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Stafford

Police Beat: DWI arrest made in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Kathyrn D. Decker, 26, of 2250 River Road, Caledonia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Decker was allegedly observed at 2:40 a.m., Thursday, by Sgt. Michael Hare of the Le Roy Police Department speeding on West Main Street in Le Roy.

Tiffany Marie Sheffer, 19, of Transit Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Sheffer is accused of stealing $66.95 in merchandise from Target. She was arrested at 3:45 p.m., Wednesday.

Alex Patrick Brasky, 19, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Brasky was charged following a traffic stop in the area of 301 Oak St., Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl at 11 p.m., May 12.

Aaron J. Horn, 35, of Fairport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation. Horn was arrested by State Police in Stafford at 9:50 a.m., Tuesday. He was jailed on cash bail. No further details available.

Michael C. Tunley, 39, of Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, motor vehicle registration suspended and aggravated unlicensed operation. Tunley was stopped by State Police at 3:05 p.m., Tuesday, on Route 33 in Stafford.

Police Beat: Man accused of possessing marijuana and mushrooms

By Howard B. Owens

Paul Nelson Henn, 19, of North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of alcohol under 21. Deputy Brian Thompson responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle parked on a property on Prole Road, Stafford. Upon arrival, Deputy Thompson allegedly found Henn in possession of marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and alcohol.

Richard E. Albee, 45, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Albee was arrested at 4:08 p.m., Sunday, by State Police at the Batavia Motel on Route 5. No further details were released.

Police Beat: Driver charged with DWI following obscenity complaint

By Howard B. Owens

Christopher W. Fowler, 21, of 3340 W. Main St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, harassment and obscenity, 3rd. Fowler is accused of sending an obscene photo by phone to another person and harassing that person. While investigating the alleged complaint, Sgt. John Peck came into contact with Fowler driving on West Main Street at 6:15 p.m, Thursday. Fowler was allegedly found driving drunk.

A 15-year-old from Bethany is charged with assault, 3rd. The youth was arrested by State Police following an alleged incident at 1:45 p.m., Wednesday. No further details were released.

Janet L. Grossman, 43, of Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Grossman was arrested by State Police on Tuesday in connection with an alleged incident on May 1 in the Town of Batavia. No further details were released.

Joshua Gonzalez, 19, of Staten Island, is charged with petit larceny. Gonzalez was arrested by State Police on Monday in connection with an alleged incident from May 9 in the Town of Batavia. Gonzalez was jailed without bail. No further details were released.

Accidents from the State Police blotter:

10:03 a.m., May 11, Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, one vehicle; Driver 1: Dale C. Burroughs, 50, of Batavia. No injuries reported.

4:57 p.m., May 11, off road/name not found, Town of Pavilion, one vehicle; Driver 1: Jeffery S. Stebbins, 43, of North Tonawanda. No injuries reported.

9:15 a.m., May 11, Thruway, mile marker 404.7, two vehicles: Driver 1: Toni S. Paul, 57, of Longmont, Colo.; Driver 2: Marvin L. Jacobson, 27, of Pavilion. One injury reported.

10:41 a.m., May 11, Thruway, Le Roy exit, one vehicle; Driver 1: Duane A. Brecke, 53, of Marshfield, Wis. No injuries reported.

Police Beat: Stafford man accused of using shotgun during domestic dispute

By Howard B. Owens

Jeffrey M. Kohorst, 21, of 6105 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with menacing and reckless endangerment. Kohorst is accused of getting into a domestic dispute with a former girlfriend and her current boyfriend at the Kohorst residence. While the former girlfriend removed her property from the residence, Kohorst allegedly retrieved a shotgun from inside his home and confronted the new boyfriend demanding that he leave the property. Kohorst allegedly followed his threat by firing one shot in the direction of, and in close proximity to, the boyfriend. Kohorst was jailed on $15,000 bail.

Frank E. Finnin, 44, of 10 S. Main St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Finnin reportedly was wanted on a warrant out of City Court for failure to answer an alleged petit larceny charge. Finnin was spotted by Officer Dan Coffey at 10:15 a.m., Friday, walking on West Main Street.

Timothy Lee Taylor, 35, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Taylor is accused of violating an order of protection out of Family Court that limited the number of calls he could make to his ex-girlfriend. Taylor allegedly made more than 355 calls over an unspecified amount of time.

Scot G. Judd, 27, of Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Judd was arrested at 9:47 p.m., Wednesday, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, who was conducting an investigation at the Mark Trial Hotel when he found Judd allegedly in possession of marijuana.

Elizabeth Anne Holly, 46, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, driving left of the pavement markings. Holly was stopped by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello at 2:14 a.m., May 1, for allegedly crossing the double-yellow lines as she exited Valu Plaza on West Main Street.

Taheed Makal Moffett, 25, of Rochester, is charged with conspiracy, 5th. Moffett is accused of conspiring with another person in Genesee County Jail to promote prision contraband. No further details were released.

Jeffery Matthew Kaczmarek, 41, of Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, driving left of the pavement markings, moving from lane unsafely. Kaczmarek was stopped by Deputy Jason Saile at 2:26 a.m, Saturday, on Route 20 in Alexander.

Michael James Killigrew, 21, of Corning, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, and moving from lane unsafely. Killigrew was arrested by Deputy Jason Saile at 2:55 a.m., Saturday, on Route 20 in Bethany following a report of a one-car accident. Killigrew reportedly swerved to avoid striking a deer and his car wound up in a ditch.

Jason Guy Nichols, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass and harassment. Nichols is accused of entering a residence on East Main Street in Batavia without permission. While inside he allegedly harassed a woman during a domestic dispute. At his arraignment in Batavia Town Court, an order of protection was issued.

Police Beat: Stafford man accused of harassment

By Howard B. Owens

James Daniel Pontillo, 43, of Stafford, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Pontillo was arrested for an incident that allegedly occurred Feb. 17 at 5122 Clinton St. Road in Batavia. The Sheriff's Office news release says Pontillo allegedly "subjected a female to physical contact." No further details were released.

Aaron J. Allen, 21, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Allen was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident on April 7. No further details were provided.

(name redacted upon request), 22, of Rochester, is charged with DWI and with driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Felong was arrested at 3 a.m., Thursday by State Police on the Thruway in Pembroke following a single-car property damage accident.

National Day Of Prayer

By Tracy Byrnes

        PRAYER...AMERICA'S HOPE

THURSDAY, MAY 6TH

Millions of Americans will unite in prayer at thousands of events from coast to coast to observe the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6th. The theme for this year is “Prayer for Such a Time as This” and is based on the verse from Nahum 1:7 which states: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”

Event Date and Time
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One driver hurt in crash at routes 33 and 237

By Howard B. Owens

One person was injured when two cars collided at the intersection of routes 33 and 237 in Stafford this afternoon.

Sgt. Greg Walker's report says that a car was northbound on Route 237 at 12:41 p.m. and that it stopped at the stop sign, but then the driver allegedly proceeded across Route 33.

The second driver tried to avoid a collision, but the two cars hit on the shoulder of Route 33.

Injured was Ann C. Sewert, 53, of 8179 Prole Road Extension, Byron. She was driving a 2005 Toyota SUV on Route 33.

Sewert was taken by ground ambulance to UMMC with complaints of head and back pain.

The driver coming off of Route 237 is identified as Nicole A. Yeo, 23, of 1809 Saltvale Road, Warsaw.

Yeo was not injured in the crash. She was cited for alleged failure to yield right-of-way at a posted intersection.

Photo: Joe and Lois serving spaghetti

By Howard B. Owens

Joe and Lois Gerace were in the Stafford Fire Hall this evening serving up heaping helpings of Joe's famous spaghetti. The dinner was a benefit for Genesee Cancer Assistance.

I'm proud to say that in the Chinese auction, Billie and I won a painting by John Hodgins and a Batavia Muckdogs sign with a mounted baseball bat.

Smoke in basement reported in residence on Fotch Road

By Howard B. Owens

A caller has reported smoke coming from the basement at a residence at 7875 Fotch Road, Byron.

The residence was reported still occupied at the time of the dispatch.

Stafford and Town of Batavia Fire have been dispatched.

UPDATE 2:39 p.m.: Residence is evacuated. Asst. chief on scene reports, "nothing showing."

UPDATE 2:41 p.m.: Chief reports light smoke. He's requested a thermal-imaging camera to check the structure in the basement.


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An evening with the Stafford Fire Department

By Howard B. Owens

This locomotive fire this evening sounded pretty interesting, so I drove out to get some pictures. The place I found to park required me to hike through some brush. The idea of making the same trip back wasn't appealing, so I asked Stafford 2nd Asst. Chief Scott Kibler for a ride to my truck.

We weren't on the road 90 seconds when a call came in for a brush fire on Roanoke Road, so at that point, I was along for the ride, like it or not (I thought it was great to go out with Stafford on a call from beginning to end).

After the jump are pictures from both the train situation and the Roanoke brush fire.

Thanks to Chief Dave Rumsey for getting me back to my truck after the incidents ended.

Locomotive fire and grass fire calls come in near the same time

By Howard B. Owens

A call came in for a locomotive fire south of Griswold Road in Stafford. There is smoke visible. Shortly after that call another call came in for a grass fire near the railroad crossing at Beaver Meadow Road in Bergen.

The Stafford fire is apparently not accessible via Griswold Road and a chief is suggesting crews try to get to it from School Road.

South Byron is responding to the Beaver Meadow fire.

UPDATE: There is heavy smoke across Griswold Road and because of concerns about potential toxic fumes, Griswold is being close. CSX is in the process of shutting down other train traffic on the line.

UPDATE: There is reportedly 3,000 gallons of oil contained in the locomative. The oil has burned off at this point and an investigation is under way. There are also container cars for ethanol, but those are empty. Firefighters are notified that there's a westbound train going through Bergen.

UPDATE: There's a strong wind advisory in effect from the National Weather Service, with notice of thunderstorms possible. The thunderstorms are just now coming off Lake Erie.

UPDATE: There's still no word from the train service, CSX, about whether tracks are shut down. A rep is expected on scene within 45 minutes.

UPDATE: In Darien, there's a report of a rubbish fire. The Stafford fire is under control, but still being worked. Darien is also asked to fill in for Stafford.

UPDATE: The locomotive fire is determined to fueled by a combination electrical means and diesel fuel. Firefighters say they saw the fire well before they could reach it and by the time they got to it, the fuel had burned itself off. The fire scene can't be cleared until the railroad rep gets there, but dispatch is informed that due to a backlog of work, they won't be able to get someone there as soon as expected.

UPDATE: The railroad rep is on scene or en route to the scene. The railroad company has also requested a haz-mat team to the scene. The train is not expected to move for another three or four hours.

Police Beat: Man accused of breaking up items in mother's home

By Howard B. Owens

Sath Paul Dhanda, 29, of 5458 Clapsaddle Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Dhanda was arrested at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, after his mother phoned in a complaint about him allegedly breaking items in her home. Dhanda was allegedly drunk. He reportedly threw a sewing machine and knocked over two television sets. He was jailed on $5,000 bail. This is the fourth time Dhanda has been arrested since October.

Farah St. Cloud, 18, of 1196 Lake Ave., #2, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct. St. Cloud is accused of engaging in violent and threatening behavior by attempting to fight with other residents at College Village. During the 3 a.m. incident, St. Cloud reportedly had to be held back by roommates and College Village staff.

Joshua Cordero McIver, 22, of 130 3rd Ave., Apt. 18H, Brooklyn, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. McIver was reportedly at College Village after being banned from the property.

Ricky A. Marsceill, 45, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation. Marsceill was stopped by State Police at 11:10 p.m., Tuesday, on Route 33 in Stafford.

Justin M. Quaintance, 18, of Bergen, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Quaintance was arrested Tuesday by State Police on charges that stem from a Sept. 26 incident. No further details were released.

Tanya M. Tomlin, 41, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal impersonation, 2nd. Tomlin is accused of shoplifting from Kmart at 12:55 p.m., Tuesday. She was arrested by State Police.

Jeffery D. Appleberry, 33, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Appleberry was stopped by State Police on the Thruway in Stafford at 10:30 p.m., Monday.

Burglars grab items from house in Stafford, but leave dope behind

By Howard B. Owens

Burglars, supposedly, are out to steal things they can sell so they can buy drugs.

It doesn't seem too swift, then, to break into a house, steal several items, but leave your drugs behind, but that is precisely what seemed to happen yesterday in Stafford.

James Mitchell wrote us this evening to ask The Batavian to publicize the break-in at his parent's home on Sanders Road, hoping that the information might lead to the arrest of the burglers.

At the end of his e-mail, he wrote:

Oh yeah, the funny part of this story is that the stupid person(s) that did this were in such a hurry to leave, that they dropped a bag of marijuana on the floor on their way out.

He didn't say how much dope the burglars lost, but as a business proposition, they surely cut into their profits for that job.

The criminals did get away with a Wii, four Wii controllers, games, two digital cameras, a camcorder, a printer dock for a camera, a large suitcase and a shot gun.

The break-in occurred sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Mitchell asks if anybody can offer information on the recovery of the items and/or the arrest of the suspects, please call the Sheriff's Office (345-3000).

Drug charges follow traffic stop in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Three Batavia men are facing drug charges following a traffic stop on Route 33 in Batavia yesterday.

The men are accused of carrying drugs and needles after being stopped by Deputy Matthew Butler at 5:35 p.m.

Charged and released on appearance tickets were:

  • Andrew J. Draper, 31, of 9 Overlook Drive, Batavia;
  • David W. King, 28, of 3481 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia
  • Randy S. Wiedrich, 38, of 5 Porter Ave., Batavia.

All three were charged with possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Draper was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

The reason for the initial traffic stop was not reported.

Police Beat: A pair of alleged DWIs

By Howard B. Owens

David J. Schultz, 27, of 3124 W. Main St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Schultz was stopped at 2:32 a.m. on Tuesday by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

John A. Akok, 30, of Hartford, Conn., is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Akok was stopped by State Police on the Thruway in Stafford at 7:42 a.m., Monday.

Isreal A. Amador, 22, of Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt. Amador was picked up at 11:08 a.m., Monday, by State Police in Le Roy at the Thruway exist for allegedly violating an order of protect. No further details available.

Grass fire reported on Transit Road

By Howard B. Owens

A small, unattended grass fire has been reported in the area of 9754 Transit Road.

The call was initially sent to Stafford Fire, but the fire may actually be on the other side of the road, in Bethany's district, so Bethany Fire has been asked to respond as well.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: A chief on scene has confirmed it's Stafford district.

UPDATE 3:00 p.m.: Now they say it's in the Bethany district.


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Police Beat: Man accused of breaking window at friend's house

By Howard B. Owens

Robert Michael Price, 25, of 693 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and criminal mischief, 4th. Price allegedly drove to a friend's house and broke the window at a little after midnight today. Deputy Frank Bordonaro arrested Price on the additional charge of DWI.

Matthew J. Klink, 38, of Albion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Klink was stopped by state police at 12:28 a.m., Thursday, on Route 77 in Alabama. No further details released.

Anthony W. Johnson, 54, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI. Johnson was arrested by state police at 11:43 p.m., Wednesday following an accident on the Thruway at mile marker 383.8, Town of Stafford. Erin M. Vecio, 33, of Pittsford, was reported as the driver of the other vehicle. One person was reported injured in the accident. No further details were released.

Accidents from the state police blotter:

5:18 p.m., March 18, Thruway, mile marker 396.6, Pembroke, two vehicles; Driver 1: Elvira R. Alexander, 33, of Renselaer; Driver 2: hit-and-run suspect. No injuries reported.

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