A routine patrol in Geneva turned into an unusual roadside scene over the weekend when officers spotted white paint pouring from the trunk of a moving vehicle — a stop that ultimately led to multiple charges, including felony-level offenses.
The incident was one of several arrests detailed in the Geneva Police Department’s latest blotter, which shows a cluster of impaired driving cases and a separate theft investigation over a two-day period.
Police said Matthew L. Heath, 51, of Rochester, was arrested April 26 on South Exchange Street after officers observed paint leaking from his vehicle while it was in motion. During the stop, officers determined Heath was intoxicated and also under the influence of drugs while operating the vehicle. Authorities said he was additionally found to have a revoked New York State non-driver ID tied to multiple prior DWI convictions. Heath was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle — a felony — along with several vehicle and traffic violations.
In a separate incident the same day, Chad M. Christensen, 55, of Bellona, was arrested on Hamilton Street following a traffic stop for failing to signal. Police said Christensen was determined to be intoxicated and later recorded a blood alcohol content of 0.10%.
A third DWI arrest occurred April 26 on Lake Front Drive, where Ethan L. Blanchard, 21, of Martville, was stopped after allegedly running a red light and a stop sign while driving recklessly. Police said Blanchard was found to be intoxicated, with a reported BAC of 0.14%. He was charged with multiple traffic violations in addition to driving while intoxicated.
Police also reported a theft and drug possession arrest stemming from an April 25 investigation. Miguel A. Marin-Torrez, 40, listed as homeless, was charged after officers determined he had stolen 17 bottles of shampoo valued at $127.93 from a Dollar General store on North Exchange Street. Authorities said a small quantity of narcotics was found in his possession at the time of his arrest.
All incidents were handled by Geneva Police and remain pending in city court.
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