Town of Eden Police Department

06/17/2026

Please consider helping our friends over at EMS with their fundraiser! Raffle tickets are still available and can be purchased directly from: https://edenems.org/sportsmanraffle

🚨 Eden Emergency & Rescue Squad Sportsman Raffle
🎟️ 2 WEEKS AWAY!!! 🎟️
📅 June 27th, 2026
💻 VIEWABLE ONLINE THROUGH FACEBOOK
Tickets can be purchased directly from the link.
https://edenems.org/sportsmanraffle

✅Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. Each ticket includes entry into all 20 prizes or cash value and a coupon redeemable at Nickel City Tactical

💲 Donation: $20

If you already purchased tickets, online sales are still being processed and your tickets will be sent out shortly.
Thank you for supporting the Eden Emergency & Rescue Squad and helping us continue serving our community! 🚑

06/04/2026

The Town of Eden Police Department is excited to share this ✨FREE✨ opportunity for young drivers to build the skills and confidence needed to stay safe out on the road!

🚙The Ford Driving Skills for Life program is coming to the SUNY ECC North Campus in Williamsville on July 25–26, offering hands-on instruction from professional driving instructors. Teenage participants with a learners permit or driver’s license will learn critical skills including:

• Skid control
• Hazard recognition
• Distracted driving awareness
• Safety in mobility and transportation

This engaging half-day program is designed to help teens prepare for real-world driving situations, and how to make safer decisions behind the wheel. 🚗

-SUNY ECC North Campus, Williamsville, NY

-FREE to attend!!

-July 25–26

To register, visit…

http://www.drivingskillsforlife.com

06/02/2026

In the month of May, the Town of Eden Police Department handled 990 calls for service, made 14 arrests, 4 of which were DWI/DWAI related, and issued 189 traffic summonses. The following is a brief summary of what the Eden Police Department responded to this past month:

💢Motor Vehicle Accidents: 17
👨‍👩‍👦Domestic Incidents: 3
💰Larceny / Fraud / Criminal Mischief: 3
🧠Mental Health Crisis Interventions: 4
🚗Stolen Vehicles: 0

5/5 Felony Drugs - Patrol responded to a disturbance on Sunset Drive where a victim reported being injured after her boyfriend threw an object at her. The Officer observed visible facial injuries and took the suspect into custody without incident. During the investigation, suspected crack co***ne and drug paraphernalia was located in plain view. Evidence was submitted for laboratory analysis, and the suspect was arraigned on multiple drug related charges, and Assault in the 3rd Degree.

5/8 Criminal Mischief - Patrol was investigating a knocked-down road sign at Jennings Road and Kulp Road when they discovered multiple stop signs intentionally destroyed along nearby roads. A witness reported seeing an older orange pickup truck painted like the “General Lee” driving recklessly in the area. Police later received a Snapchat video showing two individuals intentionally running over stop signs in the same truck, and the driver, a 22-year-old from Eden, was identified. The subject was ultimately located and taken into custody, then arraigned on several charges including Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree and three counts of Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident.

5/13 DWAI Drugs - Patrol responded to a crash on East Eden Road after a vehicle left the roadway, struck multiple mailboxes, and came to rest in a ditch. The 47-year-old female operator from Orchard Park displayed obvious signs of impairment. The operator was arrested for DWI Drugs and transported to the police station for evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert. The operator was also cited for several other V&T violations.

5/16 Underage DWI - Patrol stopped a vehicle on Gowanda State Road for speeding and equipment violations. The operator, a 19-year-old male from Blasdell, admitted to consuming alcohol at a party in North Collins and refused to perform field sobriety tests. The driver was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and multiple other traffic-related offenses.

5/17 Vehicle Pursuit - Patrol responded to Highland Drive after a resident reported observing a gray pickup truck occupied by two juveniles leaving the property following the rummaging of unlocked vehicles. Officers later located the vehicle on Schoolview Road, where it was linked to additional vehicle break-ins in Evans and confirmed stolen by the Town of Hamburg Police. When Patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle fled, leading the Eden officer on a pursuit through multiple jurisdictions before the pursuit was terminated for safety concerns in Lackawanna. Later that day, Patrol learned the same suspects had also entered a garage and opened a door leading into a residence on Weller Drive before fleeing when the homeowners awoke. The investigation is ongoing.

5/23 Felony DWI - Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Eckhardt Road after observing a vehicle speeding and failing to yield at an intersection. The 27-year-old operator from Hamburg was found to be intoxicated. A three-year-old child was also present in the vehicle at the time of the stop. The driver was taken into custody, charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, multiple other traffic violations, including “Leandra’s Law” due to him operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a child passenger.

05/20/2026

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Town of Eden Police Department conducted a presentation for 11th and 12th grade students of the Eden Central School District focused on the dangers of drinking and driving. The event was sponsored by the Eden Police Group and hosted by Newell-Faulkner American Legion Post 880.

Students were given the opportunity to observe and compare the effects of alcohol as adult volunteers performed standardized field sobriety tests both before and after consuming alcohol. In addition, students heard impactful presentations from community members whose lives have been significantly affected by alcohol abuse.

During the afternoon portion of the program, students observed a simulated traffic stop that progressed into an arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). They also witnessed members of local fire and EMS agencies respond to a simulated alcohol-related motor vehicle crash involving serious injuries and a fatality, with student volunteers portraying crash victims.

The event was organized by Brian Burgstahler, who also serves as the School Resource Officer for the Eden Central School District. The program’s message was clear: never drink and drive, and never get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.

The Town of Eden Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the following organizations and individuals for helping make this year’s event a success:

👮‍♂️Eden Police Group and the Eden Police Reserve Unit
🇺🇸 Newell - Faulkner American Legion Post 880,
🚌Eden Central School District, Superintendent Jeffrey Sortisio, Eric Cooper, the Office of Technology Support, Buildings & Grounds Department, Transportation Department, and staff members who chaperoned the event
🛑Erie County STOP DWI Office, Director John Sullivan, and presenters from the Victim Impact Panel
🚒Eden Fire Department
🔥East Eden Fire Company
🚑Eden Emergency & Rescue Squad
🚁Mercy Flight
🚗Eden Collision Inc.

05/14/2026

05/06/2026

We’d like to extend a big thank you to Cole Rych for taking the time and care to fully detail our patrol vehicles! 🚔🧽🪣🫧

While our officers handle regular washing and general maintenance, it’s always great to give the fleet some extra love with a deep clean—especially in the springtime. The difference truly shows, and we appreciate the attention to detail.

Efforts like this are made possible thanks to the generous donations and annual fundraising initiatives of the Eden Police Group. Your continued support helps us maintain our equipment and take pride in what we do.

We’re also proud to support a local small business and are grateful for the partnership. Thank you again, Cole, for your excellent work!

05/04/2026

In the month of April, the Town of Eden Police Department handled 826 calls for service, made 13 arrests, 5 of which were DWI/DWAI related, and issued 130 traffic summonses. The following is a brief summary of what the Eden Police Department responded to this past month:

💢Motor Vehicle Accidents: 8
👨‍👩‍👦Domestic Incidents: 4
💰Larceny / Fraud / Criminal Mischief: 2
🧠Mental Health Crisis Interventions: 1
🚗 Stolen Vehicles: 0

4/12 DWI - Patrol observed a vehicle traveling westbound on State Route 20 which crossed entirely into the oncoming lane, forcing our patrol to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision. A traffic stop was conducted, during which the driver, a 30 y/o male from Pensacola FL, showed signs of impairment and had visible front-end damage to his vehicle. The driver initially denied drinking but later admitted to consuming alcohol and subsequently failed field sobriety testing. Further investigation revealed the vehicle matched one involved in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 90 in the Town of Dunkirk. The driver was taken into custody, charged with several Vehicle & Traffic offenses. New York State Police responded to investigate their incident, and filed additional charges.

4/24 Felony AUO - Patrol responded to a traffic complaint at Main Street Station where it was reported that an intoxicated male was attempting to leave in a vehicle and nearly struck two pedestrians. The suspect vehicle was observed by patrol leaving the lot while committing multiple traffic violations. A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver continued into the parking lot of Swartz Field before stopping. Upon contact, the driver - a 24 y/o male from Jamestown, showed signs of intoxication and was argumentative and non-compliant with commands. He refused to exit the vehicle to perform sobriety testing; officers used force to remove and place the male into custody. The subject was ultimately charged with multiple offenses including Driving While Intoxicated, Resisting Arrest, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.

🏍️ May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month 🏍️
As warmer weather returns, more motorcyclists are sharing the road—please stay alert, check your blind spots, and give motorcycles the space they need. Riders are encouraged to wear proper safety gear, remain visible, and act responsibly by following all applicable traffic laws. A moment of awareness can prevent a serious crash. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe this riding season.

🚙 Vehicle Lock Reminder 🔒
We historically see an increase in vehicle-related thefts in the warmer months, especially from unlocked cars.
Please remember:
• Lock your vehicle doors, even when parked at home
• Remove valuables such as wallets, cash, electronics, and fi****ms
• Do not leave spare keys or key fobs in your vehicle
• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible

04/30/2026

On Tuesday, April 28th, Officer DeCarolis received a Recognition of Excellence Award at the Annual New York State Law Enforcement Recognition Event in Albany, NY for his enforcement efforts throughout 2025.

The award, presented by the The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee of New York, STOP DWI New York, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), recognizes Officer DeCarolis' dedication to keeping the roadways within the Town of Eden safe, his continued efforts in deterring drunk and impaired driving on New York's roads and highways, and his unwavering commitment to preventing avoidable tragedies for our residents and visitors of the Town of Eden.

This is the second consecutive year that Officer DeCarolis has received this award! 🏆

02/04/2026

In the month of January, the Town of Eden Police Department handled 750 calls for service, made 8 arrests, 4 of which were DWI/DWAI related, and issued 59 traffic summonses. The following is a brief summary of what the Eden Police Department responded to this past month:

💢Motor Vehicle Accidents: 19
👨‍👩‍👦Domestic Incidents: 1
💰Larceny / Fraud / Criminal Mischief: 4
🧠Mental Health Crisis Interventions: 2
🚗Stolen Vehicles: 0

1/10 - On January 10th, patrol observed a white Dodge Ram 1500 commit multiple traffic violations. Patrol identified the operator as a 37 year old male from Hamburg with his revoked New York State driver’s license. Patrol observed signs of impairment, and open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle. The operator failed all field sobriety tests given, was charged with DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed
Operation, and several other V&T offenses.

Five days later, on January 15th, the same individual was arrested again, after operating an electric bicycle, colliding with an SUV, and fleeing the scene. The victim and a witness to the accident were able to positively identify the subject upon patrol’s arrival. While speaking with the male, patrol again observed signs of impairment and ultimately arrested him for Driving While Intoxicated, Operating an Electric Bicycle While Intoxicated, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident among others. The subject is scheduled to appear in court on February 24, 2026.

1/22 - On January 22nd, patrol responded to Welch Lane for a property damage accident. Upon arrival, patrol learned that a private plow operator had backed into a parked vehicle, twice. Patrol spoke with the plow operator and observed signs of impairment from the 29 year old male from Eden. The operator refused field sobriety tests and was taken into custody. He was charged with multiple V&T offenses, including Driving While Intoxicated and Unsafe Backing of a Vehicle. The subject is scheduled to appear in court on February 24, 2026.

1/25 - On January 25th, patrol recovered an unoccupied motor vehicle that had been reported stolen from a residence in the Town of North Collins. The vehicle was located on Knoll Road stuck in a snowbank. Fortunately, the vehicle did not sustain any damage. The vehicle was turned over to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and subsequently returned to its owner.

02/04/2026

Shared by our fire friends at FBNY, this photograph shows former Police Chief John Cardarelli (jogging) on scene with Pat Howard, who would later succeed Chief Cardarelli and serve as the Chief of Police for the Town of Eden.

Daily dose of history: April 3, 1982- Fire Department #1 operates a barn fire that contained over 35,000 chickens at the Weidner Farm in the Town of Eden (Buffalo State University archives/Tim Lawson)