A 32-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office died early Sunday following an incident with two people at Batavia Downs.
Sgt. Thomas Sanfratelo was working on a special assignment at the Racino early Sunday morning when he and staff were notified of an altercation at a bar. As security started to escort a couple from the bar, the man, 33-year-old Michael Elmore, of Batavia, became physical with staff and Sgt. Sanfratelo. As Sanfratelo attempted to use a Taser on Elmore, the suspect continued to be combative. Security and bystanders attempted to help Sanfratelo with placing Elmore into custody before a fight ensued. It was during that fight that Sgt. Sanfratelo became unresponsive. CPR was administered immediately but Sanfratelo was pronounced dead at the scene.
Batavia Police say Elmore and 39-year-old Lyndsey Wilcox had remained at Batavia Downs unlawfully after being asked to leave. Once they did leave, they allegedly returned with the intent to commit a crime and Elmore intended to cause serious physical injury to Sgt. Sanfratelo.
Elmore is jailed on an aggravated manslaughter charge, while Wilcox was arrested on burglary and assault charges.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:
