Town, Village of Lancaster Police Blotter

LANCASTER- Aug. 10

Petit Larceny-Arrest

At 6:20 p.m., a complainant reported that the later identified subject, Ashanta Brown, 32, of Lancaster, was being detained for shoplifting a variety of makeup product, including eye shadow, eyeliner, cover up, blush, and accent makeup at Walmart.

Prior to patrols arrival, Brown departed the location driving a tan Chevrolet Trail Blazer with a missing rear window. Patrol arrived on location and was unable to locate Brown or her vehicle. Patrol discovered the discarded stolen items, along with an eviction notice listing the possible subject’s name and address.

Officers responded to the Briarcliff Apartments and the listed vehicle was located parked in the lot near building 18. Officers responded to the apartment where Brown was located. Patrol placed Brown in custody and transported her to Walmart. Brown was positively identified by the complainant and Brown was charged with petit larceny, as well as operation of a motor vehicle with registration suspended, front seat passenger age 4 to 6: no/inappropriate restraint system, and acting in manner/ injury child less than 17.

Aug. 11

Petit Larceny-Arrest

At 4:34 p.m., patrol responded to Walmart, 4975 Transit Road, for a report of a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival patrol spoke with the complainants, Walmart asset protection employees. They stated the subject, Emad Ahmed, 28, of Cheektowaga, entered the store with a shopping cart containing a plastic dash face board from his vehicle and a Boise radio from his vehicle.

Ahmed stated that he brought the items into the store to see if a new radio would fit into the dashboard of his vehicle. Ahmed did locate a car radio and wiring connector, which he placed into the shopping cart. Ahmed said he walked outside attempting to find his girlfriend, who had his money.

Once he stepped out of the store, he was approached by the complainants. The complainants requested that Ahmed be arrested for petit larceny. Ahmed was transported to the station and charged with petit larceny. Ahmed was released on $250 bail.

Aug. 12

Driving While Intoxicated-Arrest

Patrol observed a 2006 Mercury driving east on Genesee Street at a high rate of speed at 3:06 a.m. The vehicle was observed aggressively hitting the brakes to avoid striking a vehicle that was also traveling east on Genesee Street.

Patrol followed the subject’ vehicle for approximately half a mile during which time the subject’s vehicle continuously was following too closely to the other vehicle traveling east. Patrol initiated a vehicle stop at Genesee Street and Harris Hill Road.

Patrol made contact with the driver, who was the sole occupant seated in the driver’s seat. Patrol made numbers observations of the driver’s physical condition. The driver, Christopher J. Cory, 33, of Williamsville, submitted to standard field sobriety tests and a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) with a result of .133 percent.

Cory was placed under arrest and transported to the station where he submitted to a breathalyzer with a result of .11 percent. On scene inventory of Cory’s vehicle revealed a plastic bag containing a white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine. Cory made admissions to possessing and to using the cocaine.

Cory was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, DWI, operation of a motor vehicle with .08 of one percent or more alcohol in blood, and following too close.

Aug. 13

Driving While Intoxicated (Felony)-Arrest

At 10:12 p.m., patrol observed a dark red Dodge traveling west on Walden Avenue at 60 MPH in a 40 MPH zone and also observed the vehicle leave its lane several times. Patrol initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle on Walden Avenue in front of Lincoln Street and the vehicle stopped.

During a conversation with the operator, Craig M. Gerlach, 35, of Cheektowaga, glassy eyes, impaired speech, impaired motor coordination, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage were all immediately noticeable. After the performance and failure of several field sobriety tests and a PBT screen of .18 percent BAC, Gerlach was arrested on DWI: Previous conviction designated offense within 10 years, driving to the left of pavement markings, and a speed violation.

Gerlach was transported to the station where he refused a chemical breath test. During the booking process, Gerlach was extremely uncooperative and belligerent, swearing at patrol constantly and repeatedly banging of the detention cell door. After being booked, Gerlach was released on $300 cash bail.

He is scheduled to appear in town court at the end of August.

Aug. 14

Petit Larceny-Arrest

Patrol responded to Walmart, 4975 Transit Road, at 1:58 p.m. for a report of a shoplifter in custody. Patrol reported to the asset protection office where patrol met with the complainant and the subject, Jordan Myers, 23, of Depew.

The complainant stated he observed Myers placing school supplies in her purse and walking past all points of purchase. The complainant escorted Myers to the asset protection office, without incident, and contacted the police.

The items stolen consisted of a notebook, a calendar, pens, and a binder; totaling $13.68. Patrol took custody of Myers and transported her to the station.

Myers was released on her own recognizance and was advised to shop elsewhere. She was charged with petit larceny and is scheduled to appear in town court in September.

Aug. 15

Fire

At 7:45 p.m., patrol responded to the north end of Livingston Street for a report of a brush fire. Patrol and the village fire chief arrived on location and located the fire north of the railroad tracks and south of 1300 Commerce Parkway in a wooded area.

The fire appeared to be a children’s tree fort made from wood pallets. Patrol checked the area and was unable to locate any evidence of arson. Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire.

Patrol contacted the complainant who is an employee of Lakeside Concrete. The complainant stated he noticed the smoke after punching out of work and walking to his vehicle; he immediately contacted 911 then walked over to the fire. The complainant and several co-workers started to pull wood pallets off the fire prior to them igniting.

The complainant did not see anyone in the area.