NCSO responds to fire, pursues vehicle

Submitted by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office

On Saturday, July 12, at 11:23 p.m., the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office communications center received a 911 call reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from behind the residence at 5790 Joanne Drive. Personnel and equipment from the Sanborn Volunteer Fire Co. arrived on scene and confirmed a working shed fire. Fire personnel extinguished the fire and prevented exposure to the nearby residence and surrounding buildings.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is being handled by the Niagara County Fire Investigation Unit. There is no estimate of the damage at this time.

On Sunday, July 13, at 12:44 a.m., the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office communications center received notification from the City of Tonawanda Police Department of an active vehicle pursuit entering Niagara County. Initial information revealed that the suspect vehicle, a black Chevrolet Spark, had failed to yield during a traffic stop initiated by the City of Tonawanda Police.

The pursuit entered into the City of North Tonawanda where it continued northeast, eventually crossing into the Town of Pendleton on Tonawanda Creek Road. Deputy Gifford then located the fleeing vehicle on Irish Road, and joined the pursuit as it continued northbound on Bear Ridge Road. The suspect vehicle then attempted to turn onto West Canal Road, which is a dead end. Deputy Gifford and City of Tonawanda Police Officer Chatelle were able to box the suspect vehicle in and take the driver into custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as a 40-year-old female from the Town of Cheektowaga. The investigation also determined three juveniles ranging in age from 12-14 years old had been present inside the vehicle during portions of the pursuit. The driver was transferred into the custody of the City of Tonawanda Police where she is charged with: reckless endangerment, first degree (felony); unlawful imprisonment, first degree (felony); aggravated driving while intoxicated – Leandra’s Law (felony); aggravated unlicensed operation, first degree (felony); three counts of endangering the welfare of a child (misdemeanor), unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, third degree (misdemeanor); obstruction of governmental administration, second degree (misdemeanor); reckless driving (misdemeanor); and numerous vehicle and traffic law violations.