Afternoon News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on March 11, 2024
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the death of a deputy. Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello was working on a special assignment at Batavia Downs around 12:45AM on Sunday when the tragedy happened. There was an altercation involving 33-year-old Michael Elmore and 39-year-old Lyndsey Wilcox; as Sanfratello was in the process of arresting Wilcox, Elmore became physically combative and the use of a taser did not subdue Elmore. Sanfratello was eventually able to arrest Wilcox, but then became unresponsive. CPR was started; however, despite the life-saving efforts, Sanfratello passed away. Both Elmore and Wilcox are facing multiple felony charges. Elmore is charged with aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault upon a police officer and burglary. Wilcox faces burglary and attempted assault charges. Just after noon Sunday Sanfratello’s body was processed through Batavia by Sheriff, police, Fire and Ambulance vehicles from over a dozen services across Upstate and Western NY.
A New York State Trooper was killed in a helicopter crash in Texas on Friday. The helicopter crash happened just over the United States and Mexico border. The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association announced 30-year-old Trooper John M. Grassia III was killed in the crash while serving with the National Guard. Trooper Grassia was recently assigned to Troop G after he enlisted in the New York State Police in April 2022.
Ducking for cover in their homes is becoming a regular thing for Rochester residents. Police are now searching for suspects after being called to Weyl Street on Joseph Avenue for reports of gunshots Sunday night around 10:30. Police said they found evidence of gunfire along with damage to a car and a house. It’s reported that there were three people inside the house at the time it was fired upon, but nobody was injured. There have been no arrests made.
The Buffalo Bills underwent a drastic makeover with salary cap constraints forcing the four-time AFC East defending champions to cut into their core by announcing the release of five players, including safety Jordan Poyer and center Mitch Morse. Also cut was cornerback Tre’Davious White. White, who is recuperating after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Week 4, is being designated as a post-June 1 cut, which provides the Bills additional cap savings. Also cut were sixth-year backup cornerback Siran Neal, backup receiver Deonte Harty and running back Nyheim Hines.
Gas Price Update: According to AAA the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Batavia is 3.25. This is up a half a penny from last week and up 2 cents from a month ago. The New York Average is 3.34 which is up 2 cents from last week and 6 cents up from last month. The national average is 3.40 which is up a nickel from last week and 20 cents from a month ago. AAA experts say this rise in price is because of a slight increase in demand and a rise in the price of crude oil from oil producing countries.
Genesee County Park has a long list of events coming up to celebrate the spring season. They have activities on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays starting March 23rd and running through May 25th. On the 23rd there is an Amphibian Adventure. April 6th there is an Eclipse walk that includes stories and myths about the eclipse. The 7th there is a Woods Walk and craft time. On the day of the eclipse, April 8th, the park is hosting an eclipse viewing. There are more events through the month of April and into may. Check out our news partner the Batavian for a complete list and for registration and prices.
