Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on September 21, 2023
A Rochester man is charged with murder after he shot and killed a teenager who was driving his wife’s stolen vehicle over the summer, according to police. Officers responded to the area of Joseph Avenue and Laser Street around 6 a.m. June 27 for a report of gunshots. They found a stolen vehicle had crashed, with the driver suffering from a gunshot wound. Investigators determined the owner of the stolen vehicle woke up around 5:30 a.m. and noticed her vehicle had been taken from her driveway overnight. Her husband, 37 year old Byron Bell allegedly tracked down the vehicle and fired multiple gunshots from an illegally possessed handgun killing Ja’hod Snow, 18, who was in the driver’s seat. Police said other individuals in the vehicle were not hit by the gunfire and fled the scene. A U.S. Marshals task force, along with members of the Rochester Police Department’s tactical unit, took Bell into custody Wednesday. Bell is charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He’s scheduled to be arraigned Thursday morning.
A man faces charges after a report of shots fired led to a police chase Tuesday night in Rochester. Officers responded to Cameron Street around 9:45 p.m. and saw an SUV speed off from the area. The pursuit ended near Dengler and Silver streets, when police took 26 year old Shakier Hartzog into custody after he allegedly tried to run from the scene. Police said an officer “sustained a significant lower body injury” during the foot chase and was taken to a hospital. Investigators found 20 7.62-caliber casings at the scene on Cameron Street and recovered two guns from from inside the vehicle, though it’s unclear whether the shots fired came from the vehicle. Hartzog is charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, prohibited use of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration, and various vehicle and traffic violations. He was taken to the Monroe County Jail.
Governor Hochul has a solution to the migrant crisis, get them jobs. She has directed the New York State Department of Labor to connect employers with asylum-seekers and migrants who are on the path to receiving work authorizations to allow them to get job offers. This comes after White House officials announced that certain asylum seekers who had been staying in the United States on or before July 21, 2023 were eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status. People with TPS can be authorized to work in the United States 30 days after filing their application while those who do not have TPS would have to wait 180 days. The state is ready to assist asylum seekers and migrants with submitting paperwork needed for legal work status under the direction of Governor Hochul. Between 4 thousand and 15 thousand migrants are crossing the southern border every day.
Western NY is a tourist destination. Visit Buffalo Niagara determines that tourism spending in Western New York has hit $2.2 billion surpassing pre-pandemic era. Visit Buffalo Niagara follows the money that comes to WNY through tourism. President Patrick Kaler says the tourism spending primarily came from sporting events and leisure travel, which includes things like Bills games and March Madness. Kaler says the largest share of spending is 34 percent that went to the restaurant industry.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the team’s 38-10 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Allen completed 31 of his 37 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns as the team bounced-back from a stunning season-opening loss to the New York Jets six days prior. The sixth-year quarterback has now won the award 12 times in his career, breaking Jim Kelly’s team record.
Six Flags Darien Lake is switching over to spooky time from this Saturday till October 21st. The kid friendly Boo by Day! with trick or treating and family friendly activities will be held from noon to 6pm on Saturdays. At 6 though is when the Awakening happens and the scary ghosts and ghouls are set loose in the park. The park will be open till 10 p.m. on Sept. 23, 30 & Oct. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 21st. There are special Halloween themed foods and some rides will be different during the Fright Nights. Also there are 2 haunted houses for brave park goers for an additional fee.
