Four arrested following lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in Fredonia...
A eight-month investigation into the illegal trafficking of drugs in the north county has led to the arrests of four people on a slew of drug-related charges. Sheriff's officers say their narcotics investigators... and, those from Dunkirk, and Jamestown Police Departments conducted a traffic stop and execution of a search warrant at 52 Maple Ave. in Fredonia Tuesday. They say Dunkirk Police pulled over a car on Route 60 in the town of Dunkirk operated by 31 year-old Altarique Mitchell of Rochester. A short time later police conducted the raid on Maple Avenue. Inside the residence at the time was 33 year-old Arriell Catalano of Fredonia... and, 31 year-old Tynell Tolbert, and, 27 year-old Rojonique Walker -- both of Buffalo. Investigators say the raid and the traffic stop led to the combined seizure of just over 280 grams of methamphetamine... 53.42-grams of crack cocaine, 7.53 grams of powder cocaine, 35 dosage units of Suboxone, a quantity of hydrocodone pills, scales and packaging material for the distribution of narcotics, and just over $5,700 in cash. All four suspects are charged with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. Walker was also sought on arrest warrants out of the Cheektowaga and Depew Police Departments. All four suspects were taken to the County Jail pending centralized arraignment.
Homeless man arrested in Jamestown for allegedly assaulting victim with can of beans...
A homeless man in Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly throwing a can of beans at another person... injuring them... on the city's eastside early this morning. Jamestown police were called to the location for a reported assault shortly after Midnight... and, learned that 32 year-old Mark Burch, Junior had hurled the can for no apparent reason. The victim was not seriously hurt. Burch was located a short time later... and, arrested for second-degree assault... and, he was jailed pending arraignment.
Investigation into fire at condemned home on Forest Avenue continues...
A condemned home on Jamestown's southside was heavily-damaged by fire early Tuesday evening... and, it remains under investigation. In a media release... Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Roush says crews were called to the scene at 216 Forest Ave. just before 7 p.m. and there was heavy fire coming from the rear of the building when they arrived. It took some time to bring the blaze under control because crews were unable to make an interior attack immediately. An aerial truck was brought into pour water on the structure. An off-duty shift was called in... and, firefighters were at the scene until about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday... and, no one was hurt.
Wendel opposes early convict release from state prisons... calling it an admission by DOCCS that CO's aren't safe...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel is strongly opposing the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s decision to release convicted felons early into the community. In a video statement Wednesday morning... Wendel called the move “shortsighted and dangerous." He says the statement from DOCCS indicated that there needed to be more of a "balance" for prison and public safety. Wendel says that verifies the fact that working conditions in the state prisons were "unsafe..." and he's urging Governor Hochul and state officials to reverse the decision and instead focus on long-term solutions. He says that would include: reinstating wrongfully terminated corrections officers, repealing pro-criminal legislation like the HALT Act, and ensuring adequate staffing in correctional facilities. The Albany Times Union reports the felons being considered for release have to be within 110-days of their parole... and, have housing established. The working conditions were the main reason for the recent corrections officers strike that affected most Upstate prison facilities... including Lakeview and Collins locally.
Child Abuse Awareness Month in Chautauqua County kicks off with "Pinwheels for Prevention..."
The number of cases of child abuse and neglect appear to be going down in Chautauqua County. However the work of the county and local agencies is far from done. That was the general theme of Wednesday's kick-off of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month at Jamestown City Hall. Officials say it's a time when communities join to raise awareness and take action... and, this year's event is one of multiple events being held. Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund welcomed attendees... and, says it's everyone's responsibility to make sure all children live in a loving and nurturing environment... and she says parents, neighbors, police and others need to keep an eye out to prevent harm "before it happens." Also on hand to kick-off the "Pinwheels for Prevention" program was the county's director of Mental Hygiene and Social Services, Carmello Hernandez. Hernandez says last year's event was about "if you see something... say something." However... this year is about prevention. The director of the Salvation Army of Jamestown's "ANEW" Center for single mothers and children... says everyone's efforts have helped to lower their numbers... compared to the rest of the state.
Deponceau Retires from Lakewood-Busti PD...
The Lakewood-Busti Police Chief for nearly the past four years... has retired from the department after 21 years of service. The department's Facebook page recent honored the career of Chief Christopher Deponceau... whose career began as a patrolman in 2004. Department officials say... in 2013 he was promoted to night Sergeant, and in 2021, he was named as Police Chief.
