Morning News Briefing
Written by WBTA STAFF on March 6, 2018
Fire crews face tight quarters in structure fire on Columbia Ave.
What was initially reported as a basement fire on Columbia Ave in the city quickly went to a second then a third alarm after spreading to the upper floors.
Firefighters were called to respond at around 4:20 this morning for a working struture fire at 20 Columbia Ave near Ellsworth Ave in Batavia.
First responders reported only a few flames were visible however there was heavy smoke pouring out of the house.
City of Batavia Fire Captain Marty Hinz…
City of Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano…
City and Town of Batavia Fire Departments along with Elba Fire and Alexander’s Fast Team were all activated.
Firefighters had a tough job maneuvering equipment around the scene due to the closely neighboring buildings and the narrow street.
There have been no serious injuries reported and all the occupants along with a pet dog made it out safely.
The occupants are said to have several pets which have yet to be accounted for.
The Chief said the building appears to be a total loss as of his current assesment.
Troopers arrest a Lockport man on multiple felony drug and gun charges, with five kids in the car.
Police received a report of reckless operation on Transit Road near the Wendy’s and Walmart in Lockport.
Troopers located the 2016 Nissan speeding through a parking lot and performed a traffic stop.
After failing a field sobriety test, 26 year old Alexander Ruof-Brown was taken into custody.
He was allegedly driving intoxicated with five children ranging in from ages 2 to 9.
The children were turned over to family.
During the inventory of the vehicle a loaded handgun was located along with powder cocaine, over 82 grams of marijuana, numerous Alprazolam pills, a digital scale and empty glassine baggies.
He is facing a litany of felony charges including Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated under Leandra Law.
Orleans County man arrested for threatening to shoot someone in Batavia
30 year old Derek Dingman of Route 231 in Albion was arrested following an alleged incident on Prospect Ave in Batavia last Friday.
Police were alerted of a disturbance in which Dingman allegedly threatened to shoot another person.
He was charged with second degree Harassment and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.
Conversion therapy is now illegal in Erie County.
The practice aims to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of someone under the age of 18.
County Executive Mark Poloncarz signed a law yesterday banning the therapy.
Officials say the law will ensure the physical and mental well-being of minors.
Several bills are under consideration in the New York Senate that aim to keep students safe.
Lawmakers are looking to increase schools’ ability to hire security, invest in infrastructure to improve school safety, and strengthen penalties for crimes committed on school grounds.
Other bills that have been introduced would increase access to school-based mental health services and expand actions and intelligence coordination to help protect schools against attacks.
As current bills are being sent to the Assembly, additional safety measure could be unveiled next week during the conference’s Security Agenda.
