Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 32-year-old Chaz Brzezicki of Strykersville was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns on an indictment charging him with the following offenses:

• One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony)
• One count of Driving While Intoxicated (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Speed Violation (New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law violation)

It is alleged that on April 18, 2020, at approximately 8:52 p.m., the defendant was driving, while under the influence of alcohol, at a high-rate of speed when he passed a New York State Trooper on Center Street in the Town of Colden. The trooper initiated a traffic stop on Center Street near Holland Glenwood Road. When the trooper approached the vehicle, he could allegedly smell an odor of alcohol and marijuana. The trooper allegedly saw a pipe containing marijuana in the defendant’s lap.

The defendant is accused of refusing orders before he eventually exited the vehicle then punched the trooper in the face with a closed fist. A struggled allegedly ensued as the trooper attempted to place the defendant under arrest, and the trooper allegedly hit the defendant with a flashlight. The defendant is also accused of spitting on the officer. When additional law enforcement arrived on scene, the defendant was taken into custody and transported to ECMC to be treated for a minor injury.

The trooper was also taken to ECMC for bodily fluid exposure. He continues to receive treatment for a broken nose that required surgery, but has been able to return to work.

Brzezicki is scheduled to return on Monday, May 24, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. Judge Burns continued the defendant’s bail at $50,000, which he previously posted in Colden Town Court.

If convicted on all charges, Brzezicki faces a maximum of 7 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the New York State Police and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel Kranitz McPhee of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.