WYOMING COUNTY/Attica Police Officer’s quick action during a traffic stop leads to seizure of narcotics and arrest of erratic driver

Information from a provided press release/Attica Police Department

After receiving multiple reports of an erratic and possibly intoxicated driver coming into the Village of Attica on Thursday afternoon, August 14th, Attica Police quickly located the erratic driver in a large pick-up truck. The pick-up truck was reportedly forcing multiple vehicles completely off the roadway.

The operator of the pick-up truck was identified as Daniel E. Kirsch, 63 of Strykersville, NY.

Officer Royce attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the operator allegedly failed to comply, and a short pursuit ensued. The pursuit eventually came to an end when Kirsch’s vehicle struck another vehicle in a roadway and became disabled. No injuries were reported as a result of the motor vehicle accident.

Officer Royce and Deputy Collinridge, with the assistance of Sgt. Nicholas Wright of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, suspected that there was drug activity inside the pick-up and immediately conducted a drug and alcohol investigation.

Kirsch was allegedly impaired and allegedly in possession of a felony level weight of narcotics. Kirsch was placed under arrest and is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, Improper Plates, No proper Seatbelt, Reckless Driving, No passing, Zone

Kirsch was processed by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office and the Attica Police Department. He was arraigned in Attica Justice Court and was released on his own recognizance in accordance with current guidelines under the New York State Bail Reform Act, as the charge(s) do not qualify for bail.

An appearance ticket was issued, and Kirsch’s vehicle was impounded. He is schedule to appear in the Village of Attica Justice Court on August 25th, 2025, at 10:00a.m. for formal arraignment on the above charges and multiple additional pending charges.

“Our officer’s decisive actions not only stopped a reckless and dangerous situation from escalating but also helped remove illegal narcotics which underscores the seriousness of incidents such as these that law enforcement face routinely,” says Dean R. Hendershott, Attica Police Chief.

“The Village of Attica Police Department appreciates the quick thinking and assistance of the Wyoming County Sheriff Office, the New York State Police and community members. The diligent, responsive community members who helped and supported our law enforcement in this dynamic situation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a New York State court of law.”