A call for a burglary in progress in Dunkirk's Third Ward early Saturday led to the arrest of a city man. Dunkirk Police responded to an address on East 7th Street shortly after 12:00 AM on a report that the suspect had forcefully entered the residence and assaulted a female at the location. While en route, officers learned that the suspect, later identified as 35-year-old Santos Almestica, had fled on a bicycle. Almestica was taken into custody, but then allegedly began struggling with officers and tried to kick the patrol vehicle windows out. Officers say Almestica continued being disorderly once transported to Dunkirk Police headquarters, refusing to comply with their commands. He then allegedly damaged and shattered a door window at the police station. After further investigation, police determined that Almestica allegedly forcefully entered the victim's residence by damaging the front door, then assaulted the victim. An active order of protection was also in place directing Almestica to stay away from the victim and her residence. Almestica was booked and held on charges of 2nd-degree burglary, 1st-degree criminal contempt, three counts of 4th-degree criminal mischief, and 2nd-degree harassment. He was later arraigned and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail on $50,000 bail.
Photo by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office
