Lakewood fire blamed on electrical issue

LAKEWOOD — An electrical issue is being blamed for a fire Wednesday morning.

At about 5:50 a.m., Lakewood Fire Department, along with mutual aid, responded to a residential blaze on Freeman Street. Once extinguished, Lakewood Fire requested the Sheriff’s Fire Investigation Team. Following an investigation, it was determined that the fire originated within a first floor wall due to an electrical issue.

No injuries have been reported.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

— BROCTON — On Dec. 21, deputies conducted an investigation of a larceny out of the town of Portland and village of Brocton at 138 Main St. Through an investigation it was found that 37-year-old Jose Ruiz Jr. from the city of Dunkirk did steal property. Ruiz was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. He will be in town court at a later date to answer to the alleged charges.

— CHAUTAUQUA — After an investigation conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, Katlin S. Benedetto, 33, of Sinclairville was charged with third-degree grand larceny. It is alleged that between February and August 2024, Benedetto did steal over $3,000 from a local organization.

Benedetto turned herself into Investigators at the Sheriff’s Office and was arraigned via the Centralized Arraignment Program.