augostini, 20, of Foxburn Road, Penfield
(Nane removed upon request), 20, of Mt. Liberty Drive, Penfield
(name removed upon request), 20, of Genesee Street, Rochester
(name removed upon request), 20, of Genesee Street, Rochester
Kristine N. Celeste, 18, of Scovell Drive, Lewiston
Patrick J. Gardner, 18, of Oakbrook Drive, Williamsville
Marissa A. Peltier, 19, of Clarence Center Road, Clarence
Nicholas J. Ferry, 19, of Hollingson Road, Clarence
Julia L. Griffith, 19, of Doncaster Road, Kenmore
Roseann J. DeVito, 20, of Canandaigua-Farmington Townline Road, Canandaigua
Robert M. Dicioccio, 18, of Lynn Drive, Orchard Park
Emily A. Wood, 18, of Nottingham Terrace, Hamburg
Trevor J. Snyder, 18, of Ellis Road, Orchard Park
Katherine E. Janish, 19, of North Lake Drive, Orchard Park
Mary J. Russo, 20, of Chapel Woods, Williamsville
Shannon E. Wrona, 18, of Traverse Boulevard, Buffalo
Kevin C. Ort, 18, of Sannita Drive, Rochester
Rosemarie L. Leach, 19, of Affinity Lane, Rochester
Shannon M. McCooey, 18, of Sunrise Terrace, West Seneca
Alayna M. Wageman, 19, of Sandlewood Drive, Getzville
Kristen L. Waskosky, 20, of Berkley Drive, Lockport
Nicole M. Carcione, 20 Leete Road, Lockport
Stephanie E. Hudson, 18, of Polar Drive, Penfield
Sean P. Byrne, 20, of South Geddes Street, Syracuse
Taylor M. Novakowski, 18, of MDL Cheshire Road, Canandaigua
Zachary R. Zimmerman, 20, of County Route 65, Watertown
Matthew J. Barvaccia, 19, of Sunrise Park, Pittsford
(name redacted), 20, of Maple Street, Hornell
John N. Dagon Jr., 20, of Maple Street, Hornell
Matthew R. Dansa, 19, of Chase Drive, Orchard Park
Monica M. Reiser, 18, of Birdsong Parkway, Orchard Park
Dennis F. Segrue, 18, of Chateau Place, Mendon
Cameron E. Orlando, 17, of Stratford Lane, Rochester
Madeline M. Box, 19, of Crestwood Road, Corning
Austin J. Antkowiak, 18, of Burbank Drive, Orchard Park
Kerry J. Winter, 19, of Holmes Hill Road, Conesus
Brendan P. Hart, 18, of Cynthia Circle, Orchard Park
Joseph F. Dagher, 18, of Via Marina, Williamsville
Brodie A. Egan, 18, of Velcoda Drive, Rochester
Jessica A. Kuzdzal, 20, of New Road, Amherst
Alyssa M. Filiatreau, 19, of McBurney Road, Clifton Springs
Lucia M. Forte, 19, of Lin Road, Utica
Daniel E. Gershman, 20, of Evelyn Avenue, North Bellmore
(name redacted upon request), 19, of Clooney Drive, Henrietta
Matthew S. Leonard, 19, of Cape Henry Trail W. Henrietta
Allison A. Yacono, 19, of Tumbleweed Drive, Pittsford
Kevin M. Burke, 16, of Chase View Road, Fairport
Cody M. Grasso, 20, of West Bihrwood Drive, West Seneca
Patrick J. Crowley, 20, of Union Road, West Seneca
Stephen R. Greiner, 19, of Highpoint Court, Orchard Park
Danielle K. Ruf, 16, of Hitree Lane, Rochester
Alexandra N. Emiliano, 18, of Christina Drive, North Chili
Kendra N. Thomas, 19, of Beartown Road, Painted Post
Taylor N. Royce-Parvlot, 20, of Chestnut Street, Corning
Peter M. Gropp, 19, of Shannon Glen, Fairport
Michael B. Caruso, 20, of Neuchatel Lane, Fairport
James T. Coon, 18, of Culver Parkway, Rochester

Darien Lake Theme Park reopens after water main break forces two-hour closure

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Darien Lake confirms that its amusement park and water park were closed for approximately two hours today, after the water supply was accidentally cut off.

Monroe County Water Authority had been conducting routine maintenance nearby, which adversely affected the park’s water supply at 11:30 a.m. During the outage, Darien Lake’s bathrooms, food service, and water park were affected.

Darien Lake management closed the park at noon for guest safety. The park’s maintenance crews restored service before 1 p.m., and the park was reopened by 2 p.m.

Law and Order: Woman accused of pawning stolen laptop

By Howard B. Owens

Stephanie G. Pelkey, 18, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Pelkey allegedly pawned a stolen laptop, using her NYS learner's permit for identification, at Computer and Phone Repair in Batavia.

Nicholas A. Gaudy, 21, of 11 Allen St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gaudy is accused of stealing alcohol from Main St. Pizza Company.

Brodes J. Gibson, 52, of 13 Thorpe St., Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Gibson is accused of taking the wallet of another person on Jackson Street. The wallet allegedly contained a credit card.

Carolyn Anne Laurie, 18, of Clay Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Laurie is accused of shoplifting at Kmart. Also charged, Morgan Nicole Scofield, 18, of Clay Street, Le Roy.

Ronald Gregory Carney, 25, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and moved from lane unsafely. Carney was stopped at 2:14 a.m., Saturday, on Wortendyke Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Ettienne Eloy Ayala, 40, of Gelson Street, Buffalo, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Ayala was arrested on a warrant following an investigation into a complaint at Target.

Barbara Ann Likely, 55, of Jay Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Likely was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Deputy Joseph Corona in Bergen for an alleged traffic violation.

Jacqueline Raj Garrett, 34, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Garrett allegedly stole $39.99 in merchandise from Kmart.

Brandon J. March, 28, of Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt. Marsh allegedly violated a court order on June 23 in Darien and was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Kenneth M. Gray, 21, of 77 Myrtle St., Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and disorderly conduct. Gray was allegedly in a confrontation June 21 with Alexander A. Chandler, 21, of 25 Bacon St., Le Roy. He also allegedly drove to the Bank of America parking lot while intoxicated. Alexander was also charged with disorderly conduct.

Motorcycle rider accused of reaching speeds of 140 mph during pursuit

By Howard B. Owens

It allegedly took 25-year-old Christian John Finkney, a Wyoming resident, a mere 22 minutes to get from the Erie County line to Wyoming early Sunday morning while riding his motorcyle.

That's a distance of nearly 25 miles.

A deputy allegedly clocked his bike at times during the high-speed pursuit at 140 mph.

Finkney faces a laundry list of charges following his arrest by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Reeves originally picked picked up a speeding motorcycle at 1:15 a.m. while running radar on Route 20 going 80 in the 55 mph. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the motorcycle allegedly sped up and started passing passenger vehicles.

The operator was observed allegedly swerving in and out of his lane as he sped east through Darien and Alexander.

The bike driver then reportedly turned onto Molasses Hill Road and started heading south into Wyoming County.

He was eventually stopped on Route 19 in Wyoming.

The State Police and Wyoming County Sheriff's Office assisted in the alleged pursuit along with Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

The South Academy Street resident was taken into custody without incident.

Finkney is charged with:

  • DWI
  • Driving with a BAC of .08 or greater
  • Unlawfully fleeing a police officer
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield to emergency vehicle
  • Speeding in zone
  • Passing in no passing zone
  • Failure to keep right
  • Unlicensed operator

He was issued an appearance ticket and ordered to appear in Town of Darien Court on July 11 at 5 p.m.

Law and Order: Nine arrests reported in recent days

By Howard B. Owens

Alicia M. Stankwick, 21, of 2880 Transit Road, West Seneca, is charged with disobeying mandate. Stankwick was arrested following a complaint of a woman refusing to leave an apartment on State Street, Batavia.

Glenn H. Wright Jr., 43, of 118 Prospect St., Warsaw, is charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault, 3rd. Wright was arrested by Warsaw PD on an arrest warrant out of City Court.

Douglas Scott Sprague, 46, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with a felony count of criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Sprague was arrested on a warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court.

Timothy Huurman, 23, of Genesee Park Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (69 in a 55 mph zone), and refusal to submit to breath test. Huurman was stopped at 11:49 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander, by Sgt. Ron Meides.

David Michael Snyder, 27, of East Main Street Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Snyder is accused of shoplifting at Walmart. Also arrested was Destany Ann Marie McNutt, 24, of East Main Street Road, Stafford.

Michael J. Anderson, 24, of Keady Road, Lodi, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Anderson is accused of threatening to shoot another person during a phone conversation, which allegedly violated a court order.

Timothy W. Churchill, 45, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and DWI with a child in the car, and Joanne M. Riggi, 43, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. A vehicle allegedly driven by Churchill was stopped by State Police at 5:18 p.m. Friday on South Street Road, Le Roy. No further details released.

Thomas M. Szarleta, 49, of Springville, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and improper passing on the right. Szarleta was stopped at 6:04 p.m. Sunday on Sumner Road at Route 77, by a state trooper.

Conor W. Wellott, 25, of North Tonawanda, is charged with DWI. Wellott was stopped at 12:10 a.m. Monday at Route 77 and Route 20 by a state trooper.

Eight people arrested during Zac Brown concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested Sunday by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Zac Brown Band concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Thomas R. Cartere, 22, Graver Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Patrick J. Conte, 22, Cayuga Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Michael J. Adornetto, 24, Foxhunt Lane, East Amherst, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance at the concert venue.

Michael P. Kedley, 35, Daytona Avenue, Webster, is charged with disorderly conduct after causing a disturbance as he was being ejected from the concert venue.

Samuel J. Carrigan, 50, Hayes Road, Montour Falls, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance as he left the concert venue.

Sandra C. Bauer, 53, Meadow Drive, Boston, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Nicholas H. Nadrowski, 20, Lakeview Road, Lakeville, is charged with trespass and resisting arrest after reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Nadrowski then allegedly fought with deputies while being arrested.

Brittany D. McGown , 23, Ash Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, was arrested for trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket. McGown was released on $100 pre-arraignment bail.

The following people were issued citations for alleged possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21:

Alyssa T. Berkholder, 20, California Road, Orchard Park
Keegan M. Phalen, 20, South Willow Road, East Aurora
Jillian K. Voit, 18, South Woodland Ridge, Elma
Valerie A. Zgoda, 20, Preserve Road, West Seneca
Alexis M. Loffredo, 18, Palecrest Court, West Seneca
Jillian M. Polinski, 19, Valley View Drive, Elma
Nolan A. Ringo, 20, Valley View Drive, Hamburg
Cameron J. Coon, 16, Queens Lane, Hamburg
(Name redacted upon request), 19, Enchanted Forest, South Depew
Rebekah S. Czerniak, 20, Fairview Drive, Alden
Jonathan A. Voss, 17, Bekoda Road, Scottsville
Jonathan K. Cappotelli, 19, West Main Street, Caledonia
Daniel P. Biggins, 19, County Road #11, Rushville
Rachel A. McConnell, 18, South Wind Way, Rochester
Brianna J. Jager, 18, Evergreen Drive, Rochester
Amanda T. Winkler, 20, McKinley Parkway, Blasdell
Alyssa C. Winkler, 18, McKinley Parkway, Blasdell
Ryan A. McGillicuddy, 17, West Pleasant Drive, Eden
Sarah M. Deberardinis, 19, Prospect Street, Angola
(name redacted upon request), 19, Chase View Road, Fairport
(name redacted upon request), 20, Whitney Road, Fairport
Bradley E. Wellenzohn, 18, East Rolling Hills Drive, Orchard Park
Tyler J. Hayden, 18, Ridgewood Road, Buffalo
(Name redacted upon request), 18, Canterbury Trail, Fairport
Courtney J. Simon, 17, Atlantic Avenue, Fairport
Hannah C. Larson, 19, Cable Street, Buffalo
Danielle M. T. Pratts, 18, Fremont Avenue, West Seneca
Carly R. Hatten, 20, North Creek Road, Lakeview
Rebecca M. Bentley, 19, Cassandra Circle, Churchville
Kaila S. Fox, 20, South Prince Street, Depew

Photos: On Richley Road, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Driving back from Darien Lake's 5K this afternoon, I stopped on Richley Road, Darien, for these two photos.

Photos: Color Me Rad 5K at Darien Lake Theme Park

By Howard B. Owens

More than 8,500 people showed up at Darien Lake Theme Park today for the Color Me Rad 5K Technicolor Run and Walk. The event, which benefits Special Olympics, puts participants through a course filled with "color bombs" -- storms of colored cornstarch.

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