Operator was Traveling on the Niagara River

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports that the Marine Unit arrested 58-year-old Michael McMahon of Grand Island on August 10 for BWI.

At approximately 9:25 P.M., members of the Marine Unit observed a vessel traveling on the Niagara River without proper lighting.  The Deputies conducted a vessel stop, and while speaking to the operator, they observed signs of intoxication. 

McMahon failed all standard field sobriety tests, and a chemical breath test registered a BAC level more than the legal limit.  McMahon is charged with misdemeanor charges of operating a vessel while intoxicated and operating a vessel with a BAC .08 or higher.  He also given a summons for a navigational violation for improper vessel lighting.

The defendant was released with appearance tickets to a sober third party.