Cayuga County Sheriff’s deputies narrowly avoided being struck by a vehicle while attending to a disabled car in the Town of Sennett, leading to the arrest of a local man on multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated.
William A. Maffei, 64, of Sennett, was identified as the driver of the vehicle that nearly collided with two marked patrol cars on East Genesee Street Road on the night of September 19. According to Sheriff Brian Schenck, the deputies were outside their vehicles at around 9:55 p.m. when they noticed a car approaching at high speed. Despite the presence of flashing emergency lights, the vehicle failed to move over and came dangerously close to hitting the patrol cars. The deputies had to flee on foot to avoid being struck.
After the close call, the deputies initiated a pursuit, activating their lights and sirens as the vehicle continued to drive away. Maffei eventually brought his car to a stop, and deputies discovered that he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
Maffei was arrested at the scene and taken to the Cayuga County Public Safety Building, where he refused to submit a breath sample to determine his blood alcohol content. He has been charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless endangerment in the second degree, and other vehicle and traffic law violations. Following his arraignment the next morning, Maffei was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Sennett Town Court at a later date.
The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office is seeking additional information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the SaferWatch app or by contacting the sheriff’s office directly.
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