By Dale Anderson
The Buffalo News, N.Y.
BATAVIA DOWNS, N.Y. — A sheriff’s sergeant died early Sunday when a struggle broke out during an arrest at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, the Batavia Police Department reported.
According to the report, Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, a 32-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, became unresponsive during the incident and CPR was administered. He was pronounced dead by a Genesee County coroner.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of Sgt. Sanfratello and all the members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at this extremely difficult time,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said in a press statement.
Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said Sanfratello, who was on duty in a special assignment detail, was alerted along with casino security about an altercation inside the building at about 12:45 a.m.
According to the report, Sanfratello and security staff responded to the bar area and, after a verbal confrontation, began escorting Michael J. Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, outside.
During their exit, the report said, Wilcox began struggling with Sanfratello, who was able to place her under arrest with the help of casino security staff.
During the arrest, the report continued, Elmore attacked Sanfratello, and a fight ensued with security officers and bystanders coming to the aid of the sergeant.
Elmore continued to struggle after Sanfratello attempted to use a Taser to subdue him, the report added. During the altercation, it was noted, Sanfratello became unresponsive.
Further details were not immediately released. The Sheriff’s Office transferred the investigation of the death to the Batavia Police Department.
Anyone with information about the incident or a video is asked to call the Batavia Police Detective Bureau at 585-345-6311 or submit a tip at bataviapolice.org. — Dale Anderson
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