Stadium arrests fewer than feared
It figured that law enforcement officials would have their hands full with unruly behavior in and around Ralph Wilson Stadium on Monday night.
It was a night game, allowing the big drinkers to fuel up all day. It was cold outside, with brisk winds whipping the flags. Plenty of opposing fans came in from the Cleveland area. And the Buffalo Bills lost, in heartbreaking fashion.
Law enforcement officials had a tough night, logging the most arrests all season.
Orchard Park police, Erie County sheriff’s deputies and stadium security logged a total of 60 arrests. Seven of those were for underage drinking.
Police said the rowdy behavior fell short of the scene at last season’s Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys, when authorities made 64 arrests.
The good news Monday night: It wasn’t as bad as authorities had feared, especially after the game.
Law enforcement officials knew they might be in for a rough late-night scene, especially when the Bills lost, 29-27, to the Cleveland Browns.
“We didn’t have as many problems outside the stadium as I thought we would after a loss,” Erie County Sheriff’s Patrol Chief Michael Pliszka said. Fans, instead of being angry and combative, seemed more interested in getting in their vehicles and heading home, he observed.
The Sheriff’s Office logged 10 arrests. It charged Kevin D. Gardner, 53, of Rochester, with assault; Jacob B. Farrell, 18, of Rochester, with DWI and reckless endangerment; and Joel T. Hills, 21, of Rochester, with disorderly conduct.
Deputies also charged seven people with underage drinking. They were identified as Bradley Moore of East Aurora; Campbell H. Green of Buffalo; Daniel P. O’Laughlin of West Seneca; John P. Lysiak of Niagara Falls; Andrew D. Cellitioci of West Seneca; and Ethan E. Borowicz and Cordero V. Kromek, both of Niagara Falls.
Orchard Park police, after a very late night, hadn’t completed the list of their arrests late Tuesday afternoon.
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