BATAVIA — An 81-year-old man who fired at a deputy responding to a burglary-in-progress was sentenced to five years of probation in Genesee County Court last week.
Gregory A. Poole, 81, of Batavia, faced charges of first-degree reckless endangerment and menacing a police officer after the incident in May. He was sentenced by Judge Donald O’Geen and avoided the potential seven-year prison sentence for the shooting.
The incident occurred just before 4 a.m. on May 2023, when emergency dispatchers received a call about a burglary in progress at 7924 Lewiston Rd. Upon arriving at the scene, a deputy confronted Poole outside the home. After identifying himself, Poole fired a shot at the deputy, who returned fire. Poole continued to shoot, forcing the deputy to take cover while waiting for backup. A second deputy arrived and apprehended Poole without further incident. Thankfully, no one was injured in the exchange.
Poole was later hospitalized with injuries believed to be sustained during a struggle with a burglary suspect, who was never located. The shooting was unrelated to the burglary, and Poole’s arrest followed his interaction with law enforcement.
In addition to Poole’s case, other criminal sentences were handed out in Genesee County Court. Matthew O. Bader, 41, of Batavia, was sentenced to 18 months to three years for a string of crimes, including theft from a deli tip jar, burglary, identity theft, and the use of a stolen credit card.
Michael J. Stack Jr., 47, also received a sentence of 18 months to three years for criminal possession of a weapon and resisting arrest. Stack, a Level 3 sexually violent offender, was arrested in September after violating his parole. He had been previously convicted of sexual abuse involving two victims in 2014.
Poole’s case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for endangering the lives of law enforcement officers, even in the later years of life.
