Police Reports

On July 4, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., State Police were called to County Road 38 in the Town of Alma for a report of an ATV accident.

An investigation determined that the driver of the ATV, Jesse M. Bestine, 26, along with one passenger, Zachary J. Barnett, 25, both of Wellsville, were traveling east on County Road 38, when Bestine swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle causing the ATV to overturn several times.

Zachary J. Barnett sustained severe injuries and died at the scene.

Bestine was taken to Jones Memorial and was later transferred to Strong Hospital in Rochester for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

On July 3, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Amity arrested Gregory S. Miller, 54, of Penndel, PA for Attempted Murder 2^nd degree, Assault 1^st degree, Reckless Endangerment 1^st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2^nd degree (two counts), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3^rd and Criminal Use of a Weapon 1^st degree.

On July 3, 2024 at approximately 9:45 P.M., Troopers out of SP Amity responded to Smith Hollow Rd in the town of Wellsville for a shooting involving injury.  Investigation determined that after several hours of consuming alcohol, Miller had a verbal argument with the 48-year-old male victim.

Miller then went to his vehicle, a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, and returned with a Springfield Armory .45 ACP. Miller then discharged the firearm several times at the victim, striking him one time in the lower left leg.  Miller was disarmed and held down by the others at the party until Troopers arrived on scene and took Miller into custody.

On July 3, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., the New York State Police in Bath responded to a report of a fatal MVA on State Route 371 near State Route 21 in the town of Cohocton.

A preliminary investigation revealed a 2017 Dodge Caravan was traveling north on State Route 371 when it passed another vehicle in a no-passing zone. The operator, Lukas J. Ellsessor, age 31, of Angelica, NY, lost control of the vehicle and exited the roadway, causing the vehicle to roll over. The passenger of the vehicle, a 26-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Ellsessor was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.

The New York State Police were assisted by the Cohoton Police Department, Cohocton Fire Department, Atlanta Fire Department, Hornell DOT, and Kanona DOT.

The investigation is ongoing. 

  · Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Wellsville Police arrested William J. Plank, age 48 of Wellsville, charging him with Criminal Contempt 2nd (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor) and Aggravated Family Offense (Class E Felony). The charges stem from an incident that took place on Lombard Avenue on June 23rd.

Plank was also charged with Trespass (Violation) for an incident that took place on Grover Street on June 19th and was also arrested on a Bench Warrant for failure to appear in Wellsville Village Court on June 18th on previous Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Harassment 2nd charges.

Plank was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson. Plank was committed to the Allegany County Jail on $10,000.00 cash bail or $25,000.00 property bond or $50,000.00 partially secured bond. Plank is due back in Wellsville Village Court on July 16th at 4:30 pm. Wellsville N.Y. Police Department

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Wellsville Police arrested Michael D. Turner, age 36 of Belmont, charging him with 3 counts of Forgery 2nd (Class D Felony), 3 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd (Class D Felony) and Grand Larceny 3rd (Class D Felony). The charges stem from a complaint made by Community Bank.

Turner was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice Thompson. Turner was committed to the Allegany County Jail on $5,000.00 cash bail or $10,000.00 property bond or $50,000.00 partially secured bond. Turner is due back in Wellsville Village Court on July 16th at 4:30 pm.