Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on June 16, 2026
POLICE REPORT MULTIPLE ARRESTS ACROSS GENESEE COUNTY
The Batavia Police Department is reporting a number of recent arrests, including several involving weapons, burglary, impaired driving, and domestic-related incidents.
Among the more serious cases, Ryan Denz of Batavia was charged with felony burglary after police say he entered a residence in violation of an order of protection. Scott Lazarony of Batavia was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence after allegedly possessing an illegal handgun and discarding it during a police investigation.
Police also arrested Jordan Baxter of Silver Springs, who is accused of fleeing officers on a bicycle before allegedly being found in possession of methamphetamine. Meanwhile, Blake Snyder of Bergen faces Leandra’s Law charges after deputies say he was driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under the age of 16.
In separate investigations, Charles Stevens and Patricia McDonald were charged after authorities say stolen tools were pawned at a Batavia business, while Daniel Biniaszewski of Batavia was charged with unlawfully disseminating an intimate image.
Several additional arrests were reported involving DWI, assault, criminal mischief, trespassing, and child endangerment. All charges are accusations, and those charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
THREE KILLED IN EARLY MORNING CRASH IN STAFFORD
Three young adults lost their lives early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle crash in the Town of Stafford.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were dispatched to Prole Road just after 2 a.m. following a report of a serious motor vehicle accident. Investigators say a 2012 Nissan Altima was traveling northbound when it left the roadway, crossed onto the west shoulder, and struck a tree.
The driver was identified as 23-year-old Joseph Martinez of Pavilion. Passengers 23-year-old Dylan Pehrson of Batavia and 22-year-old Megan Merrell of Batavia were also in the vehicle. All three were pronounced dead at the scene by the Genesee County Coroner’s Office.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division and Crash Management Team.
Assisting at the scene were the New York State Police, Stafford Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS, and the Genesee County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities have not released any additional information as the investigation continues.
BATAVIA POLICE REMIND FAMILIES OF YOUTH CURFEW RULES
With summer break just around the corner, Batavia Police are reminding families about the city’s youth curfew ordinance.
Under city code, anyone under the age of 16 is prohibited from loitering or gathering in public places between 10 p.m. and sunrise unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult age 21 or older. On Fridays and Saturdays, the curfew begins at 11 p.m.
Police say the curfew applies to streets, sidewalks, parks, alleys, and areas around public establishments.
Officials say juveniles found in violation may be taken to the police station until a parent or guardian can be notified. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Batavia Police Department.
PICKLEBALL AND ROLLER SKATING RETURN TO THE ICE ARENA THIS WEEKEND
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia is offering two family-friendly activities every Friday and Saturday night.
Pickleball takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. for just eight dollars. Players are asked to bring their own paddle and ball and can enjoy one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Then from 7:30 to 9 p.m., the arena transforms into a roller-skating destination complete with music, party lights, and concessions. Admission is eight dollars, with skate rentals available for three dollars.
The David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena is located at 22 Evans Street in Batavia. Organizers say it’s a great way to stay active, have fun, and make memories all summer long.
FOX TO BUY ROKU IN $22 BILLION STREAMING DEAL
A major shakeup in the media and streaming industry was announced Monday as Fox Corporation agreed to purchase Roku in a deal valued at approximately 22 billion dollars, including debt.
The acquisition would combine Fox’s sports, news, entertainment, and Tubi streaming assets with Roku’s platform, which reaches more than 100 million households worldwide. Company officials say Roku will continue operating as an open streaming platform with no immediate changes expected for customers.
The deal gives Fox a major foothold in the streaming and digital advertising markets, while Roku gains access to Fox’s extensive content portfolio. Industry analysts say the move reflects growing competition among media companies to control both content and the platforms where viewers watch it.
The transaction is expected to close next year pending shareholder and regulatory approval.
G7 LEADERS TO DISCUSS IRAN CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT
World leaders from the Group of Seven nations are gathering this week in France, with a newly announced U.S.-Iran agreement expected to dominate discussions.
President Donald Trump says the deal could extend the current ceasefire and eventually reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that has been disrupted by months of conflict in the Middle East. The closure of the strait has contributed to higher energy prices and economic uncertainty around the world.
Leaders from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom are expected to discuss the agreement, along with the ongoing situations involving Israel, Lebanon, Ukraine and global trade. While officials are cautiously optimistic, significant challenges remain before a permanent peace agreement can be reached.
BATAVIA RELAY TEAMS CAPTURE TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Batavia Blue Devils once again proved they are among New York State’s elite track and field programs, bringing home two state championships from the NYSPHSAA Championships this past weekend.
Batavia claimed Class B titles in both the girls’ 4-by-100 and 4-by-400 meter relays. The 4-by-400 team of Adyson O’Donnell, Sophia Lawrence, Mallory Boyce, and Karizma Wescott set both a school record and a state meet record with a winning time of 3 minutes, 53-point-88 seconds. The 4-by-100 relay team of O’Donnell, Nevaeh Thomas, Ella Shamp, and Wescott successfully defended its state title, winning in 47-point-16 seconds.
Wescott also earned runner-up honors in the 400 meters and placed fourth in the 200, while Thomas took fourth in the 100-meter dash. On the boys side, Karvel Martino finished second in the shot put, while Cade Shamp and Isaac Varland both earned podium finishes in the discus.
The outstanding weekend adds another chapter to Batavia’s long tradition of excellence on the state stage.