Six Flags Darien Lake

For a concert that drew more than 20,000 people, the Dave Matthews Band show at  Darien Lake Performing Arts Center was largely uneventful.

There were the usual trespass and harassment arrests -- a dozen people total were taken into custody -- but no major fights or serious crimes.

The most notable arrest came early in the evening when Matthew D. Battiston, 20, of Lehn Springs Drive, Williamsville, and Kathryn D. Brown, 19, of Brenridge Road, East Amherst, were caught climbing the cell tower on the east side of the park, allegedly without permission.

Battiston and Brown were both charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and released on pre-arranged bail of $125 each (pre-arranged bail means they didn't appear in court, but put up the cash in the security processing trailer at Darien Lake).

Brown's mother was at the concert and picked her up. Battiston's mother drove from her home and paid his bail.

Battiston told deputies that what he did was "really stupid."

"This is the last place I would expect to be," said Battiston while handcuffed to a chair in the security trailer. "I'm really embarrassed."

Brown was treated for minor cuts on her legs suffered as she climbed over the barbwire-topped fence around the cell tower.

Both Battiston and Brown were fully cooperative with law enforcement during their arrest and processing and Battiston said they hadn't been drinking.

It might surprise readers to know that not every person that gets kicked out of the concert venue is arrested.

At one point during the evening, near the end of the show, a patron was escorted out of the venue in a wrist lock (deputies do not enter the concert area). Deputies interviewed him for about 10 minutes and then released him.

A deputy said that the man had gotten into a verbal argument with his girlfriend and a group of intoxicated males started yelling at him and pushing him, so he ran from the encounter, which caused security to grab him for possibly causing a disturbance.

The deputy said it's not uncommon for men to get into a verbal argument with their date and have intoxicated males intervene.

Then there are the guys who could probably avoid arrest if they were just a bit more cooperative after getting escorted from the venue.

One gentleman (I've not been able to confirm his name from the arrest report) was brought outside and handed over to a deputy, being told by security, "Show them your ID, all of your ID, including your badge."

Apparently, the man had claimed inside the venue to be a deputy.

However, as a security supervisor interviewed him, the conversation seemed to be going pretty well. He might have been able to talk his way out of an arrest, but he suddenly yelled (by suddenly, we mean without apparent provocation), "Don't yell at me!"

He then started yelling, "Just arrest me, just arrest me, I know you want to do it anyway!"

At that point, he turned to Deputy Jason Saile and started yelling at him that "you might as well arrest me." 

The man then turned around and yelled a string of profanities at Deputy Lonnie Nati. After a minute of this, Nati said, "That's it. You're under arrest."

My evening ride-along with the Sheriff's Office began with Sgt. Steve Mullen.

For the part of the shift I was with Mullen, he was stationed at the entrance known as North Pack. Mullen was there to assist event security with any problems that arose, which typically involve an already overly intoxicated person trying to enter the concert venue.

If you're too drunk, Darien security will keep you out.

One woman who was with her date and another couple were stopped by security and Mullen was called over to check her sobriety. A friend told Mullen that the woman was on medication, which made her appear more drunk than she was.  Mullen administered a breath test and showed the results to an event security officer who said simply, "she's not getting in."

Later, I rode in a gator with Sgt. Tom Sanfratello and two members of Darien's security team to South Pack, another entrance.

It was at this location that I observed two of the events described above.

From there, we went to Employee Road for "The Dump," when the concert is over and the majority of people leave.

The Dump is the time when most of the fights occur and people become frustrated by the two-hour process of driving out of the parking lot.

On Tuesday, there were only two minor altercations reported, both broken up and dispersed by the time deputies arrived on scene.

As The Dump winds down, deputies begin "The Push." They drive through the parking areas in golf carts and gators advising anybody who is lingering that the parking lot is closing.

There's a few dozen people at this point either hanging out in lawn chairs enjoying a late night snack or sleeping in their cars.

There appears to be enough trash on the ground to stuff a small landfill. Nobody takes their empties with them.

After the jump (click on the headline to read more) a photo tour of the evening followed by the complete Sheriff's Office press release of arrests and citations.

John P. Cryan, 18 of Darwit Drive, Amherst, the first arrestee of the night, is processed by deputies. Cryan was allegedly with a group of underage drinkers. According to a deputy, he leaned down to ostensibly get his ID from his backpack and then took off running. He allegedly jumped a fence into the VIP parking area, which he wasn't authorized to enter. Cryan was charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, criminal trespass, 3rd, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was jailed on $750 bail.

Patrons are lightly frisked as they enter the venue.

A pair of deputies sit in a golf cart near the entrance to the park on Employee Road and write citations for alleged underage consumption of alcohol.

Responding to the scene of two people climbing on the cell tower ...

They allegedly got themselves in ... they try to get themselves out ...

but need some help ...

Under arrest.

An unidentified arrestee outside the security trailer.

Another arrest.

Only a very small sample of the amount of trash left in the parking lot.

A gentleman who tried to run from deputies after being escorted from the concert venue is taken into custody.

A woman is being taken into custody who originally argued that she shouldn't be arrested because her daddy owned a VIP box. She allegedly kicked a security officer in the groin.

Items brought by concertgoers that security would not allow into the venue. Some people would retrieve their belongings as they left, but by 1:30 a.m., when nearly everybody had left Darien Lake, most of this pile would still be there.

After yelling profanities at Deputy Nati, a suspect is taken into custody while another deputy video tapes the arrest.

On Employee Road, cars exit from the VIP lot in one lane while pedestrians head toward Sumner Road in the other lane.

A stretch limo heads out from the concert on Employee Road.

When it comes time for the bands to leave, Employee Road is cleared of traffic, and pedestrians and the buses are given a police escort out of the park.

If you look closely, you can see Dave Matthews at the front of the bus. Matthews was taken to the Genesee County Airport where a private plane awaited his arrival.

Sumner Road and Cherry Hill, from the vantage point of Employee Road.

Here's the arrest report from the Sheriff's Office:

John P. Cryan, 18, of Darwit Drive, Amherst, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, criminal trespass, 3rd, resisting arrest, unlawful possession, of marijuana and possessing alcohol under age 21. Cryan allegedly, while being detained for possessing alcohol under age 21, fled on foot.  Cryan allegedly jumped a fence into the VIP parking area without permission and refused to be taken into custody. A quantity of marijuana was allegedly located in his backpack. Cryan was jailed on $500 bail.

Joseph J. Wheaton , 27, of Clark Street, Canandaigua, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly using obscene and abusive language in the entrance to the concert venue, which did cause alarm. Wheaton was jailed on $250 bail.

Kevin K. McCleary, 23, of Dawnbrook Lane, Williamsville, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. McCleary was jailed on $250 bail.

Matthew D. Battiston, 20, of Lehn Springs Drive, Williamsville, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing a fence and entering the Verizon cell phone tower just east of Darien Lake and began climbing up the tower.  Battiston was released on $125 pre-arraignment bail.

Kathryn D. Brown, 19, of Brenridge Road, E. Amherst, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing a fence and entered the Verizon cell phone tower just east, of Darien Lake and began climbing up the tower. Brown was released on $125 pre-arraignment bail.

Brendan J. Peters, 18, of Middle Avenue, Orchard Park, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Andrew R. Velezquez, 19, of Ontario Avenue, Hamburg, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue. 

Karine J. Schojan, 21, of Prentiss Way, Henrietta, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a security guard in the face.

Austin J. Dwyer, 20, of Downing Road, Arkport, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to climb a fence to enter the concert venue.

Heather M. Peterson, 27, of Clark Street, Canandaigua, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the venue entrance after being denied entrance.

Brooke Ann Greiner, 21, of Highpoint Court, Orchard Park, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly biting a security guard while being ejected from the venue.

Brian G. Kirsch, 28, of Route 77, Varysburg, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a female as he exited the concert venue.

The following individuals were cited for alleged consumption and/or possession of alcohol under age 21.

Amber R. Passarel, 20, of Hulberton Road, Holley
Jonathon T. Hughes, 19, of Lake Road, Brockport
Karl E. Daniel, 17, of Southwood Drive, Tonawanda
Nazzareno Masecchia, 17, of Admiral Road, Buffalo
Colin C. Hayden, 18, of Pinewood Terrace, East Aurora
Randall S. Gyergyek, 19, of Stolle Road, Elma
Joseph H. Boreanaz, 18, of Orchard Creek Lane, Rochester
Steven J. Voglmayr, 19, of Heim Road, Getzville
Joseph M. McFarland, 18, of Carolilly Court, East Amherst
David C. Simonetti, 18, of Mill Road, Rochester
Carmen C. Tentilucci, 17, of Orchard Creek Lane, Rochester
Kristen R. Sanseverino, 19, of Winchester Drive, Fairport
Jacy T. Karpovage, 16, of Saint Paul Blvd., Rochester
Erik C. Kleehammer, 20, of Scholfield Road, Rochester
Jacob J. Schmidt, 18, of List Avenue, Rochester
William C. Thieme, 18, of Mount Airy Drive, Rochester
Robert J. Spena, 18, of Pine Crest Drive, Rochester
Kelsey P. Butler, 20, of Thorton Road, Rochester
(name removed upon request), 20, of Deer Run, Willamsville
(name removed upon request), 20, of Fruitwood Terrace, Williamsville
Tyler J. McLaughlin, 19, of Burnwell Avenue, Lancaster
Michael P. Tomczak, 18, of Ludwig Avenue, Cheektowaga
Claire P. Raab, 17, of Hobby Lane, Orchard Park
Marcella L. Scorsone, 19, of Berkshire Street, Rochester
Paul M. Bradley, 20, of Washington Avenue, Elmira
Kelly M. Kulik, 20, of Sandridge Road, Alden
Bridget C. Brady, 20, of Elmwood Park, Tonawanda
Evan V. Brennan, 20, of Halsey Lane, Baldwinsville
Nicholas C. Orefice, 18, of Chainmaker Path, Baldwinsville
Tanner L. Bush, 20, of Hunt Road, Lakewood
Dylan J. Walsh, 20, of Stock-Brocton Road, Stocktown
Rachel E. Cunningham, 18, of Maple Street, Hornell
Matthew W. Schmidt, 20, of Miller Road, Getzville
Sarah S. Pawlak, 18, of Meadowbrook Acres, North Tonawanda
Mya J. Christy, 20, of Parkway Drive, Sinclaireville
Michael J. Lascola, 19, of Lockwood Lane, Lockport
Christian L. Portland, 19, of Willis Hill Road, Victor
Rachel M. Morganti, 20, of Kettle Run, East Aurora
Casey J. Maglier, 20, of Riverside Drive, Wellsville
Britta P. Hanna, 18, of South Lake Street, Hamburg
Julie A. McCann, 18, of Meadow Drive, Hamburg
Edward S. Barns, 19, of North Park Blvd., University Heights
Casey J. Olszewski, 19, of Amanda Lane, Cicero
Adam J. Grana, 18, of Maple Avenue, Niagara Falls
Catherine E. Ponsrock, 16, of Corneilius Lane, Baldwin Place
Alexander R. Chefalo, 18, of Norwood Avenue, Rochester
Joseph R. Sirianni, 20, of Emmett Street, Hornell
James A. Quirk, 20, of Allanvia Drive, Lockport
Connor P. Shank, 17, of Haines Street, Lockport
Dillon J. Hutchens, 17, of Onnalinda Drive, Canandaigua
Michael V. Pontillo, 19, of Bogue Avenue, Batavia
Britta J. King-Hamsik, 18, of Palmdale Drive, Williamsville
Nicholas J. Kowalski, 18, of Fieldbrook Drive, East Amherst
Shannon C. Danahy, 17, of Tuscarora Road, Buffalo
Matthew V. Pragel, 17, of Forrest Hill Drive, Williamsville
Ian P. McQuishon, 18, of Cresent Avenue, Buffalo
Corbyn D.D. Bothwell, 18, of Morris Avenue, Buffalo
Erika F. Douglas, 19, of Shadow Rock Lane, Clarance
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Chapin Parkway, Buffalo
Ariana M. Rabin, 18, of Hartford Avenue, Buffalo
Jahi K. Thorton, 18, of Wilks Avenue, Buffalo
Michael J. Supernault, 18 Nottingham Terrace, Buffalo
Julie M. Earsing, 20, of Broadway Road, Alden
Laura E. Daigler, 20, of Broadway Road, Alden
Ryan J. Wistner, 19, of Sagewood Terrace, Williamsville
Kyle J. Wistner, 19, of Sagewood Terrace, Willamsville           
Amanda M. Procknal, 19, of Pim-Oak Drive, Williamsville
Erin K. Brennan, 19, of Halsey Lane, Baldwinsville
Chelsea M. Costello, 19, of Riverside Drive, Hornell
Daniel E. Soos, 18, of Summerview Road, Williamsville
Nicholas C. Corbett, 19, of Bywater Court, Williamsville
Alexander J. Frate, 17, of Shannon Glen, Fairport
Zachary J. Beattie, 19, of Vanvoorhis Avenue, Rochester
Lori J. Nappo, 19, of Marilli Street, Buffalo
Alex R. Garretson, 20, of Eiseman Avenue, Kenmore
Correen L. Longbine, 19, of Milestrip Road, Orchard Park
Liam C. Norton, 18, of Michael Road, Orchard Park
Ryan M. Parker, 20, of Lynwood Avenue, Buffalo
Trevor E. Vargo, 19, of Benning Road, West Falls
Kathleen M. Ramsey, 18, of Lawrence Avenue, East Aurora
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Emery Road, South Wales
Colton A. Cole, 20, of Griswold Road, South Byron
Valimir R. M. Norman, 19, of Albert Drive, Lancaster
Jamie L. Reidy, 19, of Baywood Drive, Cheektowaga
David B. Williams , 18, of Walch Road, N. Tonawanda
Charles W. Schaab, 17, of Love Road, Grand Island
Antho J. Migliore, 18, of Belvoir Road, Williamsville
Simon Z. Yanni, 17, of Bowen Drive, West North Tonawanda

If you're wondering where the report is on all of the arrests at the Beach Boys concert at Darien Lake on Friday, here's a news flash: There weren't any.

Apparently, nobody urinated on another patron, nobody was arrested for trespass for jumping a fence to get backstage, nobody tried to shoplift from a vendor and nobody took a swing at a security guard.

There weren't even any citations issued for underage drinking.

Perhaps less surprising, there were also weren't any citations issued for unlawful possession of marijuana.

"It was a completely different crowd than what we usually deal with," said Sgt. Steve Mullen, of the Sheriff's Office.

Mullen said people entered the venue in an orderly manner -- forming a single line instead of the usual "mosh pit" of pushing and shoving to enter -- and alcohol consumption was mostly confined a couple of beers or a glass or two of wine (people brought their own glasses).

"They even picked up after themselves," Mullen said.

One deputy we spoke to said concertgoers even thanked him for being there.

The evening wasn't without conflicts. Getting out of the Darien Lake parking lot is apparently a frustrating exercise even on a night when the band draws less than 8,000 people.

One patron, Janice O'Rouke, posted on the D&C's Web site that the situation in the parking lot was "ugly," but what she describes was really pretty tame compared to what might occur at a Brad Paisley or Drake show.

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble confirmed there were some tense moments in the parking lot as people tried to leave, but only one or two confrontations and "certainly less than normal."

Dibble:

No one would ever describe the parking lot situation as pleasant or fast, I'm sure. Thousands of vehicles exiting onto one state highway and one county road will never be pleasant or fast by any stretch of the imagination. The parking lot funneling to the exits will always cause conflict that sometimes becomes physical. Alcohol abuse is a significant factor. 

The Sheriff's Office routinely has as many as 10 deputies directing traffic at the end of the concerts with the goal of getting everyone out as quickly and as safely as humanly possible and yet it will take the last of the patrons as much as two hours to get on the road from a large concert.

Accidents in the traffic pattern will pull deputies from traffic direction duty and cause additional back ups. The State Police also have patrols in the area working to keep traffic moving. Traffic backed up to the park from the Village of Corfu is common even though the Corfu PD assists traffic through their village as best they can. 

Private parking lots along Sumner Road result in gridlock and heavy foot traffic mixed in with bumper-to-bumper vehicle traffic in poor lighting with no sidewalks and narrow, unimproved shoulders. 

People need to understand the limitations at this venue, study the routes in and out, be prepared to take an alternate route and expect delays both getting there and leaving. 

This is a very difficult venue to manage under these conditions.  

Even with the inherant difficulties with the venue, Dibble said, the crowd Friday was very easy to work with.

"While the parking lots are usually littered with bottles and cans after a concert, there were few and far between at the end of this one," Dibble said. "People were polite and considerate as they entered and left."

Mullen agreed.

"It was a mature crowd," Mullen said. "They were there to enjoy the concert and have a good time and not cause anybody else problems. It was an honor to be there to serve them and they were glad to have us there."

A car has reportedly hit a pedestrian at an area known at "The Hill" on Sumner Road in Darien.

The location is across from Darien Lake Theme Park and is used for parking by people going to concerts at the performing arts center.

A deputy on scene requested Mercy Flight.

Darien Fire Department and an ambulance being dispatched along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 9:12 p.m. Mercy Flight #7 out of Buffalo in route. Traffic being shut down at Sumner and Route 77, and Colby and Sumner. The street address for the location is 1516 Sumner Road.

UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: The Darien chief wants access to the scene blocked for all non-emergency personnel. "I don't want nobody down here. Nobody," he said.

UPDATE 9:24 p.m.: An investigator at scene requests another investigator to respond with a camera. Also, Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 9:28 p.m.: A reporter has shown up. No access to the scene for the media.

UPDATE 9:46 p.m.: Patient being loaded into Mercy Flight #7 now.

UPDATE 9:50 p.m.: Mercy Flight is in route to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 10:01 p.m.: Sumner Road is open and Darien fire is back in service.

View Larger Map

Press release:

Darien Lake has announced an open casting call from 5 to 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3 at the park administration building located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center.

The park is looking for extras for the City TV/Breakfast TV live shoot, which begins filming on Tuesday at 6 a.m. Men, women and children of all ages are welcome to attend. For their participation, the first 100 guests will each receive an admission ticket valid for a visit any one day during the 2012 season. Interested parties can park and check in at the administration office located at 9993 Alleghany Road, Darien Center, NY 14040.

NOTE: Every guest is required to complete a waiver (provided by the park) and receive one good-any-day admission ticket at check-in. Upon concluding the shoot, all guests will be escorted off the midway. *For same-day use, guests can reenter the park at 10:30 a.m. via the general parking lot and main gate.

The Sheriff's Office announced the following arrests in connection with the Drake concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday.

(redacted upon proof of charges being dismissed), 21, of Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest, harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct after allegedly pushing a female to the ground and then physically refusing to be taken into custody. (Redacted) was arraigned  and jailed on $500 bail.

David Rivera, 22, of Bank Street, Bradford, Pa., is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave Darien Lake after being told to several times to leave. Rivera was arraigned and jailed on $250 bail.

Matthew R. Gordon, 23, of Alcott Road, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly screaming obscenities that instigated two fights in the parking lot. Gordon was arraigned and jailed on $300 bail.

Wadsworth K. Sykes, 19, of Hopkins Road, Canandaigua, is charged with public lewdness, trespass and possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly urinating in front of other patrons and refusing to leave the venue. Sykes was also found to be intoxicated. He was arraigned and jailed on $500 bail.

Darrin J. Lichy, 22, of Center Road, Salamanca, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue. Lichy was arraigned and jailed on $100 bail.

Chad J. Temperato, 20, of Karen Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass and possession, of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being told to leave and being intoxicated. Temperato was arraigned and jailed on $300 bail.

Jeffrey M. Civiletti, 24, of Beverly Heights, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly refusing to leave the inside of the concert venue. Civiletti was arraigned  and jailed on $350 bail.

Victor S. Bamberry, 17, of Cayuga Road, Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket. Victor was released on $80 bail.

Derick C. Whitlow, 24, of Fifth Line Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket. Whitlow was released on $80 bail.

Alesia N. Abramson, 26, of Hickory Drive, Ft. Meyers, Fla., is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another female in the face while in the concert parking lot after the concert ended. Abramsom was released on $100 bail

Jenney E. Mulrain, 24, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing another person by the hair and striking them numerous times in the face.

Patrick M. Kelly, 17, of North Beaver Street, Jordan, is charged with petit larceny after allegedly shoplifting from a gift shop inside the amusement park.

Chad A. Kenyon, 23, of Northgate Manor Rochester, is charged with false personation after allegedly giving false information about his identity.

Emily A. Argen, 20, of Villa Marie Road, West Seneca, is charged with false personation and possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly providing false information about her identity and possessing alcohol.

Alexander S. Jakson, 16, of Beresford Court, Clarence, is charged with false personation and possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly providing false information about his identity and possessing alcohol under age 21.

Patrick H. Maher, 20, of South Grafton Avenue, Blasdell, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, and possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly smoking marijuana in public and possessing alcohol being under age 21.

Caitlin Q. Bettinger, 19, of Winterway Lane, Hamburg, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, and possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly smoking marijuana in public and possessing alcohol under age 21.

Danielle J. Sequerth, 19, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert area after being told to leave several times.

Roland P. Parson, 21, of Bradley Street, Buffalo, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while at the concert venue.

Alexsys J. Grishaber, 18, of Johnson Road, Greece, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Ryan J. Brennan, 20, of East West Road, West Seneca, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Ryan F. Nieuwesteeg, 18, of Mount Olive Crescent, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly fighting with security while being ejected from the venue.

Edward J. Vargas, 23, of Glen Oaks Drive, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly scratching a security guard while being ejected from the venue.

Matthew A. Anderson, 22, of Shelter Street, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly kicking another person while at the concert venue.

The following citations were issued for alleged underage drinking:

(name redacted upon request), 19, of Tracey Lane, Grand Island
Monique Wright, 19, of Park Lane, Grand Island
Rachel M. V. Watt, 18, of Forest Creek Lane, Grand Island
Wesley R. Haynie, 18, of Bedell Road, Grand Island
Cody J. Smith, 16, of Fix Road, Grand Island
Alec J. Metro, 17, of Greenway Road, Grand Island
Paul J. Mistretta, 18, of Tonawanda Creek Road, East Amherst
Ryan J. Winkler, 17, of Deer Ridge, Getzville
David M. Powers, 18, of Autumn Creek Court, East Amherst
Nicholas J. Perna, 18, of Rosewood Drive, Williamsville
Marissa T. J. Schaedel, 18, of Muir Field Lane, Lancaster
Robyn E. Babbitt, 18, of Tiburon Lane, East Amherst
Matthew D. Rygg, 19, of Misty Lane, Amherst
Alyssa J. Plummer, 19, of Stellane Drive, Angola
Kyleigh A. Kaczor, 16, of Old Lake Shore, Irving
Bradley T. Owens, 16, of Milestrip Road, Irving
Imre A. Ulici, 19, of Beaver Creek Drive, Webster
Eric W. Abrey Jr. , 16, of South Estate Drive, Webster
Paul A. Whittaker, 17, of Huntsman Way, Webster
Austin P. (?), 18, of Dysinger Road, Lockport
Mitchell A. Mix, 18, of Ashford Avenue, Tonawanda
Jeffrey T. Dumas, 20, of Princeton Lane, Buffalo
Matthew G. Battles, 20, of Durstein Street, Buffalo
Alysia M. Pirro, 18, of Marbeth Court, Buffalo
Virginia P. Morris, 19, of Seneca Street, Buffalo
Samantha L. Hendell, 17, of Hopkins Road, Getzville
Mollie A. Sadler, 18, of Birchwood Court, Williamsville
Javonte L. King, 19, of Everwild Lane, Greece
Meghan E. Crowley, 19, of Longbush Lane, Webster
Rachel C. Lemoine, 19, of Middlebury Road, Webster
Morgan E. Henry, 19, of Concord Drive, Webster
Andrew J. Belding, 18, of Grimble Road, Canandaigua
Lauren E. Bornheimer, 19, of Spruce Run, Palmyra (issued two tickets)
Kaylee A. Jerome, 19, of Andrews Road, Canandaigua
Daniel G. Medvin, 20, of Lynbrook Avenue, Tonawanda
Nicholas A. Balesteri, 20, of Springfield Avenue, Tonawanda
Abby L. Sitterley, 18, of County Road, Livonia
Zachary M. Lamacchia, 18, of Cary Road, Alden
Marsha A. Digregrio, 17, of Lafayette Road, Rochester
Natalie M. Persechino, 17, of Old Falls Blvd, North Tonawanda
Jacob M. L. Lopez, 19, of Abel Road, Hamburg
Jillian L. Piccirilli, 20, of Glenwillow Drive, Hamburg
Emily C. Kavanaugh, 20, of Hi-View Terrace, West Seneca
Carrie S. Fisher, 20, of Berg Road, Orchard Park
Jacob T. Coster, 19, of Downing Street, Buffalo
Stephanie Lebib, 20, of Hill Road, Rochester
Trevor W. Vanderbush, 20, of Lewis Road, Holland
Samantha A. Trabucco, 16, of Herr Road, Clarence Center
Mitchell S. Szabo, 17, of Clarence Center Road, Clarence Center
Kristen K. Skoney, 18, of Broadmoor Drive, Tonawanda
Daniel R. Keem, 18, of Greentree Road, Tonawanda
Zachary J. Misiak, 16, of Jamaica Square, North Tonawanda
Chelsie L. Ridd, 19, of Victor Lane, Hamlin
Aaron W. Polanski, 20, of South Creek Drive, Cheektowaga
Dominic M. Dicioccio, 19, of Parkpoint Drive, Rochester
Olivia M. Michaels, 20, of Perry Court, Lewiston
Mary K. Swanson, 20, of Oxbow Lane, Lewiston
Dallas P. Ross, 19, of Victor Lanem, Hamlin
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Boies Road, East Aurora
Alexandra L. Alessi, 18, of Girard Avenue, East Aurora
Anthony V. Iacono, 18, of Oak Dale Lane, Williamsville
Kevin Dagher, 19, of Via Marina, Williamsville
Connor J. Niel, 18, of Greiner Road, Williamsville
Daniel T. Wischerath, 16, of Winding Woods, Hamburg
Gabrielle R. Porto, 17, of Elm Street, Youngstown
Hailey M. Hibbard, 17, of Lake Road, Youngstown
Matthew X. Ferris, 20, of Shortsville Road, Shortsville
Brooke L. Toelsin, 18, of Lakeview Avenue, Orchard Park
Matthew J. Collins, 16, of Baraga Street, Buffalo
Christopher P. Schirching, 19, of Maple Ridge Road, Alden

A road rage incident and fight is reported in the Darien Lake parking lot, P2, north of the silos.

A deputy reports, "we have a large one." He requests for units to the scene.

At one point, he said, "they're going to roll it."

There was a concert at Darien Lake tonight and scanner traffic from Darien Lake has been heavy all evening.

There's an accident on Route 77 with minor injuries and Sumner Road is gridlocked.

UPDATE 12:46 a.m.: Dispatch is trying to get patrols to a report of a fight in the parking lot. An individual was having a fight with his girlfriend, allegedly breaking things in the car, and now he's reportedly out of the vehicle, yelling at other people and getting beer bottles thrown at him.

UPDATE 12:50 a.m.: Traffic is backed up on Route 77 all the way to Brick House corners.

UPDATE 1:06 a.m.: A deputy reports, here's part of the problem: There's only one toll taker at the Thruway entrance. BTW: The band concert tonight, Drake.

UPDATE 1:09 a.m.: A woman has reported that she was assaulted by four other females. She is in her car now and is reporting being surrounded by her assailants. A deputy is heading to her location.

A deputy is in the parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park investigating a complaint of a dog left in the car.

"It's a very angry cattle dog who isn't going to be taken out of this car without somebody being seriously hurt," the deputy tells dispatch.

He said the windows are tinted and the owner put a blanket in the front windshield to help keep the heat out.

There was a water bowl left in the car, but it's now empty.

Although "angry," the dog is described as in good spirits and not in any distress.

Darien Lake security is going to attempt to locate the owner in the park.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: Security is going to keep an eye on the animal and if it shows signs of distress, contact animal control.

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

Still, I grabbed some photos of the new rides.

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

April 2 press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Darien Lake

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

Today's Press release:

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

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

Guests Will Enjoy $5 Million Dollars in Improvements

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

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

Live Entertainment Promises to Please a Wide Range of Audiences

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

A 33-year-old Bergen woman who was charged with second-degree assault following a Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake in August has filed a claim against the Genesee County Sheriff's Office alleging false arrest.

Carolyn Marie Smith, of McCabe Court, was accused of hitting a 57-year-old man with her iPhone, causing him to need seven stitches across the bridge of his nose.

But Smith says she was the victim in this case, and when she tried to show her bruises -- including one that left, according to a physician's report she obtained later, a residual mass on her breast -- a Sheriff's sergeant arrested her anyway.

A grand jury returned a "no bill" (meaning, the grand jury didn't find sufficient evidence to sustain the charge) on Smith's case.

Attorneys have told her, Smith acknowledges, that suing law enforcement over an arrest is extremely difficult. They are hard cases to make because arrests can be subjective judgements and it's up to the legal process to determine the validity of the charges.

"I understand they arrest who they choose and let it get sorted out by the law, but to drag somebody who has no record, who has never been arrested, who is the mother of  three kids, and was attacked, I just don't get it," Smith said.

Sheriff Gary Maha said that because of the notice of claim, there is a limit to what he can say about the case, but added, "I would state that this arrest was based upon an assault that occurred at Darien Lake following a concert, and the complaint was filed by another individual. The District Attorney's Office was consulted prior to arrest."

So far Smith hasn't been able to find an attorney to take her case and suspects Genesee County attorneys, who often deal with the Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office, are reluctant to sue local law enforcement. She is hoping an attorney in another county will see her story and take an interest in the case.

Among the potential defendants in a lawsuit, according to Smith, is Darien Lake Theme Park, whom she thinks contributed to the events of Aug. 12 through lax security.

She points to the four arrests and 78 underage drinking citations at the Rascal Flatts show, and the numerous arrests at the Brad Paisley show just two weeks prior as evidence that Darien Lake isn't doing enough to protect patrons.

"Darien Lake Town Court is full after every concert and that says there is a problem at Darien Lake," Smith said. "They allow drinking and let people get drunk, but nobody is controlling the crowd."

The Batavian contacted Darien Lake and requested a statement and will provide a response if one is received.

"As far as Darien Lake goes," Smith said, "I don't want money. I want justice."

Smith said she and one of her witnesses were the only people involved in the fracas that night who hadn't been drinking.

The incident started as patrons were trying to exit the parking lot following the concert.

The cars were apparently not moving and a woman in Smith's car got out of the vehicle. She either got out -- depending on which statement you believe -- to have a cigarette or to try and block the progress of another vehicle so the car she was in could get the advantage.

Smith got out of the car next, either -- again depending on whose statement you believe -- to get the other woman to get back in the car or to block traffic.

At that point, a man in the other vehicle yelled at the two women, according to one witness statement. He then got out of the vehicle.

In the man's statement, he "bumped" the woman with his body (presumably Smith) to try and move her along and the woman "took a wing at me with her right hand, in which she held a cell phone."

The initial arrest was based on the alleged victim's statement and statements of people riding with the man.

In documents provided by Smith is a letter from her attorney, Thomas Burns to the arresting officer, Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, asking him to also take statements from witnesses who were in the vehicle with Smith.

According to those statements, the man rushed from his vehicle, charged Smith, punched her in her chest and pushed her up against a truck, pinning her there. It was at that point that Smith swung at the man with her iPhone in her hand.

A woman in the vehicle then allegedly got out of the truck and yelled profanities at Smith and slapped the other woman with Smith, according to one of the statements.

Both statements say that the vehicle the man was in creeped forward and bumped Smith and the other woman before the man got out of the car.

The 57-year-old man, from North Tonawanda, said in his own statement that he told his brother-in-law, who was driving, to creep forward and try to get the women to move.

Given that admission, Smith said, and what she believes was the obviously inebriated state of the two men and the woman they were with, she doesn't understand why they weren't arrested instead of her.

"I took a beating from them, but none of that mattered," Smith said. "I don't even know how they got away with this."

Smith thinks the turning point was when her cousin called Sgt. Greg Walker "a pig."

"Once she said that, forget it," Smith said. "They wouldn't even talk to me."

Ten days later, when Sanfratello called and asked Smith to come to the Park Road office, she thought she would finally get to tell her side of the story. Instead, she said she was surprised to find out she was the one being arrested.

Fighting the charge cost her $5,000 and she may yet have medical bills from the breast injury. Although she'd at least like some compensation, what she wants just as much is an apology -- not even necessarily a public apology, even though the case made national news.

She just wants the officers involved and the Sheriff's Office to say they're sorry for arresting her and not the people in the other group.

After a summer filled with bad publicity, Darien Lake Theme Park's owners, Herschend Family Entertainment, has announced changes in its top management at the park.

A veteran of the company, Bob Montgomery, has been named vice present and general manager of the park.

Chris Thorpe, who led the park staff through the accidental death of a patron and the closure for unrelated mechanical reasons of the park's signature ride, is now the assistant general manager and will report to Montgomery.

Rochester resident Steve Hallowell, a former director of marketing for Kodak, has been named director of marketing for Darien Lake.

For previous coverage of events at Darien Lake, click here.

Press release:

Darien Lake Theme & Water Park Resort (Darien Lake) has named Bob Montgomery as the park's new vice president and general manager. Montgomery has been employed by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), the management company of Darien Lake, for over a decade. Prior to HFE, Montgomery worked as vice president of operations and development at LEGOLAND, director of operations at Toronto's C.N. Tower and director of attractions at Canada's Wonderland, the top two attractions in Canada.

Darien Lake also appoints marketing veteran and Rochester, New York, native Steve Hallowell as director of marketing. He has 25 years of marketing experience and a long tenure at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, most recently serving as director of consumer experience marketing.

"The combination of entertainment and accommodations offered at Darien Lake are unique in the industry, and I am excited about this opportunity," said Montgomery. Prior to moving to Darien Lake, Montgomery worked at Wild Adventures, also an HFE property, as vice president and general manager. "The community has a lot of enthusiasm for Darien Lake, and I look forward to leading this great vacation destination, especially as we introduce three new family rides this year."

In his new role, Montgomery oversees all aspects of the park. Chris Thorpe now serves as assistant general manager at the park, reporting directly to Montgomery. Thorpe is responsible for employee development and relations.

Steve Hallowell leads the marketing department with a unique local perspective. "I look forward to working with the marketing team and the Buffalo and Rochester communities to attract even more guests to our park and accommodations," said Hallowell. "As a father of two teenage boys who love to visit the park with their friends, this job definitely promotes me to cool dad."

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the Chris Brown concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Deparis C. Banks, 19, Pelham Road, New Rochelle, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance after being ejected from the venue.  Banks was jailed on $100 bail.

Candise J. McKeiver, 21, Parkway Drive, North Chili, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance after being ejected from the concert.

Passion V. Madlock, 22, Kerns Street, Buffalo, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while being ejected from the concert.

Nicholas J. Macaluso, 19, Oak Street, Bellmore, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and possession of alcohol with intent to consume after allegedly punching a security guard in the head and being under age 21 in possession of alcohol.

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

Kathryn E. Ziolo, 19, Amsdel Road, Hamburg
Kayleigh J. Forger, 19, Lorric Lane, Spencerport
Paul F. Grabowski, 19, Eaglesfield Way, Fairport
Lauren E. Milione, 19, Wedgewood Road, Newton, Mass.
Michelle A. Kay, 19, Pratt Street, Reading, Mass.
Brandon M. Angelo, 18, Red Hickory Drive, Rochester
Jamie M. Szafranski, 20, Frederick Road, North Tonawanda
Shelby M. Visniesky, 19, Kelvin Drive, Tonawanda
Sarah S. Signorelli, 18, 17th Street, Niagara Falls
Tyler M. Pulli, 18, Upper Mountain Road, Lewiston
Morgan A. R. Chrysler, 18, Mount Hope Road, Lewiston
Crystal L. Jensen, 20, Maple Road, Williamsville
Sean P. Talty, 18, Londonderry Lane, Getzville
Ashley L. Dipietro, 17, Misty Lane, East Amherst
Courtney A. Davis, 18, High Manor Drive, Henrietta
Briana M. Julian, 20, Bronson Hill Road, Avon
Matti M. Kwietniewski, 18, Aldrich Place, Buffalo
Cameron J. Cirincione, 17, Licia Lane, Webster

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Uproar Festival concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

James R. Larson, 24, of Revere Place, Buffalo, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after allegedly causing a disturbance after being ejected from the venue. Larson allegedly resisted arrest by fighting with deputies.  Larson was jailed on $500 bail.

Daniel W. Krulikoski, 28, of Miller Crescent Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering a food stand without permission.  Krulikoski was released on $100 bail.

Michael J. Carlo, 31, of Pennington Court, Amherst, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the venue parking lot by attempting to fight with other exiting patrons.

Philip A. Azzaretto, 41, of Exchange Street, Alden, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another subject in the face while at the concert.

Keith A. Hinckley, 20, of West Avenue, Ext., Medina, is charged with disorderly conduct and possession of alcohol under 21 after allegedly yelling obscenities in the parking lot, causing a disturbance and found to possess an alcoholic beverage.

The following people received citations for alleged possession of alcohol under age 21:

Shelby R. Eck, 17, of County Route 31, Scio
Cecellia M. Wilson, 19, of Loring Avenue, Wellsville
Dustin M. Ford, 19, of Allen Street, Allentown
Danielle J. Armfield, 19, of Baker Street, Andover
Lindsay L. Harris, 17, of Riverside Drive, Wellsville
Rebecca A. Oliver, 17, of River Road, Phoenix
Geoff C. Hall, 20, of Drager Avenue, Syracuse
Tara M. Morabito, 16, of E. Main Street, Hamburg
Gary J. Dellaneve, 17, of Davis Road, West Falls
Julia J. Golaszewski, 20, of Center Street, East Aurora
Steven D. Jackson, 18, of Dutch Street, Wolcott
Rebecca M. Rotunno, 17, of Claremont Avenue, Tonawanda
Emily A. Dziuba, 17, of Blakeley Road, East Aurora
Joseph J. Crane, 19, of Shelby Basom Road, Medina
Brandon T. Fuller, 17, of Prospect Avenue, Medina
Gerald R. Soule Jr., 20, of East Main Street Road, Batavia
Raymond D. Wilson III, 18, of Herrick Street, Oswego
Amber L. Bonito, 20, of Drake Settlement Road, Burt
Seth P. Esskuchen, 20, of Autumn Street, Williamsville
Seth R. Reardon, 19, of Columbia Avenue, Depew
Jonathan D. Hitchcock, 20, of Otego

A Dumpster fire has been reported at Darien Lake Theme Park in the area known as "the graveyard."

Darien Fire Department is responding.

Crowds are exiting the performing arts center from the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival.

Darien fire asked to respond to the back entrance. "It's the fastest way."

The Sheriff's Office reports 10 arrests and 50 citations issued in connection with the Toby Keith concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

Raymond J. Kolas, 29, of Four Mile Run, Pittsburgh, Pa., is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a security guard while attempting to enter the concert venue with a false access pass. Kolas was released on $100 pre-arraignment bail to appear Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. in Darien Town Court.

Thomas E. White, 26, of Fitch Road, Ransomville, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the concert grass parking lot.

Adam C. Hellwig, 26, of Olean-Portville Road, Portville, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Andrew J. Whitmire, 25, of Stone Hill Road, Livonia, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a valid ticket.

Robert D. Farnham, 25, of Campbell Blvd., Lockport, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after allegedly causing a disturbance while leaving the concert and then resisting arrest.

Ari J. W. Maio, 26, of Mulberry Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue without a valid ticket.

Durst J. J. Buchebal , 21, of Clay Street, North East, Pa., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a small quantity of marijuana.

Adrianne M. Ceglia, 48, of Rapids Road, Lockport, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a security guard inside the concert venue.

Robert L. Burns, 57, of Barbadus Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing and attempting to punch a security guard inside the concert venue.

Joshua M. Carney, 20, of Wescott Street, Buffalo, is charged with false personation and possession with intent to consume alcohol after allegedly lying about his date of birth after being found in possession of alcohol.

The following people received citations for alleged underage drinking.

Bridget A. Kruszka, 20, of Dover Street, Lakeview
Shannon E. Yates, 19, of Garlow Road, Niagara Falls
Jamie L. Skrlin, 19, of Saunders Settlement Road, Lewiston
Jacob A. Piersc, 20, of Seneca Place, Lancaster
A 17-year-old of Meadowbrook Drive, Albion
Lucas J. Hellwig, 20, of Olean-Portville Road, Portville
A 17-year-old of Nash Road, North Tonawanda
A 17-year-old of Walmore Road, Wheatfield
A 17-year-old of Miller Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls
A 16-year-old of Center Pine Lane, Williamsville
A 16-year-old of Wood Acres Drive, East Amherst
Joshua M. Cohen, 18, of Valley Brook Lane, East Amherst
A 17-year-old of Driftwood Court, Williamsville
A 17-year-old of Arielle Court, Williamsville
Amira M. Sarkis, 20, of Long Pond Road, Greece
Dominique Estratti, 19, of Northwind Way, Rochester
Sean P. Federow, 19, of Marshall Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of East Rouen Drive, Cheektowaga
Cody D. Mayer, 19, of 5th Street Court, East Bradenton, Fla.
A 16-year-old of South Academy Street, Albion
A 16-year-old of Gilhooly Road, Alexander
Amanda M. Przybylski, 20, of Penora Street, Depew
Lauren M. Berner, 18, of Town Line Road, Lancaster
Karly D. Manges, 19, of Three Rod Road, Alden
A 17-year-old of David Road, Williamsville
A 17-year-old of Deveaux Street, Niagara Falls
A 16-year-old of North Military Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Hermitage Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Isherwood Drive, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of River Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Colin Court, North Tonawanda
A 17-year-old of Switch Road, Stevensville, Ontario, Canada
Jason A. Michaud, 19, of O’Reilly Road, South Wainfleet, Ontario Canada
Brooke M. Lindsay, 20, of Birch Court, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Sean A. G. Parker, 20, of Burnaby Road, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
Casey J. Benson, 20, of Union Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Dylan D. Edwards, 19, of Knoll Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Joshua R. Feith, 19, of Hwy. 3RR1, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
Landon S. Minor, 18, of Lakeshore Road, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
Sarah L. Pickersgill, 19, of Forest Avenue, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Tage A. Crooks, 19, of Sherk Road, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Jonathan L. Aarts, 20, of Pettit Road, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
Mark A. Kramer, 19, of Stanley Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Markie L. M. Peyton, 18, of Clarence Street, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
A 16-year-old of Lakeshore Road, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Saraya A. Madden, 18, of Shamrock Avenue, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of Lakeshore Road, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of Forks Road, Welland, Ontario, Canada

Apparently, traffic is moving slowly out of Darien Lake Theme Park following the Toby Keith concert.

A Sheriff's Office's sergeant checked with the deputy on the progress of one grass parking lot and the deputy responded, "They've moved one car length since I've been out here."

"Copy."

"If the rain keeps coming, they might need Noah's Ark to come get 'um," the deputy added.

UPDATE 11:27 p.m.: A Darien fire chief reports that the road is blocked at Sumner and Walker by a truck trying to pull a car out of a ditch. Law enforcement dispatched to the scene.

A power outage that began this morning before the park opened has 10 rides closed at Darien Lake Theme Park, according to spokeswoman Cassandra Okon.

Darien Lake staff is investigating the loss of power and officials aren't sure when the rides will reopen.

Okon did not say which rides are closed.

Staff is unsure at this point if the power outage is due to a technical glitch with National Grid or a problem within the park itself.

Sgt. James Hackemer, who died July 8 after being ejected from the Ride of Steel at Darien Lake Theme Park, boarded the roller coaster wearing a Brown Fox racing hat.

As the ride crested a hill on the east side of the ride, Hackemer's hat flew off his head. Witnesses described Hackemer reaching for the hat just before he was ejected from the ride.

Witness statements were obtain by The Batavian along with a complete Sheriff's Office report on the death of Hackemer through a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request.

They provide a few new details of the events surrounding Hackemer's death, including information that seems to contradict the official findings by the Department of Labor (DOL) that ride operators failed to comprehend ride rules and instructions.

Though there is still no explanation for why operators allowed Hackemer to board the Ride of Steel at about 4:30 p.m. that day.

The DOL report released Aug. 16 states:

After exhaustive review of all the documentation and interviews, it appears that the ride operator and ride attendent training materials met the requirements of the manufacturer; However, issues concerning the employees' comprehension of the training material and their ability to retain the associated requirements of their positions, specifically in reference to rider restrictions, became apparent.

Sheriff's Office investigators obtained written statements from all five Darien Lake employees associated with the ride at the time of the accident. The statements, written in each employee's own hand, demonstrate no inability to comprehend English.

Four of the employees are from Western New York and while a fifth is a Jamaican student in the United States on a student work visa, his statement doesn't demonstrate any inability to communicate in English.

Each employee was also required by Darien Lake management -- sometimes more than once in 2011 -- to sign statements indicating they had completed and comprehended required training.

According to a report prepared by lead investigator Sgt. Steve Mullen, the DOL's safety and health inspector -- Brian C. Kock, assigned to the industry inspection bureau -- informed him that all of the employees had taken and passed written exams on ride safety.

The training checklists shows the employees were trained in, among other things, height-checking procedures, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) loading and boarding procedures and standard operating procedure.

The training manual, as well as rules posted at the entrance and exit to the Ride of Steel, state explicitly that a person must have two legs to board the coaster.

The coaster has no shoulder harness, only a T-bar lap restraint and seat belts.

The DOL report said the restraints are designed to hold a patron in the ride not only at the lap, but also at the shin.

Hackemer, an Iraq War veteran, lost both of his legs, including one leg up to his hip, to a roadside bomb.

On July 8, Hackemer, along with his sisters, a nephew and his 4-year-old and 3-year-old children, checked into rooms at the Darien Lake Hotel two hours before Hackemer and nephew went to the theme park.

Upon entering the park, employees directed Hackemer to the guest information booth for ride safety instructions. Hackemer was offered a brochure on safety procedures at each ride, but claimed to already have a copy and refused it. He was then given instructions on how to board rides at the park.

Hackemer, wearing white shorts and a neon green T-shirt, and his 19-year-old nephew who was visiting from Maryland then proceeded directly to the Ride of Steel.

Three of the ride attendants write in their statements that they saw Hackemer board the ride -- being lifted into his seat by his nephew -- and noticed that he was missing both legs.

The statements give no indication that any of the operators thought any further about his handicap, discussed with him his ability to ride the roller coaster, sought out a supervisor's advice or otherwise took any steps to question whether Hackemer should be allowed on the ride or detain him in anyway.

The statements also indicate that the attendants knew nothing about Hackemer's situation, that he was a disabled Iraq War vet, at the time. He is described merely as a handicapped man seen getting on the ride.

Two attendants checked safety restraints for each of the riders in the cars. A third attendent checked an operation board that would display a red light if any of the T-bars were not locked in place. With all lights green, the two operators at two different control panels gave the all-clear signs and pressed their respective buttons to start the ride.

When the ride returned, passengers were screaming that a rider had fallen from one of the cars. All three operators on the boarding platform immediately noticed that Hackemer's seat was empty but that the restraints were still in place.

Witnesses on the ride all described seeing Hackemer's hat fly off his head and him reaching for it before seeing his body fly from his seat.

Hackemer's nephew described the ride coming to the crest of the hill and that he, the nephew, felt his own body lift out of the seat and then he saw his uncle fly from the car.

Evidence gathered at the scene indicate that Hackemer hit the front of the car and that Hackemer died instantly of blunt force trauma to his head.

An emergency medical response from the Darien Lake Fire Department and Mercy Flight was cancelled before law enforcement arrived on scene.

The veteran's dog tags were found on the ground near his body.

When the car pulled into the Ride of Steel boarding platform, one of the attendants said Hackemer's nephew was sitting in the front of the car not moving or saying anything.

Mullen did not request a written statement from the nephew because of his emotional and physical state. The nephew's statements contained in the report are from a verbal interview with him while he was at the theme park's medical station.

The ride attendants were an 18-year-old from Silver Lake, a 21-year-old from Lockport and a 23-year-old from Hamburg. 

The Jamaican exchange student, a 21-year-old living in Batavia for the summer,  was posted at the ride entrance and was in charge of ensuring riders were at least 54-inches tall. The Jamaican also saw Hackemer board the ride and noticed Hackemer was missing both legs.

Since Hackemer came in through the exit, which is point of entry for disabled patrons, there was apparently nobody in place to check his height. Hackemer was 47-inches tall on his left side and 39-inches tall on his right side.

The last employee to give a statement was a 24-year-old supervisor from Spencerport who arrived at the Ride of Steel just as Hackemer's car was arriving at the boarding platform. She did not witness Hackemer boarding the ride.

The Batavian is not releasing the names of the operators because there are no criminal charges anticipated. 

The Ride of Steel was closed for the season last week after an unrelated mechanical failure earlier this month.

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

Robert B. Milefski, 23, of Kauga Street, Richford, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in the amusement park, and then when approached he allegedly struck a security guard in the face. Milefski then allegedly entered a fenced-in restricted area of the park while attempting to flee. He was arraigned and remanded to jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Anthony J. Derkas, 32, of Davis Avenue, Homestead, Pa., is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal possession, of a forged Instrument, 3rd, after allegedly using a forged stage-crew pass to enter the concert venue. Derkas was released on $250 bail.

Chad E. Ferguson, 23, of Robinson Road, Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the backstage area without permission.

Cory L. Hyde, 29, of Stenwick Drive, Churchville, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance by consistently swearing while being ejected from the concert.

Terry R. Messmer, 41, of Main Street, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert after being ejected.

Bryson J. Ludden, 18, of Gleason Street, Belfast, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with security while being ejected from the venue.

Jillian A. Tomlinson, 23, of South Main Street, Belfast, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in the lawn area of the concert venue.

Gary F. Mueller, 53, of Kokomo Street, Depew, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance inside the venue.

The following people received citations for alleged underage drinking:

A 17-year-old of Alsace Place, Blasdell
Nolan J. Guilford, 18, of Merton Avenue, Belfast
Carlene A. Derkovitz, 20, of Hawro Place, Depew
Daniel P. Thomann, 19, of Autumnwood Drive, Cheektowaga
Rachel M. Toporczyk, 18, of Creekview Drive, Cheektowaga
Steven L. Schmid, 20, of Penora Street, Depew
Brian R. Gorski, 19, of Harvard Avenue, Depew
Justin A. Michalak, 20, of Houston Street, Buffalo
A 17-year-old of Hawro Place, Depew

There will be no more rides on the Ride of the Steel in 2011.

Darien Lake Theme Park is taking the roller coaster out of commission to complete repairs.

“While we regret to inform our guests that the roller coaster will be down for remainder of the season, we still have a large variety of rides and attractions for guests of the park of all ages to enjoy," said Christopher Thorpe, general manager of the park.

The Ride of Steel was closed Aug. 11 and riders evacuated after a chain fell off of it.

Among the 12 people arrested Aug. 11 at the Blink 182 concert at Darien Lake was a 27-year-old man who found himself on the other side of the badge after allegedly tussling with concert security.

Arrested and charged with disorderly conduct was Sean Ford.

According to the Buffalo News, Ford's day job is as a cop at the University of Buffalo.

“Unfortunately, University at Buffalo Police Officer Sean Ford was one of them and was issued an appearance ticket,” said Gerald W. Schoenle Jr., chief of UB’s police force, who added that it is the policy of his department not to discuss personnel matters.