**DFT Communications issues interrupt phone, Internet service in Jamestown-area for several hours early Friday... ALSO knocks Media One Radio Group off-line...
Some spotty phone outages have been reported this morning... although they seem very localized to the Jamestown-area. Media One Group and several other businesses serviced by DFT Communications had no telephone nor Internet service from 3:30 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. Today. Speaking to DFT this morning... we learned that a number of businesses and others were affected. However... we contacted the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office 9-1-1 center... and, all is working there okay.
Jamestown man arrested for Fireworks violation...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly firing off an illegal fireworks mortar on Jamestown's westside late Thursday afternoon. City police say a Gun-Involved Violence Enforcement detail was working with state Police... and, we called to a West Eighth Street location -- near Lafayette Street on a complaint. Officers say they spotted 26 year-old Tyler Skillman-Drake shooting a mortar-style firework into the air. It then exploded, and is a violation of the city code. Skillman-Drake was issued an appearance ticket for discharging a firework within city limits.
Dunkirk-area woman hurt in Fireworks accident...
A north county woman is being treated for a burn injury after she was allegedly hit by a neighbor's fireworks late last night in the town of Dunkirk. Sheriff's officers and Fredonia fire crews were called to the scene on Bayshore Drive about 10:15 p.m., and, found the 58 year-old woman -- who is not being identified -- had been struck. Police say the woman was taken to the Erie County Medical Center for treatment and an evaluation. Polce say their investigation into the incident is continuing.
City man arrested on Narcotics, and obstruction charges...
A Jamestown man has been arrested on several drug-related charges after he was caught following a brief foot chase on the city's westside last Wednesday night. City police were called to the area of Cherry and West Eighth Streets shortly before 7 PM on a report of narcotics activity. Officers say they spotted a suspicious vehicle in the area, that then tried to leave the area. However.. when police tried to stop the vehicle... 31 year-old Lucas Smyczek... got out and ran off on foot. Officers later stopped Smyczek at Lafayette Street and Isabella Avenue. However... he allegedly tried to hide and throw away a large quantity of drugs he was intending to sell. Police say Smyczek was also wanted on warrants from other agencies. He was arrested pending arraignment on charges of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and obstruction.
Jamestown man arrested on slew of charges in Lakewood, is held on quarter of a million dollars bail...
A city man is being held on 250-thousand dollars bail following a traffic stop in Lakewood where he was found in possession of drugs, and then escaped for a short time from police. Lakewood-Busti Police say they stopped a vehicle in the parking lot at 277 East Fairmount Ave. for allegedly failing to stop at a red light. Officers say they found that 21 year-old Dale Linkous, Jr. Jamestown was driving with a revoked license, and had an order to stay away from the passenger in his car. In addition... police found Linkous in possession of 62 grams of powder cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana. Linkous was arrested... but, allegedly broke the leg shackle he was wearing... and ran out of police headquarters. He was later found with the assistance of Chautauqua County Probation... and, arrested on more charges -- including first-degree escape.
Boater accused of BWI in Chautauqua Institution boat accident...
A Washington, DC man faces a boating while intoxicated charge after his boat reportedly collided with a docked vessel at the Sport Club Dock at Chautauqua Institution. Sheriff's deputies say a member of the Navigation Team was called to the scene just after 2 p.m. yesterday... and, found that 42 year-old Matthew Lockwood was operating one of the vessels... which struck the other one, which was docked. No one was hurt. The deputy smelled an odor of alcohol, and Lockwood failed a sobriety test. He was charged with BWI, and having an unregistered boat.
Reptiles seized in Cattaraugus County...
A 71-year-old Cattaraugus County man faces multiple charges including illegal sale of wildlife after state environmental officials seized hundreds of turtles and three king cobras from his home. The state Department of Environmental Conservation says William Engelder of Allegany was charged with reckless endangerment, illegal possession of venomous reptiles and numerous other offenses. The reptiles seized included 17 endangered bog turtles and 184 spotted turtles, a species of special concern. It is illegal to possess reptiles that are native to New York state.
