A 32-year New York sheriff’s deputy died early Sunday morning after he was involved in a brawl at a Genesee County casino.
Police said Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, who was on assignment at the casino, and casino security were escorting two patrons from the bar area following an altercation, the Democrat and Chronicle reported.
One of them, 39-year-old Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, became combative. Sanfratello got her under control, but the second patron, 33-year-old Michael J. Elmore, attacked him and other officers. More patrons joined into the melee.
Sometime during the fight, Sanfatello became unresponsive, and efforts to revive him failed.
A cause of death has not been released.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of Sergeant Sanfratello and all the members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at this extremely difficult time,” said Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch.
According to WIVB, Sanfratello began his Genesee County career as a dispatcher in 1992 and became a deputy in 1996. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007.
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the fight or who may have video to contact the City of Batavia Police Department Detective Bureau at 585-345-6311.
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[Featured image: Thomas Sanfratello/Genessee County Sheriff’s Office]
