July 1 - The Erie County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Air-1 assisted various law enforcement agencies during the overnight hours.  The Sheriff’s Office received requests from the agencies to search for individuals involved in three separate incidents.

First, the Amherst Police Department requested Air-1 to assist in the search of an individual who fled on foot after allegedly assaulting a New York State Trooper on Interstate – 290. Air-1 also responded to the shooting incident in Jamestown.  The helicopter was requested by Jamestown Police Department to search for subjects who shot at Jamestown Police during an early morning incident. Finally, Niagara Parks Police (Canada) called for assistance to search for an individual who reportedly went over the falls.

Erie County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Air-1 was recently put back into service after a $300,000 upgrade of the engine and other equipment.  The upgrades were paid for from a seized assets fund acquired through various arrest made by Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives