Trifecta of Impaired Operator Arrests

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports Deputies made three different types of DWI arrests over the past few days.

July 26, 11:08 P.M., Buffalo River – Marine Unit Deputies Coulombe and Krypel were dispatched to the Buffalo River for reports of a boat operating recklessly near the Bison City Rod and Gun Club.  The complainant observed the vessel operator doing figure 8’s and endangering kayakers.

The Marine Unit located the vessel near the U.S.S. Little Rock and stopped it.  While speaking with the operator, Deputies could detect the strong odor of alcohol, and they administered field sobriety tests on land.  The subject failed multiple field tests and registered a BAC level twice the legal limit. 

Glenn Jones, 34 of West Seneca, was arrested and charged with BWI and later released on appearance tickets for Buffalo City Court.

July 27, 9:40 P.M., Town of Clarence – Deputy Arney responded to a parking lot at the corner of Transit and Greiner for reports of a female slumped over the steering wheel of her vehicle.  When Deputy Arney spoke with the female, he observed signs of impairment and requested a Drug Recognition Expert.  Deputy Biegasiewicz, a DRE, conducted an evaluation and determined that Christine Weiss was impaired by drugs.

Weiss, 46, of Clarence was arrested and charged with DWI-Drugs and later released with tickets.

July 28, 12:02 A.M., Town of Evans – Deputy McClelland initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Erie Road for speeding.  When the Deputy made contact with the driver, he detected the odor of alcohol. 

William Galla III, 35, of Buffalo was asked to exit the vehicle and perform standard field sobriety tests.  Galla failed multiple tests, and an initial breath test indicated a BAC level above the legal limit. 

Galla was arrested and charged with felony DWI – previous conviction within 10-years, speeding (70 mph in a 45 mph speed zone), and an equipment violation.  After the arrest, the Deputy discovered marijuana in the vehicle and added an unlawful marijuana possession charge.

Galla was taken to the Erie County Holding Center where he later posted $500.00 for bail and was released.