Cambria, NY – A Buffalo man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after rear-ending a Niagara County patrol vehicle in Cambria.
According to Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti, the crash occurred at approximately 3:06 p.m. at the intersection of Lockport Junction Road and Saunders Settlement Road in the Town of Cambria.
Authorities said a marked Niagara County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle was stopped in traffic while traveling southbound on Lockport Junction Road when it was struck from behind by a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze.
Following an investigation at the scene, deputies determined the driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 33-year-old Eric M. Mende of Buffalo, was allegedly intoxicated. Mende was taken into custody and transported to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, where he submitted to a chemical breath test.
Sheriff Filicetti said Mende was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, alleging a blood alcohol content of .18% or higher, as well as open container and additional vehicle and traffic law violations. He was remanded to the Niagara County Correctional Facility pending centralized arraignment.
The deputy operating the patrol vehicle was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. No further details about injuries were immediately released.
The intersection of Lockport Junction Road and Saunders Settlement Road is a frequently traveled commuter route in Niagara County, particularly during afternoon traffic hours.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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