Veteran New York Deputy dies during brawl with casino customer
Tragedy Strikes:
Unruly Patron Attacks Lieutenant:
Dependable Law-Enforcement Officer:
Casino Incident:
An Attempt to Control:
Heavy Consequences:
Condolences pour for the Departed:
Investigation Ongoing:
A longtime veteran of a sheriff’s office in upstate New York has tragically lost his life while on a special assignment at a local casino. Genesee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello was responding to the scene of a fight inside Batavia Downs, a casino and hotel about 35 miles west of Rochester. The incident leading to Sgt. Sanfratello’s death occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
Sanfratello, a dedicated officer and a veteran of the sheriff’s office for 32 years, was working a special assignment detail when a fight broke out at around 12:45 a.m. at Batavia Downs. Security staff at the casino and the sergeant were escorting a couple, Michael Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, out of the establishment. It was at this point that the tragic event unfolded.
According to authorities, Wilcox became unruly and combative. Sgt. Sanfratello was able to control her and proceed to arrest her. However, Elmore, the second party involved, unexpectedly launched an attack on Sgt. Sanfratello and other police officers present. Although brave attempts were made to resuscitate him, Sgt. Sanfratello unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the incident, Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch expressed his condolences, stating, “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.”
The casino was temporarily evacuated and closed following the incident, but it has since reopened. Current investigations are being conducted collaboratively by the Batavia Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office, and Batavia Downs.
Authorities are seeking the assistance of the public to provide any information or video footage related to the fight that led to Sgt. Sanfratello’s tragic demise. Witnesses and individuals with relevant information are requested to contact the City of Batavia Police Department Detective Bureau at 585-345-6311.
