EDEN, N.Y. — The Eden Police Department is investigating a series of criminal mischief cases on Hillbrook Drive that date back to last October.
Eden Police say the first incident happened in October of 2021, when a resident reported a man came to his house to deliver a message to him that he was disrespectful to someone on the street, and that he needed to apologize. The resident said they didn't know what the man was referring to, and the man left eventually without incident.
A short time later on October 12, 2021, an object was thrown the front window of that resident's home. Video surveillance showed a person arriving and leaving in a small, dark-colored SUV.
That same resident said they had items thrown at his house the next several months, with the last incident occurring on March 6, 2022.
On March 28, Eden Town Supervisor Melissa Hartman, who also lives on Hillbrook Drive, but several houses down from the other resident, had a simulated explosive device that was thrown through her front window. There was also some writing on that device in regards to her campaign to run for Erie County Clerk.
"That one contains some writing and it made reference to her political campaign. I don't want to put out exactly what was written, but there were several things written on it," Eden Police Chief Gregory Savage told reporters Thursday.
"One of them makes reference to her political campaign, and I believe there's another reference that I would interpret to be some legal things and law that are being enacted here by the Town Board in the Town of Eden."
Savage also said they did not have not identified a suspect or person of intertest as yet. But they are seeking assistance to do so.
"We are doing everything we can do," Savage said. "Believe me when I tell you I'm not hesitant to reach out for help. Talked to everybody who has any capabilities to assist us with this and they are, and we're working on it. Moving forward, I can say that the investigation is moving forward, and we are trying to identify a suspect."
Eden Police are working with other agencies, including the ATF, Erie County Sheriff's Office and the Erie County District Attorney, to help in the case.
2 On Your Side also asked Chief Savage about his message for residents of Hillbrook Drive where these incidents have occurred. He said "Security measures have been taken and we've got increased patrols. We have done some things. And you know what? These people are afraid. People on Hillbrook Drive are afraid and they have every right to be, because this is not good stuff that's going on here."
Savage says they may also reach out to the Erie County CrimeStoppers program to see if a reward can be offered for information that might help them to find who is responsible for these incidents.
If you have any information on this case, you are asked to contact Eden Police at (716) 992-9211.
You can watch the surveillance videos here: