Lancaster man sentenced to probation for vandalizing Patriots and Heroes Park
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Lancaster man was sentenced to three years' probation Thursday after admitting to vandalizing Patriots and Heroes Park on Transit Road, and in a separate incident, assaulting a police officer, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.
Officials said 21-year-old Michael L. Stasiuk intentionally caused damage to Patriots and Heroes Park on March 2, 2023 by breaking several statues and driving his vehicle on the property. Stasiuk caused an estimated $200,000 in damage to the park.
An investigation found pieces of damaged display from the park inside Stasiuk's vehicle, according to officials.
The following day, officials said Stasiuk yelled obscenities at an officer and ran into the middle of the street when police responded to Pleasant View Drive for a welfare check. When authorities attempted to take Stasiuk into custody, officials said he bit an officer's hand while resisting arrest.
Stasiuk pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and one count of third-degree assault. In addition to his probation sentence, he was also ordered to continue participation in mental health treatment.