WESTERN NEW YORK — Another busy week across Western New York brought serious crashes, fires, police investigations, criminal court developments and tragedy to communities throughout the region.
From Niagara County to Chautauqua County and across Erie County, police officers, firefighters, EMS crews, dispatchers and other emergency personnel responded to numerous significant incidents between Sunday, September 20 and Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Below is a look at several of the major headlines from across Western New York this week.
Multiple People Struck During North Tonawanda Car Show
Multiple people were injured Friday night after a vehicle reportedly struck several people attending a classic car show on Erie Avenue in North Tonawanda.
Authorities reported that the vehicle struck a tent before continuing into the Harley-Davidson building, causing damage to the structure.
Several patients were transported to area hospitals by Twin City Ambulance and Niagara County EMS.
The driver was detained as members of the North Tonawanda Police Department Accident Investigation Unit began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Driver Killed Following West Seneca Police Pursuit
A driver was killed Tuesday evening following an attempted traffic stop and subsequent crash on Harlem Road in West Seneca.
According to West Seneca Police, an officer attempted to stop a pickup truck at approximately 7:15 p.m. when the driver allegedly fled at a high rate of speed.
Approximately one-half mile later, the pickup collided with another vehicle before overturning and catching fire.
The driver of the pickup was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Three occupants of the second vehicle were transported to Erie County Medical Center with varying injuries.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office was notified and is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
Silver Creek Community Mourns Death of High School Student
The Silver Creek community is mourning following the death of a 16-year-old student Wednesday afternoon.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office responded to the CSX railroad tracks in the Village of Silver Creek shortly before 4 p.m. following a report of a pedestrian struck by a train.
The teenager was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following the tragedy, the Silver Creek Central School District activated its crisis response plan and made additional counselors and support personnel available for students and staff.
Our thoughts remain with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and the entire Silver Creek community.
Firefighters Battle Working Residential Fire in Hamburg
Firefighters responded Tuesday afternoon to a working residential structure fire in the Reserve Fire District in Hamburg.
Arriving crews encountered heavy smoke and fire involving an attached garage with concern that the fire could extend into the residence.
Newton Abbott’s FAST was initially requested before firefighters were reassigned to assist with interior fire attack, searches and overhaul operations.
Primary searches confirmed that the occupants had safely evacuated the residence.
Multiple mutual-aid fire companies assisted during the incident.
Jamestown Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Crash
Jamestown Police investigated an early-morning vehicle pursuit Friday after officers attempted to stop a vehicle for an alleged traffic violation.
Police reported that the vehicle fled from officers before eventually crashing.
Officers later located a juvenile and determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen from within the City of Jamestown.
As part of the investigation, Amber M. Giancotti, 41, was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
As with anyone accused of a crime, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Buffalo Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison
A Buffalo man was sentenced this week to 25 years in state prison followed by five years of post-release supervision in connection with the 2024 killing of his 20-year-old stepdaughter.
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Peter D. Brown, 39, was arrested on a fugitive warrant in Alabama in October 2025 before being returned to Western New York.
Brown received the maximum prison sentence available in the case.
Buffalo Man Sentenced in Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run
A Buffalo man was sentenced Wednesday to up to 15 years in prison in connection with a 2025 crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
Prosecutors said 45-year-old Wendell Brooks struck the pedestrian before leaving the scene without reporting the collision.
Authorities also alleged that Brooks later concealed the vehicle and removed a flash drive containing vehicle-recording data.
Brooks previously pleaded guilty to Manslaughter, Leaving the Scene of an Incident Resulting in Death and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Burglary Suspect Arrested at Buffalo Construction Site
Buffalo Police arrested a 33-year-old man this week while investigating a series of burglaries involving downtown construction sites.
Detectives reportedly encountered Michael Hillyard inside a secured construction site early Wednesday morning.
Police said burglar tools and stolen property were recovered during the investigation.
Hillyard faces charges including Burglary, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Burglar Tools and Trespassing.
Police indicated that additional charges remain possible as investigators continue reviewing other burglary cases.
Niagara County Radioactive Contamination Response Continues
Concerns surrounding radioactive contamination at properties in Niagara County continued to receive significant attention this week.
More than 1,000 homes have reportedly undergone testing, with hundreds cleared and additional properties requiring further evaluation.
Several Town of Niagara families affected by elevated radioactive contamination have either been relocated or are in the process of being relocated.
Federal, state and local agencies continue working on the investigation, testing and assistance for residents potentially affected.
Federal Gun and Drug Cases Announced in Buffalo
Federal prosecutors announced multiple indictments involving Buffalo defendants this week.
One Buffalo man was federally indicted on a firearm charge after authorities alleged that a loaded .40-caliber handgun fell from his pant leg during an earlier traffic stop on Route 33.
Another Buffalo man was federally indicted on firearm and drug charges involving allegations related to cocaine, crack cocaine, ammunition and maintaining a drug-involved premises.
An indictment is an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Another Busy Week for Western New York First Responders
These incidents represent only a portion of the calls handled by emergency personnel throughout Western New York during the past week.
Police officers, firefighters, EMS providers, dispatchers, emergency communications personnel and other first responders continue answering calls around the clock throughout Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Genesee, Wyoming, Cattaraugus and surrounding counties.
Many emergencies will never become major headlines, but every call involves someone experiencing what may be one of the most difficult moments of their life.
Erie County Blotter thanks the first responders, dispatchers, emergency personnel and community members who continue stepping forward when someone needs help.
Information released during breaking incidents is often preliminary and may change as law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other officials complete their investigations.
Erie County Blotter
Serving Western New York Since 2015
ErieCoBlotter.com
