Press release
On Friday, June 15, 2018 at or about 12:42AM, the Batavia Police Department and City of Batavia Fire Department responded to the report of an active house fire at 35 Maple St. A female located on scene believed her children were still in the residence. Officers from the Batavia Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to make entry into the residence but were unsuccessful. City of Batavia Fire Fighters made entry and attempted to locate the children. By approximately 12:56AM all children from the residence were located safely and accounted for at a neighbor’s residence. The Genesee County Department of Social Services was contacted to aid with the children.
During the fire investigation it was learned that the fire stemmed from a domestic incident between the female that lived in the lower apartment and her boyfriend. The male, identified as Plush DOZIER (DOB: 11/21/1995), had become upset with his girlfriend and an argument ensued. DOZIER set her and the apartment on fire. During the initial stages of the incident all of the children were able to leave the apartment. The female was transported to an area hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. We will not be releasing the female’s name or location for the safety of her and her family.
DOZIER was located at the scene and taken into custody without incident. DOZIER was arrested for two Class A Felonies; Arson in the First Degree (PL 150.20-01), and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (PL 125.25-01). DOZIER was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail. DOZIER is scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court at a later date.
During the course of the active house fire, and subsequent investigation a City of Batavia Police Officer, and a City of Batavia Firefighter were both injured. The Officer and the Firefighter were treated and released from UMMC with non-life threatening injuries.