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Juveniles are suspects in Wiard Plow factory arson

By Howard B. Owens

Unidentified juveniles are being blamed for the fire that destroyed a portion of the Wiard Plow factory building on May 8.

Following a weeks-long investigation, Batavia Police detectives have concluded the fire was arson.

In a news release this morning, the department said numerous interviews of suspects and witnesses as well as electronic and physical evidence led to the identification of the suspects.

Because of their age, the case against the suspects will be referred to family court, where defendants names are kept confidential.

BILLY GALLIFORD

I have tried to let police know that youths are getting up on the roof of the Harvester warehouse from the Harvester road side...then they proceed to walk the entire length of the roof along Masse to Swan...Along the way they have multiple access places into the abandoned warehouse...You see the responding people only check the ground level windows and doors...and it is the up-high windows and access points that these kids are using to get inside the abandoned places...The owners need to get up on the roof themselves and do a complete walk around of the upper level...I SEE KIDS WALKING THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE ROOF AND WHEN WE SCOLD THEM THEY CONTINUE TO SMASH MORE WINDOWS AND STUFF.

Jun 11, 2010, 12:14pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Maybe this is a good time for parents to remind their children that 'private' property is just that. I encountered a group of teen boys using their skate boards on our shuffleboard courts one evening. They were loud enough for me to step to the window to see who was out there. When I asked if they were visiting family at the Towers, I was told it wasn't any of my damn business.
I asked, again, what apartment they were visiting and the answer was vulgar.
When I said I would call the police and they could answer to them, they left. I saw them later over at the Wiard Plow parking lot playing.
I know children, that age, can be quick with an inappropriate comeback. However, it reflects a great deal on the upbringing they receive.
Adults who boast of tresspassing on private property destroying windows, etc. cannot expect their children to act any different.

Jun 12, 2010, 12:21pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Posted by John Roach on June 12, 2010 - 3:17pm
Bea,
You never answered the same political questions you put to me...

This thread is not political. Why make it so. You were right about those who accused the Mancuso family for starting that fire making an apology.
It was a terrible accusation. I wonder how many will step up to the plate to say they jumped the gun when they made those statements?

Jun 12, 2010, 5:14pm Permalink
John Roach

Bea,
I made it political because you ducked my past requests that you answer the same questions you asked of me.

Also, nobody is going to own up and apologize.

Jun 12, 2010, 5:33pm Permalink

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