CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

— SHERIDAN — At about 3 p.m. Saturday, multiple fire departments responded to 10539 Newell Road for a reported structure fire. At about 3:30 p.m., the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was requested to assist with a cause and origin fire investigation.It was found the fire was accidental in nature, caused by a riding lawnmower in a carport that was attached to the garage and house. No injuries were reported.

— FRENCH CREEK — At about 2:33 a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to an address for a possible motor vehicle accident into a field. On arrival, deputies found Dennis P. Griffin, 65, of French Creek a short distance from the accident.

Through an investigation it was found Griffin was the operator of the vehicle that crashed into the field. It was determined Griffin operated the vehicle in an intoxicated state.

Griffin did pull away from deputies but was ultimately put into custody. It was later discovered that Griffin did communicate a threat of harm to another individual before the accident.

Griffin was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se, unsafe lane change, resisting arrest, and second-degree aggravated harassment.

Griffin was transported to the Chautauqua County Jail where he was awaiting centralized arraignment.

DUNKIRK FIRE DEPARTMENT

— The Dunkirk Fire Department was dispatched to a report of fire in a residence at 29 N. Pangolin St. at 1:33 p.m. Friday. Upon arrival, a workman reported that he drilled into an electric service wire beneath the first floor causing an arc and fire. Department crews accessed the area of the fire and quickly extinguished it containing the fire to the area of origin.

While on location of this incident the department was alerted to a report of a possible electrical fire at 85 Lincoln Ave. Crews found a sparking electrical outlet with no fire spread. There were no injuries in these incidents. The Fredonia and East Dunkirk Fire Departments as well as Chautauqua County EMS assisted.

JAMESTOWN POLICE

DEPARTMENT

— David A. Bemis, 55, of Lakewood, was charged with driving while intoxicated, a felony due to previous conviction, first-degree felony aggravated unlicensed operator and numerous traffic violations.

Around 7 p.m. Saturday, officers observed a pick-up truck traveling West on East Fifth Street 5th near Fulton Street leave the road and travel on the sidewalk and curb at a high rate of speed. Officers initiated a vehicle and traffic stop on the vehicle.

The vehicle failed to comply and continued to travel westbound on East Fifth Street. The vehicle approached the intersection Prendergast Avenue and ran the red light and proceeded to travel the wrong way on a one road.

The vehicle then left the road at East Fifth and Spring streets and struck street signs and continued to travel onto the sidewalk and up an embankment. The vehicle continued through a parking lot and a yard. Ir came to a stop at East Sixth Street and Factory Alley. Bemis exited the vehicle and officers placed the subject under arrest. He was held pending arraignment.

— Mark F. Shanks, 30, of Orchard Park was charged with third-degree criminal possession of cannabis, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. At approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday, officers conducted a traffic stop on West Seventh Street near Washington Street. During the course of the investigation officers observed a quantity of loose cocaine in the motor vehicle. The sole occupant of the vehicle, Shanks, was taken into custody and a search of the vehicle was completed.

During the search of the vehicle, officers located an additional quantity of suspected cocaine along with 500 grams of concentrated cannabis. Shanks was transported to the Jamestown City Jail where a thorough search was completed and as a result, officers located an additional quantity of cocaine concealed in his intimate parts. Shanks was booked and released with an appearance ticket.

— Paul D. Martinez, 59, of Jamestown, was charged with second-degree criminal contempt after officers from the Jamestown Police Department responded to a South side address for a domestic dispute around 7 p.m. Friday.

While speaking to a female victim, officers observed Paul D. Martinez to be sitting in the living room. Officers knew there to be a valid Stay Away Order of Protection against Martinez, protecting the victim. Martinez was placed into custody and transported to the City Jail without incident.