New York Casino Altercation Leads To Veteran Police Officer’s Death

A seasoned sergeant with decades of experience in law enforcement tragically passed away unexpectedly following an altercation with two suspects outside an upstate New York casino.

The incident unfolded on Sunday shortly after midnight at the Batavia Downs racetrack and casino complex in Batavia, New York, situated between Buffalo and Rochester.

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, a committed veteran with 32 years of service at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, was fulfilling a unique assignment at the complex that evening. As a disturbance unfolded in the bar area, he promptly collaborated with security guards to manage the unruly patrons.

The confrontation involved:

• Two suspects, Michael Elmore (33) and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox (39), both residents of Batavia.

• A verbal dispute that escalated after they refused to leave the premises when instructed.

• Sanfratello and security staff escorting the pair outside, where Wilcox allegedly attacked the sergeant before being subdued and arrested.

Tragically, the arrest appeared to enrage Elmore, who allegedly began assaulting Sanfratello.
Despite deploying a taser, Sanfratello was unable to subdue him. In the midst of the struggle, the sergeant collapsed.

Aftermath and charges:

• Despite immediate CPR efforts, Sgt. Sanfratello was pronounced dead at the scene at age 54.

• Michael Elmore faces charges of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault upon a police officer, and burglary.

• Lyndsey Wilcox has been charged with burglary and attempted assault.

• Both suspects have had bonds set, though payment status remains unclear.

Although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, Batavia Police stated that Elmore intended to inflict serious harm, leading to the sergeant’s death during the confrontation.

An ongoing investigation continues to examine the circumstances of the tragic incident.

A Facebook statement from the sheriff’s office expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Sgt. Sanfratello, who began his career as a dispatcher in the early 1990s, became a deputy in 1996, and was promoted to sergeant in 2007.

Following the tragedy, the casino complex was evacuated and temporarily closed, later reopening.

Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs, extended condolences to Sanfratello’s family, emphasizing that such incidents are rare thanks to the dedication of officers like him and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.