SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 4, 2026

First, I owe everyone an apology for getting our Weekly Headlines out later than usual.

This past week, my attention was where I felt it needed to be: supporting the Beckstrom family and remembering Koda. Some things are more important than being on schedule, and I appreciate everyone who understood that.

Now, here is your Late Edition look back at some of the major public-safety, emergency-services and community stories from across Western New York this past week.

🔥 NEWSTEAD BARN FIRE CAUSES ESTIMATED $600,000 IN DAMAGE

A large barn fire in Newstead on October 1 brought a significant mutual-aid response from fire companies across Erie and Genesee counties. Heavy fire was reported upon arrival, and crews remained on scene for several hours. Damage was estimated at $500,000 to the structure and $100,000 to its contents. No injuries were reported, and the cause remained under investigation. 

11508 HILLER RD.pdf

🔥 CLARENCE GARAGE FIRE EXTENDS INTO HOME

Harris Hill firefighters and multiple mutual-aid companies responded early October 3 to an attached garage fire in Clarence. The fire extended into the residence before crews brought it under control. Damage was estimated at $350,000, including $200,000 to the structure and $150,000 to the contents. Two adults were referred to the Red Cross, and no injuries were reported. 

4680 Shimerville Rd 103.326.doc

🚔 COCAINE AND FENTANYL FOUND AT ERIE COUNTY HOLDING CENTER

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office announced that Alexander Rivera-Santiago, 42, of Buffalo, was charged following an investigation into contraband recovered at the Erie County Holding Center. Laboratory testing identified cocaine and fentanyl. Rivera-Santiago was charged with 1st Degree Promoting Prison Contraband and two controlled-substance offenses and remained incarcerated. 

RiveraSantiagoFINAL.pdf

🚨 JAMESTOWN BURGLARY SUSPECT FOUND HIDING IN GRAVEL PIT

Jamestown Police said officers responded October 2 to a burglary in progress in which a large amount of cash was allegedly stolen from a residence while the homeowners were inside.

Police located Corry L. Decker, 26, of Falconer, a short distance away hiding in a gravel pit. Officers reported Decker was attempting to conceal the stolen money in the gravel as they approached. The cash was recovered.

Decker was charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, Grand Larceny 3rd Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence. 

Media Release-Decker.pdf

🚔 JAMESTOWN DOMESTIC INCIDENT RESULTS IN MULTIPLE CHARGES

Jamestown Police arrested Patrick O. Brady, 26, following an October 2 domestic incident. Police said their investigation determined that a victim’s cellphone had been taken, an iPad damaged, and the victim prevented from leaving the residence. Two young children were reportedly present.

Brady was charged with Grand Larceny 4th, Criminal Mischief 4th, Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. 

Brady.pdf

🚨 ORDER OF PROTECTION VIOLATION AND RESISTING ARREST

Jamestown Police charged Tysean L. Mays, 21, after officers said they observed him with a person protected by a full stay-away order of protection. Police said a brief struggle occurred while officers attempted to take him into custody.

Mays was charged with Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree and Resisting Arrest and was also held on an outstanding bench warrant. 

Media Release Mays.pdf

💊 DRIVER FOUND SLUMPED OVER WHEEL, METHAMPHETAMINE AND FENTANYL RECOVERED

Jamestown Police responded September 30 to a report of a man slumped over the wheel of a running vehicle. Police identified the driver as Matthew P. Miles, 32, of Ohio, who also had an active arrest warrant.

Police reported finding methamphetamine and fentanyl inside the vehicle and determined Miles had allegedly been operating while impaired by drugs. He faced two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th, DWAI-Drugs and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd. 

Media Release Miles.pdf

🏈 PATRIOTS AT BILLS BRINGS GAME-DAY TRAFFIC CHANGES

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office issued special traffic and parking information ahead of Sunday’s Patriots at Bills matchup, including closures along Abbott Road, post-game one-way traffic patterns on Big Tree Road and stadium parking information. 

PatriotsBillsFINAL.pdf

🐾 ANIMAL RESCUE CONTINUES ACROSS WNY

It was another busy week on the animal side as well. Our rescue network continued responding when possible, including another Lockport cat-in-a-tree rescue, where Tristan made the trip to safely retrieve a kitten that had reportedly been stuck since Monday. The best part? The person who called for help stepped up to give the kitten a forever home. 🐈❤️

💜 THIS WEEK WAS ALSO ABOUT KODA

More than anything, this past week reminded us that behind every headline is a person, a family and a community.

Our attention turned toward Keira “Koda” Cheryl Beckstrom, her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched.

Koda was only 16.

Her loss is also a reminder that our children and teenagers need to know that asking for help is okay, and help is available.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate danger, call 911.

Please continue to keep the Beckstrom family in your thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏼💜

⚖️ REMINDER

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Thank you for continuing to follow and support Erie County Blotter. And thank you especially for understanding why this week’s edition was late.

Sometimes the headline can wait. Being there for people cannot.

📍 Erie County Blotter
🌐 ErieCoBlotter.com