Farm Tractor Driver Didn’t Have Valid License and was intoxicated

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports deputies have arrested and charged Keith Renaldo Sr., 54, of Irving following a crash Wednesday night involving his farm tractor and a minivan.

Deputies Francis and Lundberg responded to reports of a crash on Route 438 last night around 8:24 P.M. and located the scene near 12444 Route 438 in the Town of Brant.  Upon arrival, the deputies observed a Ford tractor in a roadside ditch and a minivan in the center of the roadway.  At that time the tractor operator was treated by members of the Seneca Nation of Indians Fire Department and EMS.  They then transported him to a landing zone where Mercy Flight was waiting to fly him to Erie County Medical Center. Renaldo was admitted to the facility for additional treatments for a serious head injury and trauma to his leg.

The 34 year old female driver of the minivan and her 10 year old daughter were transported to Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo while the 33 year old passenger was taken to Lake Shore Hospital with various injuries which, at the time of the report, were not considered life-threatening.

Following an investigation, Crash Investigation Unit Deputies charged Renaldo with DWI and a felony count of aggravated unlicensed operation.  Renaldo was issued tickets returnable to Brant Town Court later this month.

The road was reopened approximately four hours after the incident occurred and Deputies continue to investigate the crash.  There are no updates on the victims’ injuries.