A member of the Erie County Sheriff Negotiation Team brought a peaceful end to an incident in the Town of Concord Thursday afternoon.
The issue began when a deputy arrived at a Ridge Trail residence about 1:30 p.m. while investigating an earlier hit and run accident that caused minor property damage.
As the deputy was in the process of issuing an appearance ticket to Frank Vella, 50, deputies say Vella pulled a handgun from his waistband and approached the deputy's vehicle. The deputy immediately maneuvered away to a safe position and called for assistance.
Sheriff dispatchers made contact with Vella and later connected him with the sheriff's Negotiation Team who talked Vella into surrendering.
Vella was charged with a felony count of menacing a police officer and transported to the Erie County Holding Center where he remains awaiting arraignment.
