Police saw frequent calls for service at warming center

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police responded to 14 calls for service at the just-closed warming center at the National Guard Armory last week, ranging from suspicions of drug use to medical emergencies and welfare checks to assault as well as two arrests inside the shelter of individuals wanted by police.

In one instance police were called because a National Guardsman stationed at the armory found a crack pipe during a security sweep at the warming station. The pipe was disposed of.

Police also made many extra patrols to the center to make sure everything was OK, usually every 90 minutes.

In the most serious incident, two Rochester residents were arrested on Monday after officers spotted them and learned they had active warrants out for their arrest.

Tyler W. Ward, 31, a transient; and Natasha B. Oelschlager, 30, of 105 North Main St., were both picked up while officers were at the facility as part of an extra patrol around 9:45 p.m.

Ward was arrested on a charge of criminal solicitation to commit a crime, while Oelschlager was charged with two counts of theft from a building.

Several calls were for welfare checks, including one for a man who had threatened to harm himself and another for a man who had a wound infection.

On Sunday an Army sergeant requested police after they noticed residents acting odd and continually going outside for short breaks and then returning.

The center closed on Thursday, with officials saying arrangements had been made with individuals who used the center to help keep them safe from the elements.

City officials left open the door that the center could be reopened if the weather dictates.