Erie County Sheriff's Dept. Report 2024
Erie County Sheriff's Dept. Official Website
Suspected Overdose Death - June 2024
GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia cautions the public to be vigilant after the Police Services Division responded to a suspected overdose death on E. River Rd. in the Town of Grand Island Friday night. At approximately 8:30 p.m., patrol responded to the location to find a 58 year-old man experiencing a medical emergency. The responding deputy administered multiple doses of Narcan and commenced CPR. The male was pronounced deceased approximately 45 minutes later. Other individuals at the location informed patrol that the male had smoked crack/cocaine.After seven individuals died of suspected overdoses in less than five hours across Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Lackawanna on Monday, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office continues to have concern with the drug supply currently circulating in our community – particularly with respect to crack and/or cocaine. Drug users are reminded that their product is not safe. Dealers do not care about the health of their buyers. Instead, they are driven by simple greed.
As a reminder, Erie County offers free fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips and Narcan. You can obtain these items by calling (716) 858-7695 or texting (716) 225-5473. The community must work together to address the record overdose statistics we are on pace to set this year. Please call (716) 858-7755 to report any drug activity in your neighborhood.
Sheriff Garcia, Undersheriff Cooley and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office offer condolences to the loved ones of those who died this week.
June 13 - June 19, 2024
June 6 - June 12, 2024
May 30 - June 5, 2024
May 23 - May 29, 2024
May 16 - May 22, 2024
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skiers - May 2024
Niagara River – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia commends the quick action of a Good Samaritan who pulled two individuals aboard his boat after a Jet Ski overturned in the Niagara River near Tonawanda Island.On Friday, May 24th at approximately 6:30 p.m., The U.S. Coast Guard, Erie County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and Air 1 responded to the aforementioned area after receiving a report that two people were in the water. Approximately four minutes after the 911 call was initiated, the Good Samaritan – a 53-year-old Grand Island man - was able to help the two individuals safely get onto his boat. They were turned over to the Coast Guard. This incident highlights the importance of boaters being alert at all times.
Two Arrested After Grand Island Traffic Stop - May 2024
Grand Island, N.Y. - Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia announces the arrest of Kenneth Munn, 56, of Buffalo and Amanda Ion, 30, of Buffalo after an investigation into a traffic complaint in Grand Island. On May 24th at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Communications Unit received a report of a vehicle driving recklessly with its doors open on I-190. Patrol responded to the area and observed a vehicle matching the description in a Grand Island Blvd. parking lot. The vehicle exited the parking lot and turned northbound. After observing infractions, patrol pulled the vehicle over in the 1800 block of Grand Island Blvd. and identified Munn as the operator. Munn stated to patrol that his driver’s license was revoked. He was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd degree and multiple VTL Infractions and released on an appearance ticket.Patrol located a clear glass pipe with black residue on the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle. The passenger initially provided patrol with a false name. Upon being advised of the consequences of providing a false name to law enforcement, the passenger eventually identified herself as Ion. Ion was found to have an outstanding warrant out of the State of Pennsylvania. She was taken into custody and charged with False Personation and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree.
During transport to the Erie County Holding Center, Ion spoke to patrol in a manner that indicated she had something in her mouth. Patrol pulled the vehicle over and observed a white, chalky substance in her mouth, on her lips and on her clothing. Patrol immediately summoned EMTs and observed Ion for signs of a drug overdose. Upon the arrival of EMTs, patrol heard Ion state that she pulled cocaine from her person and ate it. She was admitted to ECMC to undergo treatment and was additionally charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Island Man Arrested on Drug Charges - May 2024
Grand Island, N.Y. - Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports the arrest of Jay Mudra, 29, of Grand Island by the Narcotics and Intelligence Unit. At approximately 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 16th, the Narcotics and Intelligence Unit performed a traffic stop on a vehicle being operated by Mudra in the area of Riverwoods Dr. and Timberlink Dr. in the Town of Grand Island. Deputies then executed a search warrant signed by Hon. Kenneth Case of Erie County Court for Mudra’s person and vehicle. The search revealed in excess of 8 ounces of cocaine.
Approximately one hour later, the Narcotics and Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant signed by Hon. Mark Nemeth of Grand Island Town Court for a residence on E. River Rd. in Grand Island. The search revealed in excess of 8 ounces of suspected cocaine, in excess of 625 milligrams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, scales, cut, baggies and paperwork with Mudra’s name on it. As a result of the items found during execution of the two search warrants, Mudra has been charged with:
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 1st Degree
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree (2 counts)
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (3 counts)
Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree (3 counts)
May 9 - May 15, 2024
May 2 - May 8, 2024
April 25 - May 1, 2024
ECSO Seeking Public Assistance with Shots Fired Call - May 2024
GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. May 5, 2024 – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia requests the public’s assistance with respect to a shots fired call in Grand Island on this afternoon’s date. At approximately 1:30 p.m., ECSO dispatch received calls from residents living in the area of N. Colony Rd. and Fix Rd. in the Town of Grand Island. Callers reported that one vehicle was chasing another while shooting at it. Thus far, the investigation indicates at least one home was struck by gunfire. Sheriff Garcia requests that those living in the neighborhood check any home security footage they may have recorded around 1:30 p.m. If such video exists, please call ECSO dispatch at (716) 858-2903. Please avoid the area as the investigation continues.Wildfire Awareness Month - May 2024
Erie County Sheriff John C. GarciaFellow residents of Erie County: We have been treated to a small handful of 70 degree days in recent weeks. But now, as we enter the month of May, we are all thinking about turning the corner into the summer months. Memorial Day Weekend is coming up quickly, and many of you are surely making plans to enjoy it outdoors.
Wildfire Awareness Month coincides with the improving weather. Each May, we take a moment to consider the importance of personal responsibility. Recall the Canadian wildfires last summer and how difficult it was for some of our neighbors to deal with the smoke. Of course, wildfires threaten lives, property and the natural resources around us. Did you know that a majority of them are caused by humans? They can occur anytime and anywhere, including here in Erie County. Most of them are preventable.
That is why I ask you to keep this in mind. When preparing a campfire, I urge you to take the time to clear the area of debris and overhead combustibles. Always have water and a shovel available. Do not use ignitable liquids. Try to avoid building a campfire on a windy day or during a drought. Don’t leave it unattended. Finally, when you are finished, make sure you put the fire out completely. It is also a good idea to clear needles, leaves, dry vegetation and other debris from your roof, gutters, porches and decks. Keep firewood and scrap wood piles away from buildings. When cooking on a grill, ensure that it has adequate clearance to combustibles and don’t leave it unattended.
Lastly, please comply with all state and local open burning regulations, as well as recreational and ceremonial fire regulations. Brush burning across New York State is banned through May 14th. This regulation highlights the increased risk of wildfires during this period. We should all take some time over the next few weeks to enjoy the outdoors of Erie County. But as always, do so safely.
April 18 - April 24, 2024
April 11 - April 17, 2024
April 4 - April 10, 2024
March 28 - April 3, 2024
March 21 - March 27, 2024
March 14 - March 20, 2024
Distracted Driving Awareness Month - April 2024
Erie County Sheriff John C. GarciaFellow residents of Erie County: As the weather warms up, you can expect our highways to be full of families on their way to and from their spring and summer activities. April ushers in Distracted Driving Awareness Month. While there is some positive news to share regarding trends, it is important that we continue our work across this community and nation to eliminate distracted driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of people killed in crashes involving distracted driving decreased more than 6% in 2022. While this is encouraging, the data still shows that 3,308 people across this country needlessly lost their lives. For these families, it doesn’t matter that the statistics are decreasing. All they know is that there is an empty chair at the dinner table.
Nearly 10% of all crashes the Erie County Sheriff’s Office investigated in 2023 were caused by distracted driving or driver inattention. This includes the use of a cell phone, GPS and vehicle infotainment systems. This is something that is so easily preventable. No text message is worth the life that it might cost. No phone call is worth the weeks or months that might be spent in the hospital.
You will be hearing much more about this issue later this month. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office and our partners in law enforcement will be highlighting the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s “No Empty Chair” campaign. During the week of April 22nd, we will be drawing attention to various highway safety initiatives. There will be accompanying enforcement details each day, including one focused on cell phone use and texting on April 24th. Other enforcement efforts will include speeding in school zones, seat belt and child restraints, passing stopped school buses and underage impaired driving.
The timing of this initiative is not coincidental. As prom and graduation season approaches, we are also nearing the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. This represents the period between Memorial and Labor Days during which there is an increase in motor vehicle fatalities involving teen drivers. I urge parents to speak with their children about being safe behind the wheel, with a particular focus on distracted driving. Remember, they see your behavior while you are driving and will likely follow suit. I want you to know that law enforcement and traffic safety agencies across Erie County, New York State and the nation are committed to this issue.
Phone Scam - March 2024
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports that the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has received a number of reports on today’s date regarding the following scam. A caller purporting to be Captain Greg Savage with the “Erie County Sheriff’s Department Warrants and Citations Division” is telling recipients that he needs to discuss an urgent, ongoing civil matter with them. He is asking recipients to return his call at a phone number with a prefix of 831 (716-831-xxxx). THIS IS A SCAM.Here are some facts: There is currently no “Captain Greg Savage” employed by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. Our office is called the "Erie County Sheriff's Office," not the "Erie County Sheriff's Department". The correct number for the ECSO Warrant Office is (716) 858-3287 Anyone receiving this call should hang up immediately.
March 7 - March 13, 2024
February 29 - March 6, 2024
February 22 - February 28, 2024
Illegal Marijuana Sales - February 2024
Grand Island, N.Y. - Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports the arrest of 23-yearold, Thomas Muscoreil, of Grand Island, following an investigation. On February 27th, following an investigation into illegal marijuana sales out of businesses in the Town of Grand Island, led by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Intelligence Unit, Town of Grand Island Search Warrants, signed by Judge Mark Nemeth were executed at the Island Smoke Shop, located at 2423 Grand Island Blvd, and Island Smoke Shop 2, located at 1734 Grand Island Blvd. As a result of the investigation and search warrants, a large amount of cannabis concentrate, cannabis edibles and cannabis flower were recovered at both locations. Additionally, a large amount of US Currency believed to be from illegal marijuana sales was also recovered and seized.The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance as well as other NYS agencies assisted with the investigation. Muscoreil was charged with the following: Criminal Possession of Cannabis 2nd Degree (2 Counts) – Class E Felony. Muscoreil was processed and released on Desk Appearance Ticket.
