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NOTE: Before reading further, read this: Clarification and Correction: 'thick piece of jewelry' allegedly used in attack on officer

The alleged attack on Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello at Batavia Downs early Sunday morning may have been more brutal than previously described in news releases about the incident.

In charging documents at the Town of Batavia Court, called accusatory Instruments, Michael J. Elmore is accused of leaving the casino, retrieving metal chains, reentering the building and threatening Sanfratello.

The 33-year-old Elmore allegedly "passed (the chains (now described as a necklace)) between both hands while swinging them around and making threats," and then he allegedly used the metal chains to assault Sanfratello, striking him in the head and face. He's also accused of using his fists and of placing Sanfratello in a chokehold.

Sanfratello, 54, was a 32-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office. Investigators say Sanfratello died as a result of the attack. There have been reports that he died from a medical issue, possibly a heart attack, during the confrontation.  No official document available so far confirms those reports.

Elmore is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, a Class B felony, aggravated assault upon a police officer, a Class B felony, and burglary in the second degree. The manslaughter charge is based on alleged intent to cause serious physical injury. The aggravated assault includes an allegation of using a deadly weapon. The burglary charge includes the alleged use of a dangerous instrument. 

The incident began at 12:43 a.m. on Sunday when Sanfratello and Batavia Downs security responded to the Rush 34 bar for a disturbance. There, Sanfratello confronted Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, of Batavia and ordered Wilcox to leave the building. While being escorted out, she allegedly became combative with Sanfratello. The accusatory instrument says she hit Sanfratello several times with the intent to injure him. 

The available timeline does not indicate when Elmore became involved and was told to leave the building. According to the earlier press release and the accusatory instruments, he left and returned with the intent to commit a crime.

The initial press release from Batavia PD said that Sanfratello did attempt to deploy his taser during the struggle with Elmore.

The accusatory instruments were filed by Det. Jason Ivison (Elmore) and Det. James DeFreze (Wilcox) of the Batavia Police Department.

The arrest reports indicate that Elmore and Wilcox may have been impaired by alcohol at the time of the incident.

Wilcox is charged with burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony and attempted assault in the second degree, a Class E felony. 

Both were arraigned on Sunday evening. Elmore is being held on $100,000 bail, $200,000 bond, and $500,000 partially secured bond. Wilcox is being held on $50,000 bail, $100,000 bond, or $200,000 partially secured bond.

Contrary to social media chatter, both were still in custody on Monday afternoon.

Sanfratello was on duty, in uniform, at the time he was attacked. He was working a special detail at Batavia Downs. Batavia Downs has been compensating the Sheriff's Office for four or five months to provide law enforcement personnel at the casino on Friday and Saturday nights.

Elmore has a lengthy arrest recording. In 2009, he was accused of shooting a teen with a BB gun at the former skate park in Batavia. In 2012, he was charged with disorderly conduct following a fight on State Street. He was charged with a burglary at Sherwin-Williams in 2013. In 2015, he was accused of sending threatening texts to another person. He also has a prior history of tangling with law enforcement. He was charged with obstructing governmental administration during an incident in 2022 at the former Days Inn. In 2022, he was also accused of slashing tires on vehicles.

The Batavian emailed questions to District Attorney Kevin Finnell late Monday afternoon and we will either update this story or publish a new story based on any response we receive.

Earlier on Monday, the DA's Office released the following statement:

Genesee County Sheriff's Office St. Thomas Sanfratello was working a detail at the Batavia Downs Gaming Facility on March 9, 2024 when, he was called to assist Batavia Downs Security personnel with two unruly patrons. In the course of escorting the individuals from the premises, the individuals became physically combative, requiring Sgt. Sanfratello to intervene. After successfully taking one of the individuals into custody and while physically engaged with the second person, Sgt. Sanfratello suffered a medical event which ultimately resulted in his passing. The case is still being actively investigated by the Batavia City Police Department and further charges are pending.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Sgt. Sanfratello's family at this most difficult time.

Previously:

• Sheriff's Office sergeant dies in the line of duty while trying to make arrest at Batavia Downs
• Batavia man charged with manslaughter in death of Sheriff's Office sergeant during confrontation at Batavia Downs

A pair of left-handers continued their red-hot bowling seasons this week at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

On Monday night, Brian Cline of Middleport raised his average to 240 with a 783 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Doubles League. His games were 279-258-246.

On Tuesday night, Nick Johnson of Bergen upped his average to 225 with 278-279-217--774 in the Brighton Securities Triples League. Johnson strung the front nine strikes in the middle game.

Elsewhere around the Genesee Region USBC:

-- Scott Gibson of Oakfield spun a 270 game and 764 series and Dave Montemarano Jr. of Pavilion posted 258--729 in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

-- Tom Fluker fired games of 267 and 266 en route to a 730 series in the StrikeForce Tuesday Doubles League at StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved a final resolution for HP Hood’s $120 million proposed expansion project at its meeting on Thursday, March 7.

The 32,500 sq. ft. expansion project pledges to create 48 new jobs while retaining 455 FTEs adding to 1,000+ professionals in the food processing industry and cluster with over 1.2 million sq. ft. of food and beverage facilities at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. 

“The dairy hub of the northeast at the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park has built itself upon the qualities of our workforce, our dedicated farming families, and our strategic location close to major consumers,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. 

“The economic infrastructure generated by shovel-ready sites and workforce development programs has set up HP Hood and our robust food and beverage industry for sustained success.”

HP Hood’s expansion accommodates its automatic storage and retrieval system (ASRS) refrigerated warehouse. The project will also include new batching and processing systems and other upgrades which will allow the company to increase capacity and begin a new production line.

“The addition of another generational investment will result in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park delivering more benefits to our community and agricultural sector,” added Hyde. 

Genesee County’s shovel-ready sites have been designed and strategically located at key transportation routes with access to population centers across the Northeast and Midwest and infrastructure corridors, including access to low-cost hydropower.

HP Hood’s investment is projected to result in a local economic impact of $49.87 million in wages and tax revenue. The GCEDC approved sales tax exemptions estimated at $4.52 million, a property tax abatement estimated at $549,705 based on an incremental increase in assessed value, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $536,000 bringing the value of the proposed financial agreements to approximately $5.6 million. For every $1 of public benefit, HP Hood is investing $16 into the local economy.

Aaron J. Fix, 50, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, resisting arrest, criminal mischief 4th, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Fix is accused of interfering with the arrest of another person during a traffic stop on East Main Street, Batavia. When a deputy and Batavia patrol officer attempted to take Fix into custody, Fix allegedly resisted arrest and in the process, the officer was injured and a piece of the officer's equipment was damaged. Fix was arraigned and released.

Robert P. Tomaszewski, 56, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. A Batavia patrol officer stopped Tomaszewski on March 4 on River Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Lyons is accused of being at Kwik Fill on Mach 1 after being banned from the property. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeanna M. Hattaway, 44, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. She is also charged with obstructing government administration 2nd, resisting arrest, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Hattaway was located on March 4 walking on Tracy Avenue, When Batavia police officers attempted to take her into custody on the warrant. Hattaway allegedly ran from police but was caught a short distance away. Hattaway was also allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine at the time of her arrest. Hattaway was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $3,000 bail, $6,000 bond, or $12,000 partially secured bond.

Charles A. Reichert, 41, of Batavia, is charged with riding a bicycle on a sidewalk. Reichert was issued a ticket on Feb. 25 following a personal injury accident. Reichert is accused of riding on the sidewalk before riding into the path of a vehicle. 

Naquan J. Shepherd, 24, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Shepherd was initially charged with harassment 2nd in January 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket. He is accused of failure to appear. Shepherd was arraigned and released.

Shane M. Ramos, 32, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Ramos is accused of shoving another person during a fight on Summit Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Monique E. Hampson, 31, of Batavia, was arrested on March 4 on a warrant. Hampson was initially charged on Dec. 29 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd following a traffic stop on West Main Street. She is accused of failure to appear in court as ordered. Hampson was arraigned and released.

Jennifer N. Wilson, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and resisting arrest. Wilson is accused of being inside a residence on Otis Street and then resisting arrest. She was arraigned and released.

Jonathan M. Falk, 25, of Batavia, was arrested on Feb. 26 on a warrant. He and another person allegedly stole merchandise from Seven-Eleven. Falk was initially charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. He is accused of failure to appear in court as ordered. He was arraigned and released. 

Bryce D. Klehn, 18, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Klehn is accused of throwing a lit firework on March 2 onto the porch of a residence on Montclair Avenue. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Erica M. Esten, 36, of Oakfield, is charged with harassment 2nd. Esten is accused of hitting another person in the face in a parking lot on East Main Street, Batavia, on March 2. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Starzha Monae Hilliard, 25, of Webster Manor Avenue, Rochester, is charged with falsifying business records 1st. Hilliard is accused of providing false personal information to deputies and corrections officers after being arrested on unrelated offenses and then signing official fingerprint documents under the false identity. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Tabatha Ann Torcello, 58, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Torcello was charged after an investigation into an incident reported at 7:17 a.m. on Nov. 30.  At that time, deputies responded to a report of a car in a ditch off Route 98 in Alexander. She was arrested recently and issued an appearance ticket.

George Samuel Luce, 54, of Gildden Road, Holly, is charged with strangulation 2nd and assault 3rd. Luce is accused of chocking and punching a woman during an incident at a hotel on Park Road, Batavia, at 10:42 a.m. on March 6.

Joseph Thomas Jablonski, 59, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, unregistered motor vehicle, and vehicle with improper license plates. Jablonski was stopped at 3:29 a.m. on March 7 on Clinton Street by Sgt. Mathew Clor. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Arnold Bryan Colopy, 66, of Knowlesville Road, Alabama, is charged with torturing or injuring animals/failure to provide substance. Colopy is accused of keeping two dogs in "deplorable" conditions. Following a report at 4:11 p.m. on March 7, Deputy Alexander Hardsall allegedly found two dogs without any food or water. Colopy was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Michael Andrew Hahn, 44, of Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operator, unregistered motor vehicle, and uninspected motor vehicle. Hahn was stopped by Deputy Carlos Ortiz Speed at 3:43 a.m. on March 4 on Buffalo Road, Bergen. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jacqueline Raj Garrett, 44, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Garret is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart at 2:50 p.m. on March 8. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

Come enjoy the spring season at the Genesee County Park and Forest! Join us this March, April, and May for a variety of walks, hikes, and environmental education programs.

Programs include:

• Saturday, March 23 - Amphibian Adventure
• Saturday, April 6 - Eclipse Stories, Myths, and Science Walk
• Sunday, April 7 - GeneSEEtheEclipse Story Time and Craft
• Sunday, April 7 - Springtime Woods Walk
• Monday, April 8 - Exploring the Eclipse at the Genesee County Park
• Saturday, April 13 and May 4 - Guided Dog Walks
• Saturday, April 13 - Indoor Lecture: Stewardship at Home
• Wednesday, April 17, April 24 and May 8 - Migration Morning Walks
• Saturday, April 20 - Earth Day Spring Sweep Cleanup at DeWitt Recreation Area (Free)
• Saturday, May 18 - Genesee Valley Birding Cup (Free)
• Saturday, May 25 - Full Moon Owl Prowl

Walks are led by a guide who takes you through forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. Each will explore a different topic. Walks are approximately 1 - 2 miles long over easy terrain and are family-friendly. 

Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family (unless otherwise noted). Please pre-register to receive the exact meeting location and full details! Please pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/GenCoParkRegistration or by calling 585-344-1122.

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Claudia Nusstein at Claudia.Nusstein@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Press Release:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist David Burke at GO ART! Seymour Place on Tuesday, March 12 starting at 7 p.m. 

David will be demonstrating a more intuitive painting for this demo, using a new squeegee technique with dots of paint to easily create cool designs. Light refreshments will be served. 

The 2.o.1. Tavern will be open for cash purchases.  Non-members are welcome for a $5 fee.  New members are always welcome, all mediums and skill levels. The yearly Single membership is $30, Couples $50, and Students/Veterans $10. 

GO ART! Seymour Place is located at 201 E. Main St. Batavia.

Submitted photos

Elba beat Panama on Saturday in the Girls Basketball Class D Far West Regional Championship to advance to the state Final Four.

The final score, 58 to 47.

Lydia Ross led the way with 26 points for Elba.

Sydney Reilly scored 16 points for the Lancers. Mariah Ognibene scored eight points.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Batavia Notre Dame United's historic season—a sectional title and 22 wins—came to a disappointing end in the state semifinals of hockey in Buffalo on Saturday.

United lost to Skaneateles, the defending Division II champions, 7-2.

Photos by Erin Staley.

In the 23rd Exceptional Seniors Boys Basketball game on Friday in Albion, the Genesee Region beat the Niagara Region 109-103.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

In the annual Exceptional Seniors Girls Basketball game between Genesee Region and Niagara Region, played in Orleans County on Friday, Genesee won 66-37.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

LoVeSexy, a Boston-based band that pays tribute to the music of Prince, played to a packed house in Park Place at Batavia Downs on Saturday night.

The band members:

• Giovanni Morant, Lead Vocals, Guitar, Keys & Trumpet
• Anthony C. Grant, Sax, Keyboards, Flute, Vocals & Percussion
• Jodee Frawlee,  Lead Guitar & Vocals
• Brian Eggleston, Keyboards & Vocals
• Jeffrey Gilman, Bass & Vocals
• Chris Botelho, Drums & Samples

Previously: LoVeSeXy pays tribute to the music and artistry of Prince on March 9 at Batavia Downs

Photos by Howard Owens

A 33-year-old Batavia man with multiple prior arrests is accused of intending to cause serious physical injury to a law enforcement officer and that his attack on the officer resulted in the death of the officer.

At 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, 54, a 32-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, died after a struggle with the suspect inside Batavia Downs.

Michael J. Elmore is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, a Class B felony, aggravated assault upon a police officer, a Class B felony, and burglary in the second degree.

Elmore is accused of leaving the casino and returning after being told not to return, and that he returned with the intent to commit a crime in the casino. He then allegedly attacked Sanfrantello with the intent to cause a serious injury to him.

According to an earlier press release, Sanfratello was working a special detail early Sunday morning at Batavia Downs when he and security officers received a report of a disturbance at 34 Rush. 

Sanfratello and the security officers encountered  Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, of Batavia, and she was ordered to leave the premises. While being escorted out, Wilcox allegedly became combative with Sanfratello.

Sanfratello and the security officers were able to subdue her and place her in custody.

It was then that Elmore allegedly attacked Sanfratello. Security officers and civilians reportedly attempted to assist Sanfratello. Sanfratello attempted to use his taser to subdue Elmore, but Elmore reportedly kept fighting. During the struggle, Sanfratello became unresponsive, and CPR was attempted.

Wilcox is charged with burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony and attempted assault in the second degree, a Class E felony. 

She is accused of remaining inside Batavia Downs after being told to leave and did so with the intent to commit a crime inside the casino.

Both were arraigned on Sunday evening. Elmore is being held on $100,000 bail, $200,000 bond, and $500,000 partially secured bond. Wilcox is being held on $50,000 bail, $100,000 bond, or $200,000 partially secured bond.

Both are scheduled to appear again in Town of Batavia Court on March 12.

The Batavia Police Department is handling the investigation.

"We would like to thank all those who came forward with information to assist the investigation and those who assisted at the scene," said Chief Shawn Heubusch. "We ask that you keep the family and friends of Sgt. Sanfratello in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."

Sanfratello began his law enforcement career as a dispatcher on Feb. 29, 1992. He was appointed deputy in 1996 and promoted to sergeant in 2007.  

Elmore has a lengthy arrest recording. In 2009, he was accused of shooting a teen with a BB gun at the former skate park in Batavia. In 2012, he was charged with disorderly conduct following a fight on State Street. He was charged with a burglary at Sherwin-Williams in 2013. In 2015, he was accused of sending threatening texts to another person. He also has a prior history of tangling with law enforcement. He was charged with obstructing governmental administration during an incident in 2022 at the former Days Inn. In 2022, he was also accused of slashing tires on vehicles.

In an interview with The Batavian, Henry Wojtaszek, CEO of Western Regional OTB, said that Batavia Downs began contracting with the Sheriff's Office four or five months ago to provide a security detail to the casino on Friday and Saturday nights.  He said the arrangement is similar to what Batavia Downs does with Batavia PD and the Sheriff's Office during the summer concert series and that the agencies are compensated for the officers' time.  

In a written statement released to all media, Wojtaszek said, "The Batavia Downs Family is extremely saddened by the loss of Sergeant Sanfratello and we send our very deepest condolences to his family.   We rarely have incidents at our facility in large part due to the incredible efforts of people like Sergeant Sanfratello.  While words cannot express our sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the SanFratello family and his extended first responder family."

Previously: Sheriff's Office sergeant dies in the line of duty while trying to make arrest at Batavia Downs

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its Garth Swanson Memorial Scholarship for 2024. This scholarship was created in honor of Garth Swanson, who was the Stafford Town Historian, a History professor at Genesee Community College, and a former board member and officer of the museum.

This $500 scholarship is open to any graduating senior in Genesee County planning on attending Genesee Community College, or current student attending Genesee Community College, and has expressed interest in history, or plans on working in the history field in the future.

Completed applications should be mailed or emailed no later than May 1. They can be emailed to Ryan Duffy at duffyhollandlandoffice@gmail.com. Or Mailed to Ryan Duffy, Executive Director, Holland Land Office Museum, 131 W. Main St., Batavia. 

The application is available on both the museum’s website and Facebook page. You can also contact the museum for the application or further information.

Press Release:

With traveling increasing for Spring Break, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are encouraging residents to check their measles vaccination status. 

If you are not up-to-date on the measles vaccine, contact your healthcare provider and get vaccinated. Cases of measles are increasing worldwide and in the United States.

Measles is typically brought to the United States by unvaccinated people who contract the virus by traveling to other countries. However, measles outbreaks are occurring more regularly in the United States. 

In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported measles cases in 16 states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. 

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours, even after the infected person has left the area. 

Infected people can spread measles to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.

Measles symptoms typically include: 

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

“Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine series is the best way to prevent measles,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “As many families are planning to travel in the upcoming weeks, it is important to know your vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you and your family from measles.”

GO Health advises residents to check their vaccination status with their healthcare provider. Children, adolescents, and adults should have two doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart. Unvaccinated individuals should contact their healthcare provider to see if the measles vaccine is right for them. 

If you haven’t completed the MMR vaccine series and are traveling soon, there is still time to receive a vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus. 

One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective and two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

GO Health offers the vaccine to individuals who are underinsured and uninsured and you can call your respective health department to schedule an appointment. For more information on measles, visit the CDC.

For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your health department at: 

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) issued the following statement in response to President Biden's State of the Union Address:

"Since Joe Biden took office, inflation has skyrocketed, the border is a dangerous catastrophe, energy costs continue to rise, there is chaos around the world, and our greatest ally in the Middle East has been brutally attacked. Yet, President Biden dared to declare the State of the Union as strong. Rather than lay out a clear plan to restore our economy, strengthen our national security, tackle the border crisis, and keep our families safe, Biden barked out lies and harsh partisan rhetoric as if he were speaking at a campaign rally. He refused to provide solutions to the myriad of problems plaguing communities across NY-24." 

"Tonight, President Biden's demeanor and hyper-partisanship created a divisive and hostile environment in the House Chamber that was unbecoming of the President/Commander in Chief of our armed forces and insensitive to the American people who are suffering under his disastrous policies."

During an altercation with a criminal suspect at Batavia Downs shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday, a Sheriff's Office sergeant became unresponsive and, despite life-saving attempts by Batavia Downs security staff, was later pronounced dead by the Genesee County Coroner. 

Thomas A. Sanfratello, 54, was a 32-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office.  He was working a special assignment detail at the Batavia Downs while on duty. 

The investigation has been transferred to the Batavia Police Department, which issued a statement about the case Sunday afternoon.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of Sergeant Sanfratello and all the members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at this extremely difficult time,” said Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch. 

The Sheriff's Office also released a statement expressing its deep regret and sorrow at Sanfratello's passing.

The statement also stated, "Sergeant Sanfratello’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for all the overwhelming support they have received from friends and fellow first responders."

According to Heubusch, Sheriff's Sergeant Sanfratello and casino security were notified about an altercation inside the facility.

Heubusch said that Sanfratello and security were notified about 12:45 a.m. of a possible fight inside the casino. After an initial verbal confrontation inside Rush 34, Sanfratello and security staff began escorting two patrons from the facility.

The patrons are identified as Michael J. Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39.

As they were escorted, Wilcox is accused of becoming physically combative with Sanfratello.  With the assistance of security officers, Wilcox was restrained and placed under arrest.  

At that point, Elmore allegedly interfered with her arrest and attacked Sanfratello. 

Security officers and civilians attempted to assist Sanfratello. A fight ensued. Sanfratello attempted to use his taser to subdue Elmore but Elmore reportedly kept fighting.

During the fight, Sanfratello became unresponsive. People on scene began CPR. 

The life-saving attempts were unsuccessful.

Heubusch said no further details are being released at this time.

Charges are expected against Elmore, according to Heuubusch.  He did not elaborate.

Sanfratello began his law enforcement career as a dispatcher on Feb. 29, 1992. He was appointed deputy in 1996 and promoted to sergeant in 2007.  

Gilmart Funeral Home and Cremation Company in Batavia is handling funeral arrangements. More information about funeral plans will be released later.

Elmore has a lengthy arrest recording. In 2009, he was accused of shooting a teen with a BB gun at the former skate park in Batavia. In 2012, he was charged with disorderly conduct following a fight on State Street. He was charged with a burglary at Sherwin-Williams in 2013. In 2015, he was accused of sending threatening texts to another person. He also has a prior history of tangling with law enforcement. He was charged with obstructing governmental administration during an incident in 2022 at the former Days Inn. In 2022, he was also accused of slashing tires on vehicles.

He served two years in state prison on the attempted burglary charge. His parole ended in 2021.

UPDATE: Henry Wojtaszek, CEO of Western Regional OTB, released the following statement:

The Batavia Downs Family is extremely saddened by the loss of Sergeant Sanfratello and we send our very deepest condolences to his family.   We rarely have incidents at our facility in large part due to the incredible efforts of people like Sergeant SanFratello.  

While words cannot express our sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the SanFratello family and his extended first responder family.

The safety of our guests and our dedicated staff is our highest priority, and we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement throughout their investigation.

We are committed to assisting the SanFratello family and the entire community through this difficult time.

In an interview with The Batavian, Wojtaszek said that Batavia Downs began contracting with the Sheriff's Office four or five months ago to provide a security detail to the casino on Friday and Saturday nights.  He said the arrangement is similar to what Batavia Downs does with Batavia PD and the Sheriff's Office during the summer concert series and that the agencies are compensated for the officers' time.  He reiterated during the interview, "We are committed to the safety and security of our patrons." 

UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: Heubusch said Elmore is in custody pending charges.

According to Heubusch, this is an ongoing investigation. Witnesses and people with video of the incident are asked to come forward. The Detective Bureau can be reached at 585-345-6311 or submit a tip at www.bataviapolice.org.

Press Release:

Grace Marzolf, MPH, Public Health Educator from the Genesee County Health Department was the guest speaker whose topic was about childhood lead poisoning prevention at the recent Lions meeting. 

She noted that the health department has various programs such as the Children with Special Needs Program, Community Health Services, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Health, Public Health Education, and Weights and Measures. 

The department also has a Lead Poisoning Prevention Program that services Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) Counties. Lead is toxic to the human body and there is an average of thirty childhood lead poisoning cases throughout Genesee
and Orleans Counties each year. 

Grace also informed the group they have programs to test for lead in homes with small children and pregnant women. Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint or plumbing, but lead can also be in imported toys and jewelry and contaminated soil. 

Exposure and rising lead levels occur with no obvious symptoms and frequently go unrecognized. There is no safe level of lead for children, especially vulnerable because of their developing bodies. Lead affects a child’s behavior and ability to learn but can be managed if caught in time.

Screening and remediation are available to qualified homeowners and landlords throughout the GLOW region as part of the HUD grant. Further information is available at the Health Department (585) 344-2850 x5555 or GOHealthNY.org.

The Batavia Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and everyone is welcome to visit the American Legion, 8960 Alexander Road, Batavia.