It's Primary Day in Chautauqua County, and New York state...
It's Primary Day across New York state and Chautauqua County with one major party race taking place today locally. That from County Republican Election's Commissioner Brian Abram... who says polls open today at Noon... and, voting runs until 9 p.m. Abram says the local GOP will decide on their Family Court Judge candidate for November 8th between endorsed candidate Michael Sullivan of Fredonia, and Sherry Bjork of Busti. The winner will face Democrat Sally Jaroszynski... who is also facing Mike Sullivan in a Reform Party Primary today. That's a minor party with only 24 members county-wide. Abram adds that the Reform Party has a couple of other votes today... those are for state Assembly, and Senate. He says there are 51 polling places across Chautauqua County. Sample ballots are available to view at Votechautauqua.com.
Fatal accident investigation leads to charges against driver of one of the vehicle's involved...
A Lakewood man is now jailed on a number of charges following a fatal car accident earlier this month at the intersection of Route 380 and Sinclair Drive. Sheriff's officers say 29 year-old Jude Gagliano was arrested on a warrant issued out of Ripley Town Court on charges stemming from the September 2nd accident that took the life of 22 year old Charles Clutter of Stockton. Gagliano is charged with second-degree Vehicular Manslaughter, Driving while intoxicated, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Gagliano was arraigned in the Ellery Town Court... and, sent to the County Jail without bail.
Gerace says suspect in attempted murder of Sheriff's officer faces major charges...
A Cheektowaga man is facing charges of first-degree attempted murder of an officer and assault after he allegedly tried to kill a Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputy. Sheriff Joe Gerace says the incident occurred when the unidentified deputy responded to a property damage crash on Route 60... north of Cassadaga... about 3:30 a.m. Gerace says the driver, 21-year-old Justin Haffa was likely under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The deputy attempted to do field sobriety tests... but, Haffa resisted, and Haffa allegedly wrestled with the deputy, pinning the officer to the ground... and, tried to kill the deputy with a knife. Gerace says the officer then fired her gun, but Haffa wrestled it away and fled the scene. He was later found on Putnum Road in the town of Town of Stockton.
Swanson says Haffa jailed without bail pending Thursday hearing...
The Cheektowaga man who allegedly tried to kill that Sheriff's deputy early Sunday was immediately sent to the county jail without bail. Acting Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says that Justin Haffa was arraigned in Pomfret Town Court, and sent to the County Jail without bail. Swanson says the attempted murder charge is an A-1 Felony, and local courts cannot set bail for those kinds of offenses. The female deputy was treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries and later released.
Jamestown man arrested for allegedly stabbing another man...
A Jamestown man had to be taken to WCA Hospital for treatment after he was stabbed on the city's southside early Monday morning. Jamestown police were called to a home just after 1 a.m., and, found the male victim standing in the kitchen of the residence. Emergency Medical personnel were called to the scene to treat the victim for a stab wound to the chest. Police say they arrested the alleged suspect, 56 year-old Robert Gifford, in the living room. Gifford was charged with first-degree assault, and taken to the city jail pending arraignment. The victim was taken to WCA Hospital for treatment.
City man arrested for criminal mischief...
A city man is under arrest for allegedly being involved in an alleged fight... and, for throwing an item through a glass window. Jamestown police say officers were called to the scene at 170 Baker Street just after 9 a.m. Monday... and, their investigation showed that 28 year-old Shane Kalb had allegedly thrown the item through the window. In addition... police say Kalb began yelling obscenities towards other people in that neighborhood. Kalb was taken into custody for fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, unnecessary noise.
