(WNY News Now) – Dunkirk Police arrested a 33-year-old city resident after she was found inside a condemned home that had been previously barricaded.
DUNKIRK, N.Y. — On October 15, 2025, around 4:15 p.m., officers from the Dunkirk Police Department’s 3–11 p.m. patrol shift responded to a report of an open door at a condemned property in the city. The home, which had been previously barricaded, raised concern after a caller noticed the unsecured entrance.
Upon arrival, officers entered the residence and located a woman identified as Heather Payne, 33, of Dunkirk, inside the structure. Authorities determined that Payne did not have permission from the property owner or the city building inspector to be inside.
Following the investigation, Payne was charged with Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, a violation under New York State Penal Law §140.15. She was processed and later released on an appearance ticket in accordance with New York State bail reform guidelines.
The case has been assigned to Hon. John Kuzdale for further proceedings in Dunkirk City Court. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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