Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 22, 2025
Police Round Up
A Batavia man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after a high-speed chase Friday evening. Marcos A. Torres, 43, of Bank Street, allegedly fled a traffic stop on East Saile Drive around 6:20 p.m., leading deputies and Batavia police through a reckless pursuit that ended in a crash in Bethany. Torres then fled on foot but was captured with help from K9 Rayzor. He’s charged with four counts of reckless endangerment, fleeing police, and more, and is being held pending arraignment.
In Elba, Juan Rivera Ocasio, 64, of Grassburg, Pennsylvania, is charged with burglary and assault after allegedly forcing his way into a tenant’s home on Hundredmark Road on July 16. Authorities say a child was present during the assault. He is also being held pending court.
Elsewhere, 50-year-old Edward Sesko Jr., currently homeless, was found with a stolen children’s bike in Bergen on July 17 and will appear in court July 23.
In Darien, Martin Mann, 32, of East Amherst, is charged with exposing himself and endangering a child after allegedly urinating in front of a minor Saturday night.
And in Batavia, Warren Cotton, 48, also homeless, was arrested Sunday for allegedly possessing meth on East Main Street. He’s due in court July 29.
HLOM
Happening tonight at 7 p.m., the Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia hosts Joyce Thompson-Hovey as part of its Guest Speaker Series. She’ll present on Anna Ella Carroll — an abolitionist, writer, and advisor to President Lincoln. Admission is $5, or $3 for museum members. The event takes place at 131 West Main Street. To RSVP, call 585-343-4727 or email hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
Fatal Crash
Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, a tragic crash in the Town of Alabama claimed the life of a 36-year-old Akron man Sunday afternoon.
According to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Justin J. Blasko was driving a black 1998 BMW eastbound on Bloomingdale Road just after 3 p.m.
Deputies say Blasko attempted to pass another vehicle, lost control, and veered off the north shoulder. The car struck a tree and overturned, coming to rest on its roof.
Blasko, the only person in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Genesee County Coroner’s Office.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Crash Management Team.
Alabama and Akron fire departments also responded.
Fair Queen
Gabriella Zocco was crowned Queen once again at the 2025 Genesee County Fair Pageant, reclaiming her title from last year. The event, held under the big yellow tent Sunday afternoon, featured 19 contestants in categories ranging from Little Miss to Grand Princess. Jasmine Kenna Turner was named Grand Princess, Ruby Rose Burton took home Princess, Juliet Miller was crowned Miss, and Mira Helmer earned Little Miss. Hayley Webster-Dawson won the new Inspirational Pageant. The event was coordinated by Verginia Zocco for the fifth straight year.
Longtime Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputy Announces Retirement
After nearly 30 years of dedicated service, Deputy Patrick J. Reeves of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is officially retiring as of July 20.
Reeves began his law enforcement career in 1986 as a part-time civil process server and became a full-time deputy sheriff in 1997 after graduating from Genesee Community College’s Rural Police Training Institute.
Over the years, he’s received numerous honors, including four Meritorious Awards, three Commendations, and twice being named Officer of the Year. In 2009, he earned the MADD Award for his commitment to highway safety and anti-DWI work.
Reeves served on Road Patrol, in the Civil Office, and since 2018, as the school resource officer at Pembroke Central School. He was also one of the county’s first drug recognition experts and an instructor in firearms and tactical skills.
Sheriff Joseph Graff thanked Reeves for his service, saying the department wishes him all the best in retirement.
Free College Reconnect Program
Happening today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion — it’s a free SUNY Reconnect information session. Adults ages 25 to 55 without a college degree can learn how to go back to school for free, including tuition, fees, and books, in high-demand fields. Hosted by the TRIO Adult Educational Opportunity Center, attendees can also get one-on-one help with admissions and financial aid. Bring your 2023 tax return if you’re looking to apply today.
HLOM New Exhibits
The Holland Land Office Museum has opened two new exhibits for 2025.
In honor of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial, “The Holland Land Company and the Erie Canal” explores Joseph Ellicott’s vital role in pushing for a canal to benefit Western New York. Though the final route didn’t match his vision, Ellicott’s efforts were instrumental. The exhibit runs through December.
Also now open, “Batter Up!: Baseball in Batavia” celebrates over a century of the city’s baseball history, from the Clippers to the Muckdogs. It features memorabilia, uniforms, and a rich timeline of America’s pastime in Batavia—on display through November.
