Erie County Blotter.

08/23/2026

From Hope Rises 🫶🏼
With special permission from Greg Dominick .

🎊Sometimes, you just need a reason to celebrate BIG!🎊

Yesterday was one of those days.

After several difficult months away from home, two very special kids are reunited with their dad and surrounded by so many people who love them.

During the time Amora and Lincoln were taken away, they both had birthdays but they were never able to have parties. So their dad decided to make up for lost time.

Yesterday, he threw one MASSIVE birthday celebration filled with everything these kids love: princesses, superheroes, bounce house, presents, friends and endless happiness!

When Hope Rises heard about the celebration from our friends at Erie County Blotter. we knew we wanted to add a little extra magic ✨

Thanks to the kindness of our community, we were able to have special birthday cakes donated by Cakes by Katya and board member Joanne Duffy Zimmerman to make their big day even sweeter. Our very own Hope Rises princess, Jade King, also made an appearance for Amora who loves Cinderella!

They bonded immediately 🩵

We are so grateful we could play a small part in a day that was really about something much bigger: a brother and sister who are finally HOME! Now their family can create happy memories together.

There are some stories where you don't need to focus on the difficult chapters. You simply celebrate that these kids are back home and very loved. Yesterday, they had the birthday party they truly deserved. 🥳

08/23/2026

From Our Friends at Hope Rises 🫶🏼
Amora and Lincoln Birthday Celebration with Greg Dominick

08/23/2026

Show your love and support by attending Dion Dawkins event too!

08/23/2026

🎂❤️ Yesterday Was About One Thing: THE KIDS. ❤️🎂

Yesterday was an absolutely AMAZING birthday celebration for two very special kids who, while out on their unexpected “vacation,” accidentally missed the chance to celebrate their birthdays the way every child deserves to.

So yesterday, we made up for it. 🎉

There were smiles, laughter, food, games, presents, friends, family, and an incredible amount of love surrounding them. Most importantly, there were no questions, no pressure, and no focus on anything except letting two kids simply be kids and enjoy their day.

Out of respect for their privacy, this is the only video I will be posting from yesterday’s celebration. There are memories from that day that belong to the children and their family, and that is exactly where they should stay.

I cannot thank everyone enough who helped make yesterday possible. Whether you donated, brought something, volunteered your time, helped behind the scenes, or simply respected the family’s wishes and allowed the children to enjoy themselves, THANK YOU.

After everything surrounding these past weeks, yesterday wasn't about a story, an investigation, cameras, or questions.

Yesterday was about birthday cake. 🎂
Yesterday was about presents. 🎁
Yesterday was about laughter. ❤️
Yesterday was about making up a little bit of childhood they accidentally missed.

And judging by those smiles, I think we did exactly that.

Happy Birthday, kiddos. 🥳❤️

May this be one of the many good memories you carry with you for a very, very long time.

community members, friends and family singing happy birthday to Amo...

08/23/2026

Alden - 12915 Broadway St for the reported Live Wire Down causing a Public Safety Concern. Fire Police to scene.

08/23/2026

🚔 JAMESTOWN POLICE | CRIMINAL MISCHIEF ARREST

JAMESTOWN, NY — The Jamestown Police Department reports that officers with the department’s First Platoon responded to an east-side business at approximately 7:30 a.m. Sunday, August 23, for a report of criminal mischief in progress.

According to police, officers located 30-year-old Zachary A. Graves of Jamestown fleeing the area on foot along railroad tracks.

Following an investigation, police allege Graves caused substantial damage to a parked tractor-trailer while attempting to steal its radiator. He was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Jamestown City Jail.

Graves is charged with:

• Criminal Mischief 2nd
• Attempted Grand Larceny 4th
• Possession of Burglar Tools
• Criminal Trespass 3rd (Railroad)

Police say Graves was being held in the Jamestown City Jail pending arraignment in Jamestown City Court.

As with all criminal cases, charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

📡 Erie County Blotter

08/23/2026

Thank you for the donations so far. This helps me alot and will be used gently. I know last time I was down there it was beautiful minus all the destruction. But I'm hoping to find memories of the hurricane to bring back and maybe some things for a few followers as gifts. Thank u again for donating.

08/23/2026

It is with great sadness that we notify you of the loss of one of our members, Tyler Schenck, who passed away in an accident last evening.

Tyler was not only a valued and respected member of our organization, but also a member of the Erie County Department of Health, EMS Division; the Erie County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services, Hazardous Materials Response Team; and Hamburg EMS, as well as a former member of Reserve Fire Company.

At approximately 2200 hours on August 22, 2026, emergency personnel responded to a single-vehicle motor vehicle accident in the Town of Elma. Members of the Blossom Vol. Fire Company, Spring Brook Fire District #1, Erie County EMS, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office responded and worked together to manage the incident.

Tyler was described by those who knew and worked alongside him as lovable, lighthearted, and a passionate EMS provider who genuinely cared about everyone he met. During his time serving in the fire and EMS communities, Tyler made a meaningful impact on his coworkers, fellow first responders, and the people he served. His loss will be deeply felt throughout our public safety, fire, and EMS communities. Our deepest condolences go out to the Schenck family, Tyler’s friends, and his fellow members during this incredibly difficult time.

We recognize that the sudden loss of a coworker and fellow first responder can affect each of us differently. Employees are encouraged to support one another and utilize the resources available to them. Confidential assistance is available through:

WNY Law Enforcement Helpline
(716) 858-COPS or (716) 858-2677
All calls are confidential.
Public Safety Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
(888) EAP-1060

Further details are being withheld due to the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. We will provide additional information once it becomes available and appropriate to share.

Dylan Seufert
Chief - 9