Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello served 32 years with the Genesee County (New York) Sheriff’s Office.Genesee County SO
A decorated Genesee County, New York, sheriff's sergeant died early Sunday morning after responding to an altercation with patrons of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.
Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, 54, may have suffered a massive heart attack during a fight with casino patrons and died despite frantic efforts to save him, the Daily News reports.
According to Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, Sanfratello and casino security were notified about an altercation inside the facility. After an initial verbal confrontation inside the bar area, Sanfratello, alongside Batavia Downs security staff, began escorting two patrons - later identified as Michael J. Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39 - out at the request of the Batavia Downs security staff.
Wilcox reportedly became physically combative with Sanfratello. Sanfratello, with assistance from the Batavia Downs security staff, was able to gain control of Wilcox and place her under arrest. However, Elmore allegedly began to interfere with the arrest and became physically combative, attacking Sanfratello.
"During the altercation, Sergeant Sanfratello attempted to use a Taser on Elmore, however, Elmore continued to be combative," the Batavia Police Department said in a release. "During the physical altercation, Sergeant Sanfratello became unresponsive and CPR was started immediately.
Sergeant Sanfratello was pronounced deceased by the Genesee County coroner. The city of Batavia Police Department is coordinating with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County District Attorney’s Office and Batavia Downs on the investigation into this incident."
Elmore, of Batavia, faces charges of first-degree manslaughter, aggravated assault upon a police officer and second-degree burglary, all felonies, according to the Batavia Police Department.
Wilcox, also of Batavia, is charged with second-degree burglary and attempted assault, both felonies, the Democrat & Chronicle reports.
