Afternoon News Brief

City police and the owner of Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac are thankful to a local citizen. The unnamed individual made a call late Monday night that ultimately led to arrests in a burglary attempt. Police said they would not release any information about the caller in case that individual did not want the attention. The County Dispatch Center received a call around 11:50 p.m. Monday. It was reported there were people inside Ken Barrett Chevrolet. Officers arrived and encountered four people trying to run away from the back of the business. Police arrested two of the suspects, 26-year-old Darnell Cleveland and 18-year-old Kanyia Coleman, both of Buffalo, at the scene. The other two suspects, 21-year-old Craig Lynch Jr. and 18-year-old Nyejay Braction, both also of Buffalo, were taken into custody close to the scene. Cleveland provided a false name in an attempt to prevent officers from arresting him on several outstanding warrants, including a parole warrant. Lynch struggled with officers while being detained. No injuries occurred. Cleveland was charged with third-degree burglary and second-degree criminal impersonation. Lynch was charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Braction and Coleman were both charged with third-degree burglary. All suspects were arraigned on Tuesday before Judge Durin Rogers in Batavia City Court. In accordance with New York state bail reform, Cleveland and Lynch were released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. However, Cleveland was then remanded to the Genesee County Jail on his outstanding parole warrant. Braction and Coleman were released on their own recognizance. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be placed.

 

62-year-old Thomas Tacito of Batavia has been arrested and charged with criminal mischief after allegedly throwing a rock through a window at a location on West Main Street Road. Tacito will appear in Batavia Town Court to answer the charge.

 

 

 

A Rochester man has been sentenced to 118 months in prison for selling drugs to a woman who fatally overdosed. 22-year-old Daniel Pimentel-Hernandez was convicted in federal court of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The charges date back to a year ago June when Pimentel-Hernandez sold fentanyl to Elliot Gile of Batavia and Margo Haddow of Pennsylvania. The couple was later found unconscious and unresponsive in a vehicle parked roadside on Route 490. Gile recovered; however, Haddow never regained consciousness. Pimentel-Hernandez was arrested the next day after selling drugs to an undercover officer.

 

Vice President Kamala Harris has wrapped up her visit to Western New York where she touted the benefits of the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act. Yesterday, the Vice President took a tour of the Grow Energy Center at the University at Buffalo in Amherst before giving a speech at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts. During her address, the Vice President claimed that the Inflation Reduction Act would help families save money, lower prescription drug costs, raise taxes on corporations and cut the national deficit. She also took time yesterday to meet with family members of the victims of the mass shooting at a Tops store in Buffalo that left 10 people dead and three others hurt.

 

Governor Hochul says Frederick Douglass-Greater Rochester International Airport is receiving millions of dollars in state funding to make some much-needed improvements. The $18,000,000 will go towards revitalizing the terminal area by installing energy efficient technologies and upgrading security doors. There will also be a new passenger information display system and better Wi-Fi service. Outside of the airport, a longer curbside drop-off and pick-up area will be created and the entrance canopy is going to be extended.

 

The latest data from the state shows that there’s been a slight increase in the spread of COVID-19 in Western New York. Right now, the 7-day average infection rate is sitting at 12.6%. At this time one week ago, the average infection rate was 12.2%. Officials say the best way for people to prevent themselves and others from getting sick is to be vaccinated, get an updated booster shot and wear a mask while indoors.

 

The New York State Department of Health says monkeypox vaccine is going to be made available to a wider range of Empire State residents. The agency announced yesterday that all individuals at risk of becoming infected with monkeypox could now get vaccinated. Before this expansion, eligibility was limited to people who were likely exposed to the virus. Plans are also in the works to distribute more than 3800 vials of monkeypox vaccine to counties statewide. The state says that 100 of those vials will go to Monroe County.

 

The Strong Museum in Rochester has revealed the list of toys that could soon be inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. The latest list of finalists includes bingo, Lite Brite, Pound Puppies, Nerf toys, the piñata, and Breyer horses. People can now cast their ballots online by visiting the museum’s website through September 21st, but it’ll be up to a committee to make the final decision. The winners will be announced on November 10th.

 

After months of legal battles, The Buffalo News is reporting demolition of the Great Northern grain elevator in Buffalo will likely begin today. Preservationists have made several attempts to try and prevent the structure from being torn down. The grain elevator, built back in 1897, was severely damaged during a windstorm last year. City officials will be on hand to make sure that the demolition process goes smoothly. They’re also urging people who may want to watch the building come down to stay away from the Ganson Street area for their own safety.