Homeless man arrested after shoplifting, vehicle pursuit in Lakewood and Busti...
A homeless man who allegedly stole a car in the city of Jamestown faces more than two-dozen charges after he was accused of stealing items from the Lakewood Wal-Mart store, and leading police on a vehicle pursuit. Lakewood-Busti Police were called to the Fairmount Avenue store about 4 p.m. last Saturday afternoon on a larceny report. When they arrived... they saw 32 year-old Jonathan King leaving the store... and, getting into the car and driving off. King then allegedly led police on a vehicle pursuit until the car got stuck in a yard on Southwestern Drive in the town of Busti. He then ran off on foot before being caught by police. King is charged with third-degree unlawfully fleeing police in a motor vehicle... third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... resisting arrest... second-degree reckless endangerment... third and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property... and others -- including 16 vehicle and traffic charges. He was taken to the county jail, pending arraignment.
Three arrested in connection with Portland robbery and possession of stolen property...
Two people from the town of Portland have been accused of luring a third person to an address in the town earlier this month... then assaulting and robbing the victim. Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene on Saturday, Dec. 3, about 2:30 a.m. to investigate. Deputies say they found that 23 year-old Rebecca Gard had convinced the victim to meet her at the address... and, once they arrived... the victim was attacked by 29 year-old Phillip Whitfield and beaten up. Deputies say Gard and Whitfield then allegedly stole property from the victim. The next day... they also arrested a third person... 28 year-old Nicholas Marczynski who also had some of the stolen property. He was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Whitfield is charged with third-degree robbery, second-degree harassment... second-degree unlawful imprisonment... second-degree aggravated harassment... and, criminal mischief. Gard was arrested on an active City of Dunkirk warrant... and, taken to Dunkirk for arraignment. She was later arraigned on fourth-degree grand larceny and petty larceny charges. All three suspects were released pending court appearances in Portland Town Court.
Bi-partisan, Senate Immigration proposal faces time and other challenges in Congress...
It's not likely that a recently proposed, bi-partisan immigration deal can pass before the end of the year since there's little time left in the current "lame duck" session of Congress. In addition... some lawmakers have raised concerns with the compromise framework that would legalize roughly 2-million “Dreamers” in exchange for stronger border security. Others were concerned by the absence of concrete details in the deal announced by Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina... and, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. Local Congressman Joe Sempolinski says he's seen no written proposal... so, it's a "long way" from being even brought to the floor of both chambers. for consideration. At this point... Tillis, a Republican, says he doesn’t see the deal being included in an omnibus spending agreement. That's the final, must-pass legislation for this Congress before Republicans take control of the House in January. The stakes are high because House Republicans are unlikely to embrace any immigration compromise once they control that chamber. Sempolinski made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.
JPD investigators find two loaded handguns inside vacant building...
A drug investigation has led to the discovery of two loaded hand-guns inside a vacant building in the city of Jamestown. City police say members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force raided the home last week... and, during their search, detectives found a loaded .357-caliber revolver... and, a loaded .45-caliber pistol. Police say the revolver had previously been reported as stolen from a
citizen in Warren, Pennsylvania. Officials says the search warrant was executed as part of an ongoing investigation into illegally
possessed drugs and firearms in the Jamestown area. Police say there are no charges at this time... but the investigation is on-going.
Jackson Center to host Founders’ Day event Tuesday...
The Robert H. Jackson Center is inviting the public to visit this Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. for the annual Founders’ Day open house. Center President Kristan McMahon says the center, at Fourth Street and Prendergast Ave. in Jamestown has been beautifully decorated for the holidays thanks to several entities... including designers and florists, and some ornaments created by local elementary school chidren. Light refreshments will also be offered. And there will be a brief program as well. There’s no cost to attend the Tuesday events, but please phone the Robert H. Jackson Center at 716-483-6646 to let them know you are coming.
Falconer mayor honors Thomas Tedesco on awarding of medals for WWII service...
It was a proud day for the village of Falconer last Thursday when 98 year-old Thomas Tedesco received all of his military medals during a ceremony in Jamestown. Tedesco fought on the front-lines of World War-Two... and, finally received the nine medals he had coming for his service. They were presented at the Fenton History Center during a program hosted by State Senator George Borrello. Falconer Mayor Dave Jaroszynski praised Tedesco's nearly three-years of servce... and, reflected on Tedesco's service to the Falconer community as a resident and businessman... including selling pumpkins from his home. Senator Borrello says the medal's being presented to Tedesco were "long overdue..." and, include the Bronze Star -- the fourth-highest military honor for soldiers in combat.
