Jamestown resident accuses police chief of lax enforcement, cites ongoing traffic noise and safety concerns

Jamestown — Anthony Toda, a Jamestown resident, used the public-comment portion of the Jamestown City Council meeting to accuse Jamestown Police Department Chief Timothy Jackson of failing to enforce traffic laws and of condoning persistent noise and safety violations.

Toda, who identified his address as 144 Clifton Avenue, told the council he has made “hundreds” of complaints to the Jamestown Police Department about speeding, loud exhaust systems, blue headlamps, excessively bright headlamps and tinted front windows. “Loud reckless drivers speed by on Maple Street all night long,” he said. Toda added that he believes a vehicle that killed a deer on Maple Street could just as easily have hit a child.

“He allows and condones Jamestown,” Toda said, addressing Chief Jackson by name. “What your gross negligence is doing is causing a sleep deprivation, taking years off my life. That's attempting murder and torture by means of noise and harassment.” He also said he has sought help from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and said the mayor did not assist him after his complaints.

The comments were made during the meeting’s public comment period; the council did not take immediate action on the remarks during that session. The transcript shows the resident repeatedly demanding Chief Jackson’s resignation and warning of possible legal action. No formal complaint record or council direction to staff was recorded in the transcript excerpt.

The public-comment period also included other speakers raising neighborhood and code-enforcement concerns; those remarks were heard separately from Toda’s statements.

The council did not publicly respond to or debate Mr. Toda’s allegations during the recorded segment.