City firefighters battle house fire on English Street in Jamestown, which remains under investigation...
Jamestown fire investigators are still looking into the cause of last Friday afternoon's fire that destroyed a home on the city's eastside. City Fire Captain Dan Balling says crews were called to 11 English St. about 2:30 p.m., and, found most of the single-family home heavily engulfed in flames... with heavy fire on the first floor. Balling says the people living there were trying to rescue their three dogs when crews arrived... and, crews simultaneously helped look for the dogs, and battled the flames. He says there was exposure damage to siding on two neighboring homes, but no fire damage. Balling says an off-duty shift of 12 firefighers was also called in to assist. He adds that the blaze appeared to start on the lower level of the home... and, worked it's way to the second-floor. He says the fire did get into the attic a "little bit." Balling says no one was hurt... and, the cause remains under investigation. The occupants are being helped by the local Red Cross.
Several fire companies respond to Cherry Creek house fire early Sunday morning...
Nine fire departments were called to battle a house fire in the town of Cherry Creek early Sunday morning. Chautauqua County fire dispatchers says the blaze at 6009 Pickup Hill Rd. was called in at about 3:30 a.m. Crews from Cherry Creek, Ellington, Sunset Bay, South Dayton, Forestville, Kennedy, Conewango, Randolph and East Randolph all responded. Forestville Fire officials say crew got into the house through a makeshift door that was locked to help keep the house heat downstairs. They entered a bedroom that had moderate fire, which was knocked down. There were no reports of any injuries. The Red Cross was called to assist two adults and one child living at the residence.
City man arrested following home invasion targeting ethnicity of the victim...
A man from Jamestown faces burglary and other charges following a home invasion on the city's northside allegedly due to the victim's ethnicity. Jamestown police say they were called to the location about 2:15 p.m. last Friday after the man -- identified as 42 year-old Andrew Leccadone -- entered the house and was trying to attack the occupants inside. Once officers arrived... they say Lecceadone had left the home... but he was found quickly and taken into custody without incident. They say Leccardone allegedly broke a window to gain entry... and once inside he tried to attack the victim with a pry bar. While inside the home... Leccadone allegedly stole property belonging to the victim and did all this in the presence of a child. After further investigation, it was determined that Leccardone targeted the victim due to his ethnic background... and, he was charged with firest-degree burglary... second-degree menacing... and, second-degree criminal mischief due to the apparent hate crimes. Leccadone was additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a child... third-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, petty larceny. He was held the city jail pending arraignment.
Holiday Haul's 13th annual drive a huge success...
The 13th annual Holiday Haul had good fortune this year... beating both of the organizer's goals. Dan Keefe has headed up the program the past three years... and, says they actually beat the St. Susan's Centers own goals for this year's drive to bring in food and monetary donations for the local soup kitchen. Keefe says they were going to keep the monetary donations open on-line through today... and, St. Susan's Executive Director, Cherie Rowland, says they were put over the top by a $2,900 donation from the Unitarian Church in Jamestown. The goal was $25,000. They also brought in more than the goal of 12-tons of food. The record remains just over 18-tons. Keefe and one of the sponsors of the Holiday Haul... Jim Pullan with Jamestown Mattress Company... were on hand at the Jamestown Cycle Shop as the drive wrapped up Saturday afternoon. Pullan was brought into the effort by his brother-in-law... Keith Martin... who originated the Holiday Haul. He called an "awesome" effort by the community, and others who help make it a success. The Cycle Shop... Jamestown Awning... Cummins' Engine Company... and the Media One Radio Group were also sponsors again this year.
One person hurt following car chase that leads to accident on Route 380 in Portland...
A short vehicle chase in the towns of Stockton and Portland last night remains under investigation after the car went off of Route 380 and crashed into a tree. Sheriff's officers say they tried to stop the vehicle in Stockton shortly after 10 p.m., but, the driver did not pull over. Deputies say the unidentified driver then left the road in the town of Portland and struck the tree. The operator was injured... and, was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment. No other information has been released.
Medic injured when snowplow accidently backs in ambulance...
A medic riding inside an ambulance transporting a patient to UPMC Chautauqua suffered minor injuries when the a snowplow backed into the ambulance on Route 60 in Gerry last Saturday morning. Sheriff's deputies say the Falconer ambulance was transportiing a patient and the medic -- 44 year-old Walid Al-Jabiri -- to the Jamestown hospital just after 4:30 a.m. However... they were struck by the plow... operated by Brian Anderson... who was clearing the Gerry Rodeo Grounds at the time. Officers say a A-Jabiri was struck by a piece of equipment inside the ambulance that was sent flying when the vehicle was struck. Al-Jabiri and the patient were taken to UPMC Chautauqua for treatment. No charges were filed.
