Medina Journal-Register — Sheriff’s Office urges motorists to drive safely during holidays

The Holidays are a special and joyous time of year. Unfortunately, the holiday season can also be a time when our roadways become more dangerous as motor vehicle accidents become more prevalent. 

On behalf of everyone in the law enforcement community, Sheriff Scott Hess encourages people to celebrate the season.

“At the same time, we don’t want that celebration to turn to tragedy,” said Sheriff Hess, who is asking for the motoring public’s help to reduce accidents resulting in personal injury and fatalities this holiday season. “We want to heighten public awareness surrounding the importance of driving safely.” 

“Common causes of motor vehicle accidents include excessive speed, falling asleep at the wheel, driving in inclement weather, and drinking and driving,” Hess said. It’s important that motorists take responsibility for their own driving habits and actions and obey all Vehicle and Traffic laws”.

All law enforcement agencies share a common interest in keeping our roadways safe for everyone.

Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputies will be watching this holiday season for motorists who drive in a manner that endangers themselves and/or others. 

“We need everyone’s help to influence their family members and friends to make safe, responsible decisions that will ultimately reduce injuries and save lives,” Hess said. “People everywhere should be enjoying the season with family and friends, not grieving the serious injury or death of a loved one”.

Orleans County

WARRANT: Dana F. Lansdowne, 28, Cortland was arrested Dec. 4 by Sheriff’s Deputies T.N. Tooley & M.J. Emens on outstanding warrant for second-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Lansdowne was picked-up at the Tioga County Jail in Owego, following his release on un-related charge. Defendant was returned to Orleans County and committed to County Jail to await appearance in County Court.

Village of Medina

LARCENY: Montell L. Cunningham, 19, 708 Orient St. was charged Dec. 5 with petit larceny. Cunningham is scheduled to appear Jan. 7 in Town of RIdgeway Court.

LARCENY: Nathaniel D. Bentley, 20, 109 E. Bank St., ALbion was charged Dec. 5 with petit larceny. Bentley is scheduled to appear Jan. 7 in Town of Ridgeway Court.

LARCENY: Shaundra N. Mathis, 35, 708 Orient St. was charged Dec. 5 with two separate instances of petit larceny. Mathis was first given an appearance ticket and then was arraigned and held on $1,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear Jan. 7 in Town of Shelby Court on both charges.

NOISE: Linda M. Johnson, 53, 330 South Avenue was charged Dec. 3 with a violation of the village’s noise ordinance. Johnson is scheduled to appear Dec. 13 in Town of Shelby Court.

DISORDERLY: Michael A. Donald, 41, 330 South Avenue was charged Dec. 3 with disorderly conduct. Donald is scheduled to appear Dec. 13 in Town of Shelby Court.

ROBBERY/MENACING: Christopher Helsdon, 23, 325 West Avenue was charged Dec. 1 with third-degree attempted robbery, second-degree menacing and possessing a hypodermic instrument. Helsdon was arraigned and held on $10,000 bail. He was scheduled to appear Dec. 6 in Town of Shelby Court.

LARCENY: Nicole M. Fitzsimmons, 17, 212 W. Oak Orchard St. was charged Nov. 30 with petit larceny. Fitzsimmons is scheduled to appear today in Town of Ridgeway Court.

Town of Gaines

DWI: Matthew J. Denning, 25, Kendall was charged Dec. 8 with driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of more than .08 of one percent.