(WNY News Now) – A 65-year-old French Creek resident faces multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated, following a late-night crash into a field.
French Creek, N.Y. – On November 3, 2024, at approximately 2:33 AM, Chautauqua County deputies responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of French Creek. Upon arrival, they discovered Dennis P. Griffin, a 65-year-old man from French Creek, a short distance from the scene of the crash, which involved his vehicle going into a field.
Deputies quickly determined that Griffin was the driver of the vehicle. During the investigation, it became evident that he was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses reported seeing Griffin attempt to evade law enforcement, but deputies were able to apprehend him after a brief struggle.
In addition to driving while intoxicated, Griffin faces several other serious charges. It was revealed that prior to the accident, he had communicated threats of harm to another individual, leading to charges of aggravated harassment in the second degree. He is also charged with resisting arrest and making an unsafe lane change during the incident.
Griffin was transported to the Chautauqua County Jail, where he is awaiting centralized arraignment. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.