Press release
On April 22, 2026, the City of Batavia Fire Department and the City of Batavia Police Department responded to the stables at Batavia Downs for the report of a structure fire.
Maintenance staff at Batavia Downs had called 911, after seeing smoke coming from one of the barns. The employees then observed a male walking away from the area and restrained him until police arrived, after he attempted to flee.
After further investigation, Curt A. Buchinger II, 33, of Batavia, NY, was arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd degree, Arson 4th degree, and Criminal Mischief 4th degree.
Buchinger was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due back in court at a later date.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://crimewatch.net/us/ny/genesee/batavia-pd/138661/post/batavia-downs-arson