Darien

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

Even rain couldn't stop the annual Darien Community Day in the Town of Darien today. At least a couple of hundred people still turned out for arts, crafts, games, a car show, food and music.

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.

The ride operators who allowed Sgt. James Hackemer to board the Ride of Steel at Darien Lake Theme Park on July 8 did not comprehend the instructions they were given regarding minimum ride requirements, according to a NYS Department of Labor Report.

The report was obtained by Buffalo TV station WIVB through a Freedom of Information Law request.

The report (PDF) also says that Hackemer went to the guest services booth to inquire about handicap access to rides and was given instructions on how to use exit ramps to access the rides. The report indicates that no one at guest services advised him not to board any rides, but he was offered a brochure listing physical requirements for all of the park's rides. Hackemer reportedly refused the brochure saying he already had a copy.

At 4:30 p.m., Hackemer -- who had lost his left leg and hip and part of his right leg to a roadside bomb in Iraq -- along with his nephew, entered the Ride of Steel boarding area through the exit ramp and stopped at the gate adjacent to the unload platform.

The unload attendent notified the ride operator that a disabled guest needed to board the ride.

Hackemer and his nephew, who assisted the war vet, were then allowed to board the ride in car 11.

The report indicates neither operator made any attempt to prevent Hackemer from boarding the ride.

According to witnesses, shortly after cresting the third hill, Hackemer was ejected from his seat.

The report states that the restraint system of the ride is specifically designed to lock the passenger's shins in place to help ensure a rider cannot fall out or be ejected.

"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," reads the report. "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."

At a press conference July 22, General Manager Christopher Thorpe would not answer questions about the ride operators, including their immigration status. Reportedly, Darien Lake annually employs about 300 students who are in the United States on J-1 visas.

It's unknown if the ride operators were exchange students or residents of Western New York.

The DOL report notes that upon the recommendation of inspectors, Darien Lake's management has instituted a new training program, created new training materials and instituted an audit program to ensure ride operators understand the safety restrictions of Darien's rides.

A car accident, with possibly minor injuries, is reported in Darien on Snipery Road, just south of the railroad tracks. The patient is requesting an evaluation.

Darien Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: The first responder says there are no injuries. One vehicle is blocking traffic.

Christopher Michael Lambert, 31, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Lambert is accused of entering a residence on Log City Road, Elba, after being told to stay away. Lambert allegedly stole money and a new Garmin GPS unit. Bail was set at $25,000.

Jenea Marie Macleod, 27, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, operating an ATV on a public highway and no headlights on an ATV. Macleod was stopped at 10:08 p.m., Saturday, on Genesee Street in Pembroke by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Tracy Lynn Polak, 40, of Aldercreek South Road, North Tonawanda, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, operating with registration suspended or revoked and driver's view obstructed. Polak was stopped at 10:36 p.m., Wednesday, on Route 77, Corfu, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Jonathan David Eldred, 27, of Main Road, Akron, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. Eldred was arrested at 10:46 p.m., Friday, at a residence on Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, when he was allegedly found in possession of heroin and a needle during an investigation into an overdose.

Austin M. Heineman, 17, of Marble Road, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, operating out of class and failure to keep right. Heineman was arrested following an investigation into an accident that was reported at 12:43 a.m., Saturday, on Sandhill Road, Alabama, by Deputy James Diehl. In the accident, Heineman was reportedly driving south on Sandhill Road when he lost control of the car and it overturned. His passenger, Timothy Ryan, 17, was transported to UMMC with non-life threatening injuries.

Mitchell Gregory Hoinski, 25, of Boll Street, Sloan, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Hoinski was reportedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 11:42 p.m., Friday, in the parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park. Hoinski reportedly attended the Rascal Flatts concert earlier in the evening. 

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

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.

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

A person is trapped in a car following a rollover accident at Colby and Sumner roads, Darien.

The victim is conscious, but there is a smell of gasoline leaking.

Darien Fire Department is dispatched with mutual aid from Corfu.

UPDATE 9:46 a.m.: Everybody is out of both vehicles. Two flatbed tows requested. One car is "in pieces." Another is on its roof. Something will be needed to transport a gas tank that was ripped from one vehicle. Mercy Flight, Mercy EMS canceled. Corfu back in service.

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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.

Press release:

Darien Center, NY -- On Thursday, Aug. 11, at approximately 6:10 p.m. (Eastern) Darien Lake Theme Park Resort’s Ride of Steel roller coaster experienced a mechanical failure. The train automatically stopped on the coaster’s lift, approximately half way up the track, when a chain broke.

There were 32 passengers onboard who were safely evacuated according to standard operating procedures.

Due to the quick, trained response of the DL team, our guests were on the ground within 30 minutes of the breakdown. In addition, all redundant safety systems functioned precisely as planned, including the immediate train stop.

"Ride of Steel will be closed until further notice,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager of the park.

Ride updates will be posted on the park’s website at www.godarienlake.com <http://www.godarienlake.com/>.

Photo courtesy WGRZ, Buffalo

Photo courtesy WHAM13, Rochester

Photo Courtesy WHAM13, Rochester

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

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)

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.

Volunteer firefighters from five companies gathered in Darien today for some specialized training in dealing with big, heavy vehicles involved in accidents.

"We want these guys to know they can do this," said Jason Graber, who was leading the training session. "We want them to come into a situation like this and know it's not hopeless. They have the right tools and the right training."

Three different accident scenarios were set up -- a tractor-trailer with a sedan wedged under it, a cement mixer stuck on a cement barrier and a passenger car that has slid under the back of a school bus.

The firefighters -- from Indian Falls, Darien, Corfu, East Pembroke and Alabama -- were shown what their options were in each situation, what tools they might use to deal with the situation and then given a chance to use the tools the way they might in a real accident.

In most cases, the first thing responders need to do is get the bigger vehicle stabilized so emergency workers can rescue any victims that are trapped.

"It's a system of making sure that everything we do first makes everything safe for the rest of the process," said Graber, who is a former Darien volunteer and now lives in Virginia where he works for the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority and volunteers for the Leesburg Fire Department.

The quick action of residents on Broadway Road in Darien today may have helped keep a serious accident from turning tragic.

After a 23-year-old mother from Cheektowaga lost control of her car on Route 20, having it turn over multiple times before coming to rest on the front lawn of Debbie Pugilese, residents rushed to the aid of the victims.

One witness, who was driving east on Route 20, called 9-1-1 and then called his wife, Emily Toal, a registered nurse.  

Toal reached the scene before EMS personnel arrived.

"I'm an RN so I figured if I could help at all, I should," Toal said. "When I got here, I found a 6-year-old, faint pulses, faint breath sounds, and there was a 12-week-old on the ground and the mother was sitting with the 12-week-old. The mother was in shock. We got towels and tried to keep everybody warm before the shock set in. We tried to keep the 6-year-old's head stable until the EMTs got here."

Deputy Patrick Reeves was impressed by the response of the residents. He described several coming to the scene.

"The residents in the area and the witnesses helped us out tremendously until EMS arrived," Reeves said.

Steve Kidder, who lives next door to Pugilese, and like Pugilese saw the accident, said everybody pitched in to do what they could to help.

"I’m glad to have all these folks as my neighbors," Kidder said.

Both Kidder and Pugilese said they saw the silver Chevy Malibu heading west on Route 20 when the car, for an unknown reason, crossed into the eastbound lane, struck a guardrail and became airborne. The car then hit a ditch and became airborne again and rolled over. It flew over Pugilese's driveway, hit the ground and rolled again, coming to rest on the driver's side.

The 6-year-old girl was ejected.

"When I came down the woman was crawling from the car with an infant," Pugilese said.

State Police said the driver was Jelissa Jones. The names have the children have not been released.

The driver and the infant reportedly suffered cuts and abrasions.  

The condition of the 6-year-old is not currently available. The child was transported to Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo by Mercy Flight.

Responding to the scene along with the Sheriff's Office and State Police were Darien fire volunteers and Mercy EMS.

(Initial Report)

One person has been ejected in a rollover accident at 2456 Route 20. Darien Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. No others vehicles are involved.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: Mercy Flight out of Batavia is called.

UPDATE 4:32 p.m.: A second Mercy Flight helicopter out of Buffalo is called. The victims are an infant a girl about 4 or 5 years old in a car seat who was ejected from the vehicle, an infant who is semi-conscious, and their mother, who is conscious and alert and has lacerations.

UPDATE 4:48 p.m.: Traffic is being shut down at routes 20 and 98. Also, no westbound traffic will be permitted on Route 20.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: The baby and the little girl are both headed to Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo via the Mercy Flight helicopters. The mother was transported by ground ambulance to ECMC. The accident reportedly occurred when the vehicle was westbound on Route 20, coming out of Alexander, and when it reached of the crest of the hill it went out of control for unknown reasons. It hit a guardrail, flipped over, hit a ditch, flipped over again, ejecting a 6-year-old girl, and came to rest. The mother is said to have crawled from the wreckage carrying the 3-month-old baby in her arms.

A 21-year-old driver involved in a serious injury motor-vehicle accident on Pike Road, Alexander, is being accused of driving drunk and faces a felony charge of vehicular assault, 2nd.

Wyatt J. Becker, 21, of Sumner Road, Darien, was driving a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville when he allegedly lost control of the car and struck a tree. The incident happened at 12:26 a.m., July 30.

His passenger, Luke M. Taracki, 20, of Rusher Road, Alden, needed to be extricated from the vehicle and taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC with serious injuries.

Becker is also charged with DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, failure to keep right and refusal to take a breath test.