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Western New Yorker walking to Yankee Stadium to help fight Lou Gehrig's Disease

By Howard B. Owens

Matt Mondoux, a resident of Grand Island and an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, is walking for Lou.

Mondoux, who passed through Genesee County yesterday, is walking the width of New York, all the way to Yankee Stadium, in order to raise money for research into Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"When you see a bunch of people who aren’t getting the kind of help you think they deserve, you realize they need somebody who isn’t directly effected by the disease to help out," Mondoux.

Lou Gehrig's Disease wasn't something Mondoux paid much attention to until a friend was diagnosed and he started doing a little research.

He said reading the blogs of victims raised his awareness and concern for people who have been afflicted.

"Reading up on it, I got kind of emotionally attached," he said. "It was kind of sad that even though I’m a New York Yankee fan, I didn’t know exactly what Lou Gehrig’s Disease was."

Mondoux served 10 years in the Army, but works now at a Seneca-Niagara casino. While he said his employer has been exceptionally supportive of his walk, the 14 days he's taking for the trek is an unpaid leave of absence.

People along the route have already been incredibily supportive, he said.

While he stopped in Bethany and spoke with a reporter, somebody drove up and handed him $2, apologizing that he didn't have more money with him.

A guy walking down the road in a Yankees uniform gets a lot of attention, Mondoux said.

Once he arrives at Yankee Stadium, Mondoux will attend a game using donated tickets. He hopes to be able to get all of the Yankee players to sign his jersey.

If he can raise $2 million, he said, he would like to donate the jersey to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown to help raise awareness of Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"I'll even give them my lucky hat," he said.

He bought the Yankees cap on Sept. 11, 2001, just outside of New York City -- he could see the towers burning that day from where he was, he said.

"It's been with me everywhere," he said. "It's been with me in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wore it the day my daughter was born. It's been everywhere, from Europe to Las Vegas."

Now it's going to Yankee Stadium.

To donate and to track Matt's progress, visit Walking4Lou.com.

Officials wrapping up investigation into death of Iraq vet on Darien Lake rollercoaster

By Howard B. Owens

State regulators are expected to meet with investigators from the Sheriff's Office tomorrow and present their findings from their investigation into the death Friday of Iraq war hero James Hackemer, who was ejected from the Ride of Steel at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Until then, it's hard to say, according to Deputy Chief Jerome Brewster, if there will be any evidence to take to the District Attorney's Office for possible prosecution of any staff members at the theme park.

"At this point, we don't see any evidence of criminality," Brewster said. "But we'll have to see what the Department of Labor comes up with in their half of the investigation. If in their half, they find training records that show a supervisor or employees were trained not to let an amputee on the ride (for example), then maybe there is something to take to the District Attorney to review."

Brewster said, rather than a criminal complaint the findings might support a possible civil action by Hackemer's family, noting, however, that in any case where there is an injury or death on an amusement park ride, some sort of civil action is likely.

"Just off the top of my head I would think there’s some potential for civil liability, but criminal liability remains to be seen," Brewster said.

The Sheriff's Office has completed its investigation, Brewster said. The DOL investigators were at the scene of the accident today and are expected to return to Darien Lake in the morning before meeting with the Sheriff's Office in the afternoon.

Darien Lake officials are being exceptionally tight lipped about the accident.

Cassandra Okon, spokeswoman for the theme park, today repeated what she's told every news outlet that's called her: Officials at the park have no idea how long the investigation will take and until then park officials have no comment on the accident.

Asked if there would be a press conference after the investigation is completed, Okon said that hasn't been decided.

She took The Batavian's e-mail address and said if there are any further statements from Darien Lake, the statements will be e-mailed to all of the media outlets on her list.

The story of Hackemer's death has been reported throughout the world.

He lost both of his legs to a roadside bomb in Iraq and twice nearly died as a result of his wounds.

Hackemer's family told the Buffalo News that the 29-year-old father of two "died happy."

"I have no doubt in my mind that he died happy," his sister, Jody Hackemer, said Saturday as the family gathered at Hackemer's parents' farmhouse in Gowanda. "I know that's hard to comprehend. But really, he was doing what he wanted to do. And that's the important thing."

While there have been rumors since the accident that Hackemer insisted on getting on the ride over the objections of Darien Lake staff, the family contradicts those account in the Buffalo News article.

"We in no shape or form hold Darien Lake accountable," the sister said. "They weren't negligent. It's nobody's fault. It was an accident. James thought it wasn't an issue."

Brewster said that what he's seen from the investigation reports so far indicate that Hackemer wanted to get on the ride and family and staff assisted him. There was no attempt that Brewster is aware of to stop Hackemer from taking a seat on the Ride of Steel.

"Nobody has indicated that at this point," Brewster said.

Brewster confirmed accounts that Hackemer was ejected from the ride at the crest of a hill on the ride the runs parallel Route 77 where other rides have said the gravitational shift causes riders to lift out of their seats.  

Hackemer had already been though bigger hills in the ride, so it's still not clear why he was ejected at this point in the ride.

The accident has revived an attempt by a Massachusetts congressman to take theme park regulation out of the hands of state officials and put regulation and investigation into federal officials' hands.

The local and state regulators who currently oversee amusement parks may lack the budget resources and technical experience to carry out effective safety checks and investigate accidents, Markey said.

"While the cause of the accident that claimed the life of Sgt. Hackemer is still unknown, one thing is crystal clear: Hypercoasters that hurtle riders at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour along 200-foot drops should not be exempt from federal safety oversight," Markey said.

He plans to introduce legislation, which he has proposed multiple times before, to make fixed-site amusement parks subject to the regulatory authority of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a federal consumer protection body. The move could prevent future injuries, he said.

Two arrests, 31 underage drinking citations at Sugarland concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were made by the Sheriff's Office on July 8 during the Sugarland concert at Darien Lake Performatin Arts Center.

Tina M. Smith, 42, of  Coburn Street, Elmira is charged with harassment, 2nd. Smith is accused of striking a security guard will being ejected.

Margaret B. DeMarco, 18, of Hughes Street, Buffalo is charged with false personation and possession of alcohol under age 21. DeMarco is accused of providing a false name and being under 21 in possession of alcohol.

After the jump, a list of citations issued for alleged underage drinking. 

 

 

John C. Koenig, 20, of Cary Avenue, Oakfield
Molly M. Erickson, 18, of Jackman Road, Elma
A 16-year-old of Townline Road, Elma
McKenzie E. Harris, 18, of Fisher Road, Oakfield
Matthias J. Schuster, 20, of Liberty Pole Road, Dansville
(name removed upon request), 19, of Bernhardt Drive, Snyder
(name removed upon request), 19, of Mill Street, Williamsville
(name redacted upon request), 19, of Richmond Avenue, Lancaster
Jessica M. Lorusso, 18, of Bridgewater Court, Lancaster
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Ransom Road, Lancaster
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Anthony Street, Lancaster
A 16-year-old of Lake Avenue, Orchard Park
Maureen L. Donohoe, 18, of Bentley Circle, Lancaster
Samantha L. Carson, 19, of Elm Place Lancaster
Jacqueline R. Andrusz, 19, of N. Maple Drive, Williamsville
Mallorie R. Stone, 19, of N. Burdick Street, E. Syracuse
Kelsey L. Temple, 19, of Kenner Road, Minoa
Paige K. Kelly, 19, of Lighthouse Road, Hilton
Trisha N. Duchyns, 19, of Squareview Lane, Rochester
Amanda K. Payment, 20, of Peck Road, Hilton
Brianna L. Venditti, 20, of Curtis Parkway, Tonawanda
Trea H. Watts, 19, of Sweethome Road, Amhurst
Erin K. Philipson, 18, of Highland Road, Ithaca
Stacy L. Squire, 19, of Cherry Street, Batavia
Lindsey E. Penders, 20, of Shepherd Road, Batavia
Melissa A. Smith, 20, of Allenview Drive, Batavia
Brittany L. Morelli, 20, of Lovers Lane Road, Batavia
Jared M. Mutka, 20, of Williamsburg Lane, Lancaster
Nicole E. Jones, 20, of Monroe Avenue, Brockport
Christine E. Dorson, 19, of South 17th Street, Olean
Kathryn E. Horrigan, 20, of Eagle Street, Cooperstown

Smoke reported on east side of Fargo Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

Smoke is reportedly coming from the woods along the east side of Fargo Road, south of Reynolds Road, in Darien. Darien Volunteer Fire Department is responding. The caller said there was a large amount of black smoke pouring from the area.

UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: Firefighters on scene report that, at this time, the fire is deemed to be a controlled burn.

UPDATE 8:52 p.m.: It is a controlled burn and those responsible for it are putting it out. Darien fire is back in service.

Iraq vet, double amputee, dies after being ejected from ride at Darien Lake Theme Park

By WBTA News

The victim of a tragic roller coaster accident at Darien Lake Theme Park this afternoon was 29-year-old James Hackemer, of Gowanda. He is a veteran of the Iraq War and a double-amputee. One of his legs was removed at the hip, and other below just above the knee.

The Ride of Steel is a lap-harness-only roller coaster. Its restraint system includes a yellow lap bar that covers approximately hip-to-hip, and a lap-only seat belt. There are no other bodily restraints built into the ride. Hackemer was not wearing prosthetic legs this afternoon.

At a news conference this evening, Genesee County Sheriff's Sergeant Greg Walker confirmed that Hackemer was riding in the front seat of the front car on The Ride of Steel at the time of the incident. He was sitting next to a family member. Sgt. Walker estimated the roller coaster was traveling about 50 mph. He could not say how far Hackemer had fallen.

Sheriff's investigations will continue tomorrow. Darien Lake officials and the NYS Department of Labor are also looking into the matter. No charges have been filed.

Park officials declined comment this evening, other than to say that the theme park will remain open on its normal schedule tomorrow. The Ride of Steel will remain closed. A message to the public has been posted on the Darien Lake website.

PHOTO: Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Steve Mullen, left, and Sgt. Greg Walker. Photo by Geoff Redick of WBTA.

CORRECTION (1:04 a.m.): Victim's name updated to reflect proper spelling.

Rider falls off roller coaster and dies at Darien Lake Theme Park

By Billie Owens

A patron, believed to be a male, fell off the Ride of Steel roller coaster (also known as Superman) this afternoon and died at Darien Lake Theme Park, according to Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha.

No other information is available at this time.

UPDATE (8:20 p.m.): According to a park spokesperson, the victim is an adult male. The accident happened at about 5:30 p.m. The ride and surrounding area are closed while the incident is under investigation.

Bike rider suffers minor injuries after car in Darien allegedly turns in his path

By Howard B. Owens

A bicyclist from Erie County was injured late Monday morning when a car reportedly turned in front of him at the intersection of Alleghany and Sumner roads, Darien.

Mercy Flight was initially dispatched to the scene, but was canceled before arrival.

Transported by ground ambulance to ECMC was Albert W. Weber, 49, of Heise Road, Clarence Center. He was treated and released.

Cited for allegedly failing to use a turn signal was Lynn A. Pilc, 38, of Schoellkopf Road, Cowlesville.

Pilc was driving a 2008 Ford SUV northbound on Route 77 when she reportedly decided to make a right-hand turn onto Sumner Road.

Pilc allegedly turned in front of Weber's bike and he was apparently unable to avoid a collision.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Nathan Balduf.

Police Beat: Elba man charged with setting off illegal fireworks

By Howard B. Owens

Derek Todd Hanchett, 21, of Arnold Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful dealing with fireworks. Hanchett was charged following an investigation by Deputy Jason Saile about a complaint of loud fireworks at 1:33 a.m., Monday, in the area of 4238 West Ave., Elba. Hanchett was allegedly found setting off fireworks and in possession of fireworks.

Edward Woods, 18, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Woods is accused of stealing money from Darien Lake Theme Park while employed at the park.

Nicole Lynn Poler, 26, of Zig Zag Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or more and driving left of pavement markings. Poler was reportedly involved in a one-car accident in the area of 23 Allegany Road, Corfu, at 2:25 a.m. Saturday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Howard Carlson (initial report).

Benjamin Jeffery Kitanik, 26, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driver's view obstructed. Kitanik was stopped at 2:25 a.m. Sunday on Route 77 in Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Cody Lee Pahuta, 19, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Pahuta is accused of shoplifting $22.88 in merchandise from Walmart.

Braydon Mitchell Edwards, 20, of Waterloo Street, Clyde, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol under 21 years of age. Edwards was charged following an investigation into a disturbance at 5:53 p.m. Sunday at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Patrick Gregory Potwora, 26, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, is charged with a felony count of DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Potwora was stopped at  1:52 a.m. Monday, in the area of 20 W. Main St., Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Chad Michael Henning, 18, of Main Street, Akron, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under age 21. Henning was charged following a traffic stop at 12:38 a.m. Saturday by Deputy Jason Saile on Route 77, Darien. Henning was a passenger in the car and allegedly had a container of alcohol in his hands.

Two cars collide in Darien at Sumner and Colby roads

By Billie Owens

A two-car "T-bone" accident is reported at Sumner and Colby roads in Darien. There are injuries but everyone was conscious at the time of the call to dispatch.

Darien Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: A firefighter says a utility pole was damaged. It doesn't appear to be in danger of toppling over but it was "struck pretty good." One of the cars involved has Indiana plates. Two tows are called, including one flatbed.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Darien fire is back in service.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Mercy medics are taking three people to UMMC and another person is being taken there in a private vehicle. National Grid has been notified abou the damaged pole.

Police Beat: Suspected shoplifter allegedly found with syringes

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Stanley Martaus, 27, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument and petit larceny. Martaus was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Walmart. During the investigation by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, he was allegedly found in possession of two hypodermic syringes.

Tyler Scott Brand, 19, of Pearl Street, Springville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and operating in violation of a conditional-use license. Brand was stopped for allegedly going 49 in a 39 mph zone at 10:13 p.m., Saturday on Route 77 in Darien by Deputy Ron Meides.

Thomas R. Hendershott, 41, Sunrise Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and operating without insurance. Hendershott was stopped at 10:46 p.m. Tuesday on Stevens Street, Oakfield, by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Five children injured in car accident in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Five children where injured in a two-car accident on Thursday afternoon when a 17-year-old driver in Darien allegedly failed to yield the right-of-way.

All five children, ages 9 to 13, were transported by ground ambulance to Erie County Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

The 17-year-old driver, Dean G. Cullinan, of Prospect Street, Corfu, also suffered a minor injury and was transported to UMMC.

Cullinan was reportedly southbound on County Line Road when he went through a stop sign at Sumner Road.

Kelly Susan Ford, 45, of Fairfield Drive, Clarence, was driving a 2011 Honda SUV eastbound on Sumner with the five children in the vehicle.

Ford told Deputy Ron Meides that Cullinan's 1995 Plymouth minivan seemed to suddenly appear in front of her at the intersection. She couldn't tell, she said, if the minivan had stopped before entering the intersection.

Cullinan told Meides that he had stopped and decided to proceed once he thought the roadway was clear of cross traffic. He said he didn't see Ford's SUV.

The children injured were Kristen H. Olivieri, 9, Clarissa Surianello, 13, Mara K. Giambrone, 13, Emily E. Ford, 13, and Katherine L. Ford, 11.

Meides issued citations to Cullinan for allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign and failure to yield the right-of-way.

(initial report)

Two-car accident in Darien, five children inside

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with possibly serious injuries is reported at 192 Sumner and County Line roads, in Darien. One vehicle reportedly has five children inside.

Darien Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 12:08 p.m.: A unit on scene reports only minor injuries.

UPDATE 12:17 p.m.: All occupants are out of the vehicles.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: Two flatbed tow trucks are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: Mercy units transporting patients to UMMC and Suburban Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: All Darien units back in service.

Possible structure fire on Darien-Alexander TL Road

By Billie Owens

A possible structure fire is reported at 10820 Darien-Alexander Townline Road. A vehicle is on fire close to a residence there.

Darien Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Alexander.

The location is between Broadway and Buffalo Street roads.

UPDATE 11:38 p.m.: The vehicle fire is "well involved" and about six feet from the house.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: Darien chief reports the car fire is out and the structure was not involved.

Nine arrests reported, eight citations issued following Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were made by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Jordan M. Kuhn, 24, of Salzburg Village, Palmyra, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd. Kuhn allegedly struck a Darien Lake security officer in the face and then fought with security. He was also allegedly found to be in possession of a stolen sign belonging to Darien Lake. Kuhn was jailed on $1,000 bail. 

Crystal M. Norris, 26 of Salzburg Village, Palmyra, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Norris is accused of pushing a Darien Lake security guard during the arrest of Kuhn.

Mark P. Scally, 27, of Norhill Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Scally was allegedly found in possession of drugs and an expandable billy club.

Stephen J. Csapo, 20, of Commerce Drive, Avon, is charged with trespass. Csapo allegedly reentered the facility after being ejected and told not to return.

Thomas J. Metacale, 21, of Main Street, Hornell, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being ejected. 

Joseph M. Cicero, 21, of Carter Road, Fairport, is charged with trespass. Cicero was ejected from the concert venue and then allegedly tried to reenter by jumping a fence.

Maureen K. Freeman, 20 of North Avenue, Avon, is charged with trespass. Freeman allegedly returned to the concert venue after being ejected.

Joshua D. Caples, 20, of Oswego Road, Phoenix, is charged with disorderly conduct. Caples is accused of urinating on other people in the lawn area of the concert venue.

Robert P. Coots, 34, of West Transit Church Road, Albion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Coots allegedly drove from the concert venue in an intoxicated condition.

The following citations were issued for allegedly possession of alcohol under 21 years of age:

Katrina L. Schmieder, 19, of Route 98, Attica
William Ruiz III, 18, of Maryland Street, Buffalo
Mitchell P. Hamilton, 19, of Route 36, Jasper
Tyler S. Odell, 20, of Route 36, Canisteo
Kristin K. Pierce, 20, of East Avenue, Arkport
Cody J. McCormick, 20, of 4th Street, Canisteo
A 17-year-old of Captain’s Cove Lane, Webster
A 16-year-old of Bay Meadow Drive, Webster

Police Beat: Drug dealing charges filed in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Brandon Alan Eisenberg, 27, of Village Gate, Williamsville, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of marijuana, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and inhalation of toxic gas (Nitrous Oxide). On June 8, Eisenberg was initially charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and now these new charges have been added. Eisenberg was arrested in Darien.

Alysasa Marie Lori, 19, of Roe Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Lori is accused of continuing to make harassing phone calls and sending text messages to a person after being warned by that person, a Corfu resident, and police to cease the communications.

A 16-year-old from East Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with false personation. The youth is accused of providing a false identity to police during an investigation of an alleged underage drinking party at 1:04 a.m., June 5, at 98 North St., Le Roy.

Police Beat: Alleged mailbox caper leads to charges in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Michele Ann Case, 46, of North Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Case is accused of spray painting a mailbox that did not belong to her. Case allegedly took a mailbox and painted over the house numbers on it and then painted her own house numbers on it.

Jesse Jack Carney, 19, Highland Drive, Marcelius, is charged with petit larceny and possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under 21. Carney is accused of stealing Dippin Dots ice cream while at Darien Lake Theme Park. During the investigation by Deputy Patrick Reeves, Carney was allegedly found in possession of alcohol.

Elizabeth Rose Kaylie Searle, 18, of Apulia Road, La Fayette, is charged with petit larceny and possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under 21. Searle is accused of stealing Dippin Dots ice cream while at Darien Lake Theme Park. During the investigation by Deputy Patrick Reeves, Searle was allegedly found in possession of alcohol.

Andrea Murphy Harrington, 19, of Otisco Valley Road, Preble, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under 21. Harrington was reportedly at Darien Lake Theme Park and allegedly consuming alcohol.

Candice Ashley Clemens, 19, of Route 80, La Fayette, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under 21. Clemens was reportedly at Darien Lake Theme Park and allegedly consuming alcohol.

Tyler Pasquale Schroeder, 19, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, was turned over to the Sheriff's Office by Attica Police on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. Schroeder was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Lewis Martin Fuller, 51, of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Fuller reportedly voluntarily turned over suspected smoking paraphernalia during an investigation into a domestic incident on June 14. The paraphernalia allegedly contained a quantity of marijuana.

Police Beat: Man accused of hitting boy on Father's Day

By Howard B. Owens

Anthony Devon Alexander, 37, Wast Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Alexander is accused of slapping a 13-year-old boy on the face leaving welts and bruising. The alleged incident occurred at noon, Sunday (Father's Day).

Stephanie Rae LaVoice, 26, of Brown Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of the pavement markings in a no-passing zone and driving left at railroad crossing. LaVoice was stopped at 1:17 a.m., Saturday, on Brown Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Ryan M. Palmer, 29, of 10 Birchwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Palmer is accused of shoving a female acquaintance.

Paul B. Heale, 58, of 29 Linwood Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest. Heale was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 6 p.m., Saturday.

Shawn William Shanahan, 40, of Bonnie Brae Drive, Darien, is charged with DWI, aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to keep right, possession/consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Shanahan was stopped at 2:16 a.m., Sunday, on Route 20, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Rene Corez-Marrero, 28, of East Utica Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and dark window tint. Corez-Marrero was stopped at 7:54 p.m., Saturday, on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Corez-Marrero is also charged with coercion, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Corez-Marrero was reportedly involved at an incident at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at Darien Lake Theme Park where Corez-Marrero allegedly did not allow a woman to contact police and took her personal property.

Dean Wilkins, 47, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wilkins is accused of depositing a forged check into an account at the Le Roy Federal Credit Union. Wilkins was jailed without bail.

Heidi L. Thomas, 27, and Denise R. Queen, no age given, both of 20 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, are charged with attempted petit larceny. Thomas and Queen allegedly tried to steal merchandise from Dollar General on June 17.

Hannah E. Dibble, 18, and a 16-year-old, both of Akron Road, Corfu, and a 17-year-old of Longs Lane, Corfu, are all charged with petit larceny. The trio is accused of shoplifting at 10:08 p.m., June 14, from Walmart.

Large plume of smoke coming from woods in Darien

By Billie Owens

A large plume of smoke is reported coming the woods at 951 Broadway Road. The type of fire is unknown. Darien Fire Department is dispatched.

The location is between Harlow and Warner roads.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: The chief says it's a small controlled burn.

UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: The fire stems from burning paper and wood. The homeowners have been advised of burn regulations. Darien is back in service.

Police Beat: DWI charged in Corfu after man reportedly drives through accident scene

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel William Tuerk, 25, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Tuerk was arrested after reportedly trying to proceed through an accident scene on East Main Street, Corfu, at 12:58 a.m., Saturday.

Earl Bryan Benson, 22, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI and refusal to submit to breath test. Benson was reportedly found asleep in a vehicle at 2 a.m., Sunday, parked at 64 S. Main St., Elba. Sgt. Brian Friday made the arrest after an investigation revealed that Benson allegedly drove drunk to that location. Benson was jailed on $1,000 bail.

name redacted, 18, of 36 Dellinger Ave., Batavia and Jordon E. Terkel, 21, of 76 E. Main St., Corfu, are charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st, and endangering the welfare of a child. xxx and Terkel are accused of supplying alcohol to two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old on May 28.

Jason Warren Spencer, 25 of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment, 2nd. Spencer is accused of being involved in an unspecified incident alleged to have occurred early Saturday morning.

Eugeno Nunez-Gomez, 22, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, drving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, unregistered motor vehicle, improper/switched plates. Nunez-Gomez was stopped at 1:12 a.m., Sunday, in the area of 5800 Transit Road, Elba, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

James Daniel Kavanagh, 21, of North Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd. Kavanagh is accused of being involved in a fight at an address on Main Road, Stafford, in which he injured another person.  

Jason Paul Schaefer, 19, of Martin Road, Clarence Center, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Schaefer is accused at being at the Phish concert June 8 while another person he is barred from being near was also at the concert. Schaefer then allegedly got into a verbal altercation, allegedly violating the order of protection.

Matthew F. Vanbuskirk, 22, of 108 Myrtle St., Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and having non-transparent side windows. Vanbuskirk was stopped Saturday by a Le Roy Police patrol.

Lena Marie Evans, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Evans was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a check the welfare complaint at 8:32 p.m., Friday.

Ryan Christopher Riggi, 16, of Transit Road, Elba, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Riggi allegedly violated an order of protection after reportedly pushing a caseworker on a home visit. Riggi was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Kevin James Huston, 27, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Huston is accused of claiming rewards and discounts from Kmart he was not entitled to obtain.

Evan Charles Burstein, 24, of Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Va., is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Burstein was reportedly found by Darien Lake security wandering around the theme park in an intoxicated condition. Upon investigation by Deputy Chad Minuto, he was allegedly found in possession of Clonazepam tablets outside their original container and a quantity of marijuana. Burstein was jailed on $250 bail.

John Mitchell Irish, 29, of Dartmouth Street, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI. Irish was allegedly involved in a car vs. pedestrian accident on Sumner Road, Darien, at 12:26 a.m., June 9. Irish was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Jessica R. Johns, 28, of 120 Jackson St., Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, 3rd. Johns is accused of taking the car of an acquaintance without permission on June 9. Johns was located on June 10 and the car was returned reportedly undamaged.

Jason Schafer, 23, of Geneseo, is accused of evading cigarette taxes. Schafer was allegedly found in possession of 2,000 untaxed cigarettes.

Only two arrests accompany Phish concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The mellow fans of Phish didn't cause many problems for the Sheriff's Office during the band's concert at Darien Lake on Wednesday.

Only one arrest was made and only one underage drinking citation issued.

"The fact that only Phish concertgoers were in the amusement park, hotel, camping and the concert yesterday, seemed to make for a pleasant day for all," said Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble.

He said EMS was kept busy with heat and alcohol- and drug-related issues.

Arrested were:

Brandon A. Eisenberg, 27, of  Village Gate Court, Williamsville, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th. Eisenberg is accused of possessing a large quantity of marijuana. Additional charges may be pending.

Adam M. McNamara, 19, of Dean Street, Schenectady, was cited for allegedly possessing alcohol under 21 years of age.

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