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Seventy-eight young Rascal Flatts fans cited for alleged underage drinking at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

There were four arrests and 78 people were cited for alleged underage drinking during the Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday.

Collin T. Hayes, 18, of Reservoir Road, Avon, is charged with two counts of trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue twice after being ejected and told not to return.

Brian K. Barmore, 19, of Gerry-Ellington Road, Gerry, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Kari D. Barmore, 22, of Gerry-Ellington Road, Gerry, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Andrew J. Stella, 24, of Forbes Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with public lewdness after allegedly urinating in the lawn area in view of other patrons.

The following people were issued citations for allegedly possessing or consuming alcohol under age 21.

Tricia J. Sullivan, 20, of Windsor Lane, East Aurora
Colby N. Kittner, 20, of Boncroft Drive, West Seneca
Alexander C. Buscaglia, 20, of Center Street, East Aurora
Aaron M. Kosowski, 19, of The Meadow, East Aurora
Jennifer M. Jacob, 18, of Garrett Lane, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old, of Lewiston Road, Niagara Falls
Ashley E. Grace, 20, of South Street, Addison
A 17-year-old, of Landing Creek Court, Williamsville
Lauren R. Sauvagean, 17, of Autumn Lane, Lewiston
A 17-year-old, of Madison Avenue, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old, of Briggsboro Lane, Fairport
Catherine M. Kuhi, 20, of Canisteo Street, Hornell
Jamie F. Hillman, 19, of Hyland Drive, Hornell
A 16-year-old, of Southview Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
A 16-year-old, of Orchard Grove Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
A 16-year-old, of Feren Drive, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Daniel S. Kelly, 19, of Fulton Street, Hornell
A 17-year-old, of Temple Street, Avon
Rhiann E. Korth, 18, of Genesee Street, Avon
A 17-year-old, of W. Henrietta Road, Rush
Tyler K. Olejniczak, 18, of Indian Falls Road, West Seneca
A 16-year-old, of Brooklyn Street, Portville
A 17-year-old, of Kimberly Lane, Derby
A 17-year-old, of Ludel Terrace, Lackawana
Denise M. Polaski, 19, of Parnell Drive, Churchville
Christopher D. Barrett, 19, of Five Points Road, Rush
A 17-year-old, of River Road, Caledonia
Robert W. Lysko, 19, of Middle Road, Caledonia
Shawn E. Grimm, 18, of Billington Road, East Aurora
A 17-year-old, of Jamison Road, Elma
Ashley M. Strazzella, 19, of Church Street, East Aurora
Macie A. Eberth, 18, of Hall Road, Elma
Lia E. Colvin, 18, of Anne Drive, Alden
Alyssa M. Savage, 19, of Beryle Drive, Cheektowaga
Carissa D. Brittain, 20, of Center Avenue, North Tonawanda
Peter F. Jackson, 20, of Blanchard Heights Groton
Meghan M. Klimchuck, 18, of Dorchester Road, East Aurora
Jessica L. Goodison, 18, of Gleed Avenue, East Aurora
Payton A. Spinelli, 18, of Hillside Drive, Elma
Karianne R. Carrick, 18, of Bullis Road, Elma
Christopher M. Stelmaszyk, 18, of Willston Heights, Marilla
A 17-year-old, of North Blossom Road, Elma
A 16-year-old, of Lakeside Road, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Sara A. Shembeda, 19, of North 18th Street, Olean
A 17-year-old, of Derby Road, Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada
Megan A. Dwaileebe, 20, of Bates Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Elizabeth M. Colarusso, 20, of Highland Terrace, Olean
Julie C. Wesolowski, 19, of Foxpoint West, Williamsville
A 17-year-old, of Milestrip Road, Orchard Park
Blair A. Pembleton, 18, of Dantroy Drive, Williamsville
Jenna N. Goudy, 20, of Joseph Drive, Tonawanda
A 17-year-old, of Meadow Lawn Road, Orchard Park
Emily M. Lawrence, 19, of Green Road, Churchville
Geana M. Barone, 18, of Country Lane, West Seneca
Kathryn N. Mazurowski, 18, of Mill Road, West Seneca
A 16-year-old, of West Main Street Road, Batavia
Christian A. Worth, 20, of South Nine Mile Road, Allegany
Natalie J. Vetter, 18, of Neubaer Court, West Seneca
A 17-year-old, of Laine Road, Hornell
Joseph D. Mauro, 20, of Pearl Street, Hornell
Kaliegh E. Porcaro, 19, of Sharps Hill Road, Arkport
Caroline M. Hooker, 18, of Moss Road, Hornell
Lydia C. Lindahl, 18, of Cassandra Circle, Churchville
Vincent G. Giglio, 18, of Bromley Road, Churchville
Maxwell P. Wise, 18, of Norway Spruce Drive, Rochester
Taylor T. Jager, 18, of Evergreen Drive, Rochester
Courtney M. VanVolkenburgh, 18, of Whitney Road, Ontario, Canada
Kaleigh R. VanVolkenburgh, 19, of Whitney Road, Ontario, Canada
Erinn D. Rodman, 19, of West Foster Street, Palmyra
Joel M. Sapienza, 18, of Birdsall Parkway, Palmyra
Kaitlyn M. Wegman, 19, of Turtle Creek Lane, Hilton
Ashley T. Whitney, 19, of Country Village Lane, Hilton
Kelly J. Knight, 19, of Old Well Road, Greece
Hannah J. Rader, 18, of Grandview Lane, Rochester
Kassandra K. Magin, 18, of Grandview Lane, Rochester
Jessica L. Nielsen, 20, of Beverly Street, Rochester
Angela M. Andrese, 19, of Eglantine Road, Rochester
Name redacted uponrequest, 19, of Roosevelt Highway, Hamlin

Police respond to disturbance on Thorpe Street

By Howard B. Owens

Police have responded to a disturbance on Thorpe Street. About 20 or more people were in the street yelling at each other, swinging at each other and making threatening gestures toward each other just before four Batavia police cruisers arrived on scene.

Within seconds, the street was nearly empty.

Earlier this evening, Batavia PD responded to a disturbance on Thorpe. The supervisor assigned a patrol to stick close to the area for the evening. That officer would have gone off duty just about the time the disturbance broke out.

Police Beat: State Street man accused of intercourse with 14-year-old

By Howard B. Owens

Kasean Shannon, 19, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with three counts of sexual misconduct. Shannon allegedly had sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old on three separate occasions in 2010.

Daniel Stephen Boynton, 25, Red Cedar Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Boynton was stopped at noon, Thursday, on Route 77 in Corfu by Sgt. Greg Walker for allegedly driving 48 in a 35 mph zone. He was allegedly found in possession of a small quanity of marijuana.

Nicholas W. Higbee, 30, of 280 Matila St., Rochester, is charged with DWI, operating on a suspended or revoked license and unlawful possession of marijuana. Higbee was stopped at 12:03 a.m. on Route 77, Village of Corfu, by Officer Richard Retzlaff.

Ian Taylor McPhail, 22, of Gorham Street, Canandaigua, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. McPhail was reportedly found in a car parked on the shoulder of Colby Road at 1:15 a.m. by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Blink 182 concert at Darien Lake tallies 11 arrests, 54 citations

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested in during the Blink 182 concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday.

Matthew T. Beeler, 21, of Peter Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, trespass and disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security guards while being ejected and told not to return. A short time later he was located inside the venue and was arrested for trespass. While being processed, Matthew allegedly kicked a file cabinet causing damage. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Daniel G. Medvin, 29, of Lynbrook Avenue, Tonawanda, charged with two counts, of trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue twice after being ejected and told not to return.

Joel B. Zajaczkowki, 18, of Alexander Road, Alexander, arrested for trespass after allegedly being found on Darien Lake property after previously being banned.

Sean H. Ford, 27, of Grand Island, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security inside the concert venue.

A 17-year-old of Norbrook Road, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Andrew D. Haley, 32, of Glenn Street, Springville, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, after allegedly smashing the back window of a vehicle in the parking lot.

Steven R. Gardner, 21, of Woosdshire, North Getzville, is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

John E. Bodzak, 21, of New Hackensack Road, Wappingers Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Timothy J. Elledge, 19, of 84th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Jordan C. Czaplicki, 18, of Princeton Lane, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Timothy J. Bayer, 19, of Ayrault Road, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Patrick J. Erckert, 20, of Long Meadow Road, Amherst, is charged with trespass and possession of alcohol with intent to consume after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and being found to be intoxicated.

The following people received citations for allegedly possessing and/or consuming alcohol under age 21.

Ryan T. Sault, 20, of Jorpark Circle, Spencerport
(name redacted upon request), 20, of Spencerport Road, Rochester
(name redacted upon request), 20, of Spencerport Road, Rochester
David K. Ferris, 19, of South Union Road, Spencerport
Tyler J. Hogan, 20, of Washington Street, Spencerport
Jarek W. Flanders, 19, of Syracuse Street, Tonawanda
Casey J. Uplinger, 20, of Scott Street, Tonawanda
Samantha L. Gallivan, 20, of Elmwood Park, South Tonawanda
Sara D, Koetzle, 20, of Simson Street, Tonawanda
Steven A. Bukolt, 20, of Moorfield Court, East Amherst
Tarin D. Trytek, 19, of River Road, Baldwinsville
Aubrey N. Switzer, 17, of Sumac Drive, Baldwinsville
Marc A. Paone, 19, of Corlear Drive, Baldwinsville
Kelsey L. Poorman, 17, of West Genesee Road, Baldwinsville
Eric A. Esposito, 19, of Deer Run, Williamsville
Alyssa M. Wahl, 20, of Lakeview Terrace, Lakeview
Gabrielle M. Hesketh, 18, of Winterway Lane, Hamburg
Chelsea M. Machniak, 20, of Cindy Lane, West Seneca
Mary E. Bennett, 19, of East Fillmore Avenue, East Aurora
Raelyn M. Woltz, 20, of Bedford Avenue, Buffalo
Sarah R. Floss, 17, of Salt Road, Clarence Center
Anthony J. Dinicola, 18, of Covintree Green, Clarence
Sean T. Mullane, 20, of Colony Court, Amherst
Kiernan B. Smith, 18, of Peddington Circle, Rochester
Ronn D. Tisby, 17, of Egret Drive, West Henrietta
Jocelyn A. Grace, 20, of Pershing Avenue, Niagara Falls
Tabatha M. McNamee, 20, of Ferndale Avenue, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Michael R. Dombrowski, 18, of Glenwillow Drive, Hamburg
Camille L. Arth, 18, of Evergreen Drive, Lakeview
Nicholas H. Nardowski, 18, of Lakeview Road, Lakeview
Claire C. Foglia, 20, of Laurie Lea Drive, Williamsville
Arielle L. Cravatta, 17, of Klein Road, Williamsville
Brabdon T. Cardon, 17, of Marisol Drive, Miromar Lakes, Fla.
Kalene N. Faricellie, 17, of Woodacres Drive, East Amherst
Corey M. Hohl, 17, of Paul Drive, Amherst
Anthony B. Mineo, 17, of Glenhaven Drive, Amherst
Colin C. Cardinate, 20, of Calvert Blvd., Tonawanda
Meghan K. Gray, 16, of Fillmore Avenue, East Aurora
Bailey E. Danahy, 19, of Potters Road, Buffalo
(name redacted upon request), 17, of Shunpike Road, Lockport
Sarah E. Steffan, 18, of Cottonwood Drive, Williamsville
Travis A. Scamurra, 18, of Guinevere Court, Getzville
Aral A. Egilmez, 20, of Plumwood Court, East Amherst
Sean J. Morgan, 18, of Woolworth-Ontario Road, Ontario, Canada
Jacob B. Mascari, 17, of Berg Road, Ontario, Canada
Riley F. Jenkins, 18, of Highland Drive, Williamsville
Stefany R. Stempien, 18, of Kippen Drive, East Amherst
Courtney L. Koby, 17, of Kevin Court, Clarence Center
Rachel E. Cahlstedt, 19, of Oakbrook Drive, Williamsville
Lindsay A. Moshides, 19, of Floss Lane, East Amherst
Kaitlyn E. McKnight, 18, of Plumwood Court, East Amherst
David J. Neimanis, 19, of Northington Drive, East Amherst
Shannon M. Hughes, 18, of Valley Brook Lane, East Amherst
Lauren E. Cavaretta, 17, of Kippen Drive, East Amherst

Arrests light at Journey/Foreigner concert

By Howard B. Owens

Two people were arrested and two people received citations in connection with the Journey/Foreigner concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Arrested were:

Carl A. Dreschsel III, 34, of Wildwood Drive, Lancaster, was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly knocking another patron down during the concert.

Kyle B. Kelly, 22, of McKinley Street, Rochester, was charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after leaving and being told he could not reenter. 

Two 17-year-olds, both from Ontario, Canada, where charged with underage drinking.

Investigators looking for clues in home burglary on Creek Road

By Howard B. Owens

A home on Creek Road in Bethany was burglarized during the day Monday and thieves got away with jewelry, a flat-screen TV and liquor, according to Deputy Chief Jerome Brewster.

It's the first daylight burglary reported to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in some time, Brewster said, but there have been some recent daylight burglaries in Wyoming County.

"This one is possibly related," Brewster said. "We've been in regular contact with Wyoming County (Sheriff's Office).

A check in the neighborhood did not turn up any witnesses.

Deputy Chad Mower took the initial call and Investigator Roger Stone is now heading up the investigation.

Anybody with information that may help in the case can call 345-5000.

Police Beat: Shower curtain allegedly used to block woman's breathing

By Howard B. Owens

John P. Wittkopp, 28, of 24 Columbia Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and strangulation, 2nd. Wittkopp turned himself in at police headquarters Monday following an investigation into an alleged incident on Sunday. Wittkopp is accused of striking a woman in the head and pinning her to the ground with a shower curtain, obstructing her breathing.

A 16-year-old of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth is accused of shoving another person during an argument.

Christina M. Maynard, 30, 501 Third Ave., Dayton, Ky., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Maynard was stopped at 8 p.m., Tuesday, on Jefferson Avenue by Officer Matthew Fleming. Maynard was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Paul M. Paradise, 31, of 9 W. Main St., Waterloo, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Paradise is accused of sending numerous text messages to his estranged wife in violation of an order of protection.

No arrests, two citations at Selena Gomez concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

There were no arrests and only two citations issued in conjunction with the Selena Gomez concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.

Issued citations for alleged underage drinking were:

Kyle R. Hejmanowski, 19, of Weaver Street, Buffalo

Marissa L. Bogdan, 18, of Shirley Road, Cheektowaga

No suspects identified in series of car break-ins at Darien Lake Theme Park

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office and Darien Lake security are investigating a series of thefts from vehicles parked at the theme park, including four over the weekend, according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble.

There have been a number of thefts in the day-use parking lot park, Dibble said.

In some cases, women's purses have been taken from one car and later found in another car.

Many of the larcenies have involved forceable entry with the cars being damaged in the process.

Items taken include purses, electronics, money and other valuables. 

At this time, no witnesses have come forward and the Sheriff's Office has no suspects.

Anybody with information that may aid the case can call (585) 343-5000.

(Initial report)

Attica man convicted for DWI under Leandra's Law fails to show for sentencing

By Howard B. Owens

Roland J. Reed, 40, of Attica, was scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court this morning to be sentenced on a DWI conviction, but when his case was called, he wasn't in court.

None of the attorneys involved in the case were surprised.

A warrant was issued for Reed's arrest June 9 when he allegedly violated the terms of his release under the supervision contract with Genesee Justice.

On Oct. 11, Reed was arrested for driving drunk in the City of Batavia with two children in his car, a 2-year-old and an 8-month-old. He was jailed on $25,000 bail

Reed had two prior DWI convictions at the time of his arrest.

On Oct. 22, Reed entered a guilty plea to felony DWI with a possible sentence of from one to four years in prison. As part of the plea deal, Reed's bail was reduced and he was released under supervision.

Authorities are unaware of Reed's whereabouts and there remains an active warrant for his arrest.

The Batavia PD's confidential tip line number is 345-6370.

UPDATE: To clarify, Reed original plea agreement was for 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prision.  By not showing up today, Reed loses his negotiated sentence cap and faces 2 1/3 to 7 years, the maximum possible sentence for a Class D felony.

Level 3 sex offender reconsidering plea offer, also sentenced on failure to register conviction

By Howard B. Owens

A Level 3 sex offender convicted by a jury in June of failure to register his proper address will serve one-and-a-quarter to four years in State Prison, the maximum sentence on the charge available to Judge Mark H. Dadd.

Meanwhile, Ronald A. Smith, 19, of Batavia, was given until Friday to decide whether to take a plea offer on three felony counts of sexual abuse in the first degree.

Smith is accused of sexual contact with children under age 11 within months of being released from state custody on a prior sex crime conviction.

Public Defender Gary Horton said Smith indicated that he wished to proceed to trial on sexual abuse charges, but by this morning had a change of heart and wanted time to discuss the plea offer with his family, particularly his mother.

If convicted at trial of all three counts, Smith faces up to 21 years in prison (maximum sentences of seven years each, and if imposed consecutively).

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman has offered a maximum five-year sentence -- the minimum sentence available for a second violent felony offender -- in exchange for a guilty plea.

Smith is scheduled to reappear in Genesee County Court at 9:45 a.m., Friday, to either plead guilty or request that his case go to trial.

Smith was arrested in January on the sexual abuse and failure to register charges, less than four months after being released on a similar sexual abuse conviction. Smith reportedly lived for a time on Thorpe Street, on East Main Street and in Oakfield. He only ever registered his address on Thorpe Street.

The failure to register charge was tried separately from the sexual abuse charges and a jury returned a verdict in less than two hours on June 22.

Judge Dadd, out of Wyoming County, presided over the trial because Judge Robert C. Noonan was presiding over a civil trial in Orleans County at the time.

Noonan was on the bench today for Smith's plea cut-off hearing, which followed the sentencing by Dadd on the failure to register charge.

Series of car break-ins reported at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

A deputy investigating a larceny from a car in the parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park reports there are potentially several other thefts from cars.

The deputy said he's had several women approach him saying they have found the purses of other women in their cars and their own purses missing.

He's currently dealing with another car in the C-1 section that has had several items stolen from it.

Attempted burglary reported at Rolling Hills Asylum

By Howard B. Owens

Six people -- three men and three women -- reportedly kicked in a door at Rolling Hills in Bethany, found there were actually people inside and took off.

Police are being dispatched to the area to look for them.

They fled in a silver sedan on Bethany Center Road. The suspects were carrying alcoholic beverages in their hands.

Fight reported on State Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD officers are responding to a reported disturbance on State Street.

Individuals are reportedly fighting in the front yard of a home.

Another caller on Lewis Place reports that his daughter was attacked in the area.

Fight on Main Street in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A fight is reportedly in progress at 40 Main St. in Le Roy. At least two police cars are en route.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Three people were involved. Police have the situation under control.

Grand Jury Report: Man stopped in Stafford allegedly a scofflaw with 10 or more fails

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Grand Jury issued these indictments today:

Shonnon J. Jefferson is indicted on one count of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. Jefferson was stopped on Feb. 3 on I-90 in the Town of Stafford while driving a 1995 Dodge and allegedly had a revoked or suspended driver's license. Further, Jefferson had in effect 10 or more suspensions imposed on at least 10 separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine. To wit, in the Town of Irondequoit, on July 29, 2009. And the City of Rochester on: March 16, March 20 in 2006; Jan. 24, Sept. 7 and Oct. 31 in 2007; March 13, May 19 and June 2 in 2008; Feb. 12, April 8 in 2009; and Jan. 19 this year.

Andrew L. Dailey is indicted on one count of DWI and one count of aggravated DWI for allegedly driving with BAC of .18. Both are Class E felonies. Dailey is accused of driving a 2010 Hyundai on Roanoke Road in the Town of Stafford on April 3 while intoxicated.

Police Beat: Batavia man accused of choking another person

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas Michael Pillo, 40, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. Pillo is accused of choking and shoving a victim multiple times during a domestic dispute. The incident, at an address on Alexander Road, Batavia, was reported at 9 p.m., Wednesday.

Joseph Michael D'Amato, 19, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful dealing with fireworks. D'Amato was arrested following a complaint at 12:05 a.m., Thursday, about fireworks in the Town of Pembroke. D'Amato allegedly set off fireworks "causing annoyance and alarm to several homeowners in the area."

Kateyln Christen Kubala, 22, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kubala is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Motorcyclist now on foot, being pursued by the law

By Billie Owens

A man on a motorcycle is now the subject of a foot pursuit in a cornfield near routes 63 and 20 in Pavilion. The incident began in the City of Batavia. We didn't hear how things started, only that he's being hunted by Sheriff's deputies.

While he was gunning his motorcycle with the law in hot pursuit, the chain on his bike broke. He ditched it, along with his helmet, and ran into a nearby cornfield. They spotted him by a hedgerow and then he disappeared into the field again.

State Troopers are on scene, too, and they are asked to provide a helicopter to locate the suspect. Pharoah, the Sheriff's Office dog, is working the scene as well. The dog hasn't located the guy yet, but did return to his handler, Deputy Brian Thompson, from the west.

The man being sought is wearing jeans and has on a black leather jacket. The motorcycle doesn't have plates.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: A "whole family of deer" is hanging out in one area of the search, so they are thinking he hasn't gone in that direction. The helicopter is flying above.

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: The helicopter is continuing a sweep of the farm fields west-to-northwest.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: The "family of deer has been spooked from its location" and so officers on the ground are asked to scour that area. The motorcycle is being towed "to a secure location."

UPDATE 8:27: The motorcycle is a 1990 GST Suzuki with an expired registered out of Belmont. The manhunt has yielded no results. The helicopter is returning to base.

UPDATE 10:14 p.m. (by Howard): Photo, Deputy Thompson and Pharoah. Deputies and troopers cleared the scene about about 9:30 p.m. with the suspect still at large. The chase started when Deputy Joseph Graff performed a traffic stop on a motorcyle that didn't have plates. After Deputy Graff exited his vehicle to approach the motorcyclist, the rider took off at high speed.

Suicide standoff on Pratt Road ends peacefully

By Billie Owens

The skills of a seasoned negotiator and the quick, efficient response of several different agencies is credited with helping diffuse a volitile suicidal standoff on Pratt Road that began about an hour ago.

The white male who had a gun pointed under his chin and threatened to kill himself was just taken safely from the scene outside of the Apple Grove Mobile Home Park to the State Police barracks, where he will be properly evaluated. Charges against him are pending, but no details have been provided.

"The situation was resolved peacefully," said State Police Sgt. Ron Lobur. "...(The responders) are all heroes. They all did a good job. We had a positive outcome. Nobody was hurt."

In addition to state troopers, responders included Sheriff's deputies, Mercy medics and the East Pembroke Fire Department.

Lobur said it was fortunate that State Police Investigator Leo Hunter happened to be on duty and got to the scene swiftly.

A witness said officers kept the man talking and kept giving him cigarettes to enjoy. Then Hunter arrived.

"Within three minutes, he had him put the gun down," the witness said.

Vandals do damage to historic Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

Some time in the past week, vandals knocked over at least six obelisks and gravestones at the Batavia Cemetery.

Jon McManis, with the Batavia Cemetery Association, returned from vacation and spotted the damaged obelisks above and the next day he surveyed the cemetery and found more damage.

"I wish these idiots would realize they're not just tipping over stones, they're wrecking history," McManis said.

The obelisk pictured above -- for the Lewis family -- is the only obelisk with any apparent damage. McManis isn't sure how it can be repaired.  

The others are simply heavy -- weighing 100lbs per column foot -- and the association doesn't necessarily have the spare funds to pay for them to be put back in place.

One gravestone was broke off at its base.

"Why would you want to get your jollies from doing something like this?" McManis asked while looking down at the broken Lewis obelisk.

Anybody with information that might lead to police identifying suspects in the case can call the confidential tip line at 345-6370.

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