🚔 ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WEEKLY BLOTTER

August 22 through August 28, 2026

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office handled 2,127 complaints during the reporting period, including 369 premises checks, 60 neighborhood patrols, 216 traffic stops, 226 assists to other agencies, and 50 warrants served. The weekly report was prepared by Public Information Officer Chris Horvatits.

Below are several of the more notable incidents reported across Erie County during the week.

🔴 Fatal Crash in Elma

On August 22, deputies responded to Clinton Street at Aurora Street in Elma for a vehicle that had crashed into a tree.

The operator had been ejected from the vehicle and was found without a pulse. Despite lifesaving efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit responded to investigate the crash.

🚔 Narcotics Arrests in Collins/Gowanda

On August 24, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Buffalo Street after observing a vehicle without an illuminated license plate.

Deputies determined the driver’s license was suspended. During the investigation, deputies reported locating a glass pipe containing white residue and suspected crack cocaine in the possession of a passenger.

The 36-year-old Randolph driver was charged with 2nd Degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.

The 45-year-old Gowanda passenger was charged with:

• Two counts of 3rd Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Tampering with Evidence
• 7th Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia

🚔 Two Arrested Following Seneca Nation Traffic Stop

On August 23, deputies stopped a side-by-side on Route 438 near Richardson Road after observing it being operated in the roadway without a license plate.

Deputies reported the operator’s license was suspended and alleged that a passenger attempted to discard a glass pipe before it could be discovered. Both occupants were arrested, and deputies reported subsequently locating suspected crack cocaine in the vehicle.

The 28-year-old Irving operator was charged with 3rd Degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.

The 43-year-old Gowanda passenger was charged with 4th Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Evidence, and 7th Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.

🍺 DWI Arrest in Sardinia

On August 27, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Genesee Road after observing a motorist allegedly driving without a seat belt.

Deputies determined the operator was intoxicated. A 58-year-old Holland man was charged with DWI and Aggravated DWI.

🔥 Grand Island Residential Fire

On August 22, deputies responded to a home on Ferry Road after smoke was observed coming from the garage.

The home’s occupant was already safely outside when deputies arrived. Deputies attempted to extinguish the fire before Grand Island Fire arrived and took over suppression efforts.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Unit responded to investigate.

🔥 Pickup Truck Destroyed by Fire in Clarence

On August 28, a pickup truck caught fire while traveling on Tonawanda Creek Road.

Rapids Fire responded and extinguished the flames. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the truck and approximately $10,000 worth of property inside were destroyed.

Erie County DPW was also notified of damage to the roadway.

🚑 Three Transported Following Grand Island Crash

On August 25, deputies responded to an injury crash on Bedell Road involving two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

According to the report, one vehicle was attempting a left turn when the collision occurred.

Twin City Ambulance transported three people to three separate hospitals, including ECMC, Kenmore Mercy Hospital and Oishei Children’s Hospital, for treatment.

🚑 ATV Crash Sends Rider to ECMC

On August 22 in Elma, a male riding a four-wheeler crashed in the backyard of a residence on Main Street.

The rider suffered reported injuries to his head, collarbone and ribs. Blossom Fire transported the patient to ECMC.

🔥 Hayfield Fire in Newstead

On August 23, deputies and Newstead Fire responded to Scotland Road for a hayfield fire.

The Sheriff’s Office reported the fire was believed to have been caused by the weather. The property owner and firefighters successfully extinguished the fire.

🚗 Hit-and-Run Driver Located in Elma

On August 28, deputies investigated a report that an unknown vehicle struck multiple mailboxes along North Davis Road and continued from the scene.

Deputies later located the operator at Craig Burn Golf Club.

The driver was ticketed for Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting.

🔎 Vehicle Break-In Reported in Clarence

On August 23, a Clarence resident reported that two unknown individuals entered his garage on Center Pine Lane and rummaged through his wife’s vehicle.

Nothing initially appeared to have been stolen.

🚨 Warrants Served

Several warrant arrests were also reported during the week.

In Concord/Springville, a 33-year-old Arcade woman was taken into custody on active warrants from Cheektowaga and Hamburg and turned over to Cheektowaga Police.

A 22-year-old Fredonia man was arrested during a traffic stop on an active warrant and turned over to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office.

Another driver, a 50-year-old Ashford man, was charged with 2nd Degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation before being taken into custody on an active warrant.

🚂 Train Causes Traffic Problems in Alden

On August 24, dispatchers received multiple complaints after a train became stopped and blocked Exchange Street in Alden, backing up traffic and forcing motorists to detour.

Norfolk Southern advised deputies that the train was experiencing mechanical problems.

📊 WEEKLY ACTIVITY

2,127 total complaints
🏠 369 premises checks
🚔 60 neighborhood patrols
🚦 216 traffic stops
🤝 226 assists to other agencies
⚖️ 50 warrants served

Source: Erie County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Blotter, August 22 through August 28, 2026.

As always, this is a condensed look at some of the more significant calls handled during the reporting period and does not represent every incident or complaint investigated by deputies.

Erie County Blotter
Keeping Western New York informed with information directly from official sources.