Driver Arrested for DWI, Building Inspector Called to the Scene

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports patrol Deputies and Crash Investigation Unit members responded to reports of a vehicle that crashed into a residence on Fieldstone Drive in Grand Island last night at around 8:30.

Deputies Cannan and Clark were first to respond and observed a vehicle that left the roadway had crashed into the house.  The Deputies administered standard field sobriety tests to Karen Potocin, 60, of Elma which she failed.  After the tests, the driver complained of pain, and she was transported to Erie County Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.  Deputy Cannan followed her to the hospital to continue the investigation and subsequently charged Potocin with DWI, speeding, and failing to keep right.

The defendant was later released from the hospital to a sober third party with tickets.

The Crash Investigation Unit remained at the scene, and the Grand Island Building Inspector was requested to evaluate the structure.