Bills PA announcer, wife and son accused of hosting underage party
By T. J. Pignataro
NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Updated: 06/10/08 6:44 AM
John M. Gurtler Jr., the public address announcer for the Buffalo Bills and voice of the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse team, was arrested early Sunday along with his wife and teenage son after they allegedly hosted a large underage post-prom party at the family’s Orchard Park home, Orchard Park police reported late Monday.
Gurtler and his wife, Mary, both 54, as well as 18-year-old John M. Gurtler III, were arrested at their Orchard Terrace home about 2 a. m. and charged with unlawfully dealing with a child. They are accused of providing alcohol to people less than 21 years old.
The charge is a misdemeanor that upon conviction can carry a sentence of up to a year in jail.
The Gurtlers were allegedly found to be hosting a party attended by as many as 80 teenagers. Officers reported observing several kegs of beer, as well as more than 150 open containers of alcoholic beverages at the scene. Numerous unopened containers were seized as evidence, police said.
Police said that an Orchard Park police officer assigned as a chaperone at the Saturday evening Orchard Park High School senior prom received information that “a large underage drinking party” was being held on Orchard Terrace.
Upon checking the area, police said they found loud music that could be heard from “a block away,” and teenagers were seen pouring beer from several kegs in the yard.
Orchard Park officers received assistance from State Police and East Aurora police in disrupting the party.
Besides the Gurtlers, also arrested was 18-year-old Timothy Fitzpatrick of Orchard Park, who was charged with possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21, and an undisclosed 18-year-old West Seneca man for obstructing governmental administration.
Police said they are continuing an investigation into the party. They said more than 40 other underaged individuals also were identified at the scene. It is unclear whether they might face charges.
The Gurtlers and Fitzpatrick were released on tickets to appear July 3 in Orchard Park Village Court.
