SARDINIA, N.Y. (WKBW) — A standoff that occurred in Sardinia Thursday ended when an Erie County Sheriff's deputy shot the suspect.
The sheriff's office said deputies, the SWAT Team, crisis negotiators, bomb technicians, and Air-1 responded to 10349 Savage Road around 1:30 p.m. for the report of a man with a gun who threatened to harm himself and a family member.
During the incident, 37-year-old James Zbytek allegedly pointed a gun at sheriff's personnel multiple times. A deputy engaged and shot Zbytek in the lower leg. Deputies then entered the residence and placed him in custody and rescued an elderly individual with restricted mobility issues.
The sheriff's office said Zbytek was transported to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital via ambulance and later by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center to be treated for his injuries and he remains in sheriff’s custody.
On Monday, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced Zbytek was arraigned on the following charges:
- One count of Menacing a Police Officer or Peace Officer (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- One count of Menacing in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
The judge set bail at $1,500 cash, $15,000 bond, property or partially secured bond and a return court date has not been scheduled. If convicted of the highest charge he faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
