County Forest Shelter Sustains Smoke and Fire Damage, Arson Charges Filed

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports that Deputies reported to the scene of a fire involving a warming shelter at the County Forestry on Genesee Road in the Town of Sardinia on Monday at approximately 7:40 P.M.

When Deputy E. Krypel arrived, he spoke with Sardinia Fireman Whittington who explained that they had extinguished the fire with little damage to the structure.  Fireman Whittington said that when the members of the Sardinia Fire Company arrived they observed smoke billowing from the structure and later observed that a picnic table inside was heavily damaged and a melted plastic garbage can was on the table top.

A witness spoke with Deputy Krypel and directed him to a suspect.  The Deputy located the suspect, a 15 year old male, and determined the individual was responsible for the fire.

The minor was arrested and charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief and arson.  The minor was issued appearance tickets for Family Court and released to a guardian.