Western New York man arrested for third time in two weeks; allegedly prompted shelter in place

A man police said was responsible for a shelter in place in Cattaraugus County is back in Western New York after being arrested in Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday, Brett Bunker, 42, of Limestone waived extradition and was transported from the McKean County Jail to the New York State Police barracks in Olean.

There, he was charged with menacing and aggravated harassment. Bunker was then remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail. He will reappear in Carrollton Town Court at an unspecified later date.

On Sunday night, Bunker was arrested in Bradford. It marked the third time he has been arrested since November 19.

New York State Police said the situation began Sunday with a report of aggravated harassment on Patron Drive in Carrollton. Troopers responded, took a report and then went to Bunker's home. They were unable to make contact him.

Then, the person who made the original report told a 911 dispatcher that Bunker was walking outside with a long gun. That call prompted the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office to issue a shelter in place for Carrollton and Limestone. Troopers searched the area. They did not find him, and the shelter in place was lifted within three hours of being initiated. Troopers then secured a warrant and warned law enforcement agencies from surrounding towns.

Around 8 p.m. in Bradford, Bunker ran after seeing an officer, police said. Officers then set up a perimeter, found Bunker and arrested him.

Police said he was not armed when he was arrested, and they did not recover a weapon from the area of his arrest.

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