Man who fell into stadium pit at Bills opener could have case dismissed
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) – A 29-year-old Cheektowaga man who was charged with trespassing after he allegedly entered the construction pit at the Bills new stadium while under the influence of multiple drugs last September could have his case dismissed.
A spokesperson for the Erie County District Attorney's Office said Adam McPherson was granted an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal for his stadium incident that garnered numerous headlines after the Bills' 2023 home opener.
Others charged with trespassing at the stadium site during the course of last season have received similar outcomes. A defendant will typically have their charges dismissed after receiving an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD), so long as they stay out of trouble and meet any conditions set by a judge.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office previously told News 4 that 10 fans were charged with trespassing on the new stadium site last season. Most entered the site for a photo opportunity, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office said, or attempted to cut through to get to a parking lot on the other side.
Seven of the 10 trespassing cases have now been resolved, per the District Attorney's Office:
- McPherson received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal for allegedly trespassing on Sept. 17, when the Bills hosted the Raiders. He did not have a community service requirement attached to his ACD.
- Kyle Bauer, 23, of West Seneca received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal and was ordered to perform 100 hours community service.
- Daniel Wickemeyer, 40, of Pennsylvania received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal and was ordered to perform 100 hours community service.
- Matthew Evens, 61, of Hamburg received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal for allegedly trespassing on Oct. 1, when the Bills hosted the Dolphins.
- Mohammed Abdelhay, 21, of Williamsville received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal and was ordered to perform 25 hours of community service for allegedly trespassing on Nov. 13, when the Bills hosted the Broncos.
- Ontario residents Owen Bainbridge, 25, and Tanner Brunet, 32, received adjournments in contemplation of dismissal and were ordered to perform 100 hours of community service for allegedly trespassing on Nov. 19, when the Bills hosted the Jets.
Cases against Michael D. Poremski, 39, of Pennsylvania and Christopher A. McNeal, Jr., 38, of Buffalo are still pending. Additionally, a case against a 17-year-old minor from Williamsville was set to be handled by the County Attorney’s office.
All nine adults were charged with criminal trespass in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor that carried a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail if convicted.