Dunkirk Police Highlight 'Significant and Concerning' Rise in Incidents Involving Teens

The Dunkirk Police Department is advising parents and guardians that they have a responsibility to exercise appropriate supervision and control over their children. This following what officers say is a "significant and concerning" rise in incidents involving juvenile offenders throughout the city. Officers say the incidents have included trespassing, burglaries, thefts, assaults, threats involving weapons, and other criminal activity. In several of these cases, juveniles have also physically resisted responding police officers.

The incidents that police are highlighting include the following:

• On September 24th, shortly before 7:45 AM, officers responded to Dunkirk Middle & High School, where a 13-year-old female and a 15-year-old female were allegedly seen trespassing inside the building. When confronted by officers, the 13-year-old allegedly refused to leave after being directed to do so and subsequently physically resisted officers. During the incident, she also allegedly threatened a school staff member. The 13-year-old was petitioned to Family Court on charges of 3rd-degree criminal trespass, resisting arrest, 2nd-degree obstruction, and 2nd-degree harassment. The 15-year-old was petitioned on a charge of 2nd-degree criminal trespass.
• On October 10th, officers were called to an address for a reported home invasion shortly after 10:15 PM. According to police, one of the residents was allegedly stabbed. The investigation involves several juvenile suspects and remains ongoing. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
• On October 14th, at about 8:15 PM, officers responded to a local business for a reported burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers saw damage to a rear door and subsequently entered the building, where they located four juveniles allegedly attempting to steal property. A 15-year-old male, two 14-year-old males, and a 13-year-old male were all petitioned to Family Court on charges of 3rd-degree burglary and 4th-degree criminal mischief. The parents -- 38-year-old Loren Duman, 40-year-old Maria Ramos, 40-year-old Luz Hyatt and 46-year-old Felicia Quinones -- were each charged with endangering the welfare of a child and were issued appearance tickets.
• On October 24th, officers responded to a local business for a reported menacing incident shortly after 12:45 PM. Police say the business owners reported that a 15-year-old had tampered with property inside the business and, when confronted, threatened the owner with a knife. The 15-year-old was petitioned to Family Court on charges of 2nd-degree menacing and 3rd-degree criminal tampering.
• On October 28th, shortly after 7:45 PM, officers responded to an address for a reported robbery. They determined that two 14-year-old males had allegedly forcefully taken property from the victims, damaged the property, and subsequently assaulted and choked the victims. When located by police later that evening, both juveniles allegedly physically resisted officers. One juvenile was petitioned to Family Court on charges of 2nd-degree robbery, 3rd-degree criminal mischief, and obstruction. The second juvenile was petitioned on charges of 2nd-degree robbery and 2nd-degree obstruction. Additionally, the parents -- 38-year-old Loren Duman and 40-year-old Maria Ramos were each charged with endangering the welfare of a child and issued appearance tickets.
• On October 29th, shortly after 3:30 PM, officers responded to a local business for a reported burglary in progress. On arrival, they located a 15-year-old female and a 14-year-old female inside the building, allegedly burglarizing the premises. The 15-year-old was petitioned to Family Court on a charge of 3rd-degree burglary, while the 14-year-old was petitioned on a charge of 3rd-degree criminal trespass. Additionally, the parents -- 34-year-old Joseph Thompson, Jr. and 39-year-old Jessenia Gerena -- were each charged with endangering the welfare of a child and were issued appearance tickets.
• On October 29th, at about 5:15 PM, officers responded to a report of a package stolen from a residential porch. They identified a 13-year-old female suspect, who was subsequently petitioned to Family Court on a charge of petit larceny. Her father, 60-year-old Mark Wieczorek, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and issued an appearance ticket.

In addition to those incidents, Dunkirk Police have responded to several large-scale fights involving juveniles over the past several months. Some of these incidents have included reports of weapons. Officers say these investigations remain ongoing, and additional charges are possible.