'My dad was one of a kind.' Son of fallen officer speaks out after death at Batavia Downs

During a Wednesday press briefing, friends and family shared memories of police Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello. Sanfratello, a 32-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, died while on duty at Batavia Downs as he was escorting two patrons from the bar area, who then turned combative and assaulted him.

"My dad was one of a kind - an amazing dad, son, brother and coworker, " said Ian Sanfratello, son of Sanfratello, as he described how he and his sisters will remember their father.

"I know we will all cherish the memories we’ve had with him, he will never be forgotten and he will be missed immensely by all those who not only had the chance to know him but talk to him - and he will always be loved."

Ian Sanfratello last month graduated from the Niagara Country Law Enforcement Academy, where he excelled in the basic course for corrections officers and received several awards. His father was present to celebrate his son's achievement.

Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron described Sanfratello as an "unbelievable person" who he knew for more than three decades.

"He was an incredible human being," Sheron said. "He was always there for everyone else" no matter the time of day or night.

"If he could help you, he would," he said.

What happened at Batavia Downs on March 10?

Sanfratello was dispatched to the bar area at the casino following a report that two people were causing a disturbance, Sheron said. Bar staff refused to serve the duo - Michael Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 29, both of Batavia - and asked them to leave. Sanfratello escorted the pair from the bar when they became combative, deputies said.

"They resisted arrest violently," said Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch of the incident in the casino's lobby. They "were not going into custody without a fight."

Wilcox is accused of striking Sanfratello several times as he escorted her from the casino. Elmore allegedly intervened and is accused of hitting Sanfratello in the face and head with a metal chain and putting Sanfratello into a chokehold before he lost consciousness and died. Heubusch earlier described the chain as a thick piece of jewelry or a necklace. He said on Wednesday that in video of the encounter, Elmore can be seen removing a chain from around his neck that was then used as part of the attack on Sanfratello.

Sanfratello called for help, which led to multiple officers from several departments to respond to the casino. The altercation lasted just 2 to 3 minutes before Sanfratello became unresponsive, Sheron said. Numerous Batavia Downs employees and bystanders performed CPR on Sanfratello and restrained Elmore and Wilcox as additional deputies and officers headed to the scene.

What was the official cause of death?

Although the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office completed an autopsy, the report has not been completed and an an official cause of death was not yet released, said Genesee County District Attorney Kevin Finnell.

What charges were filed in Sanfratello's death?

Elmore was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault upon a police officer and second-degree burglary, all felonies, Batavia police announced Monday. Wilcox was charged with second-degree burglary and attempted second-degree assault, both felonies. according to Batavia police.

Police said that the investigation is ongoing. A grand jury will review the case once the investigation is complete, to consider additional charges, Finnell said. Heubusch said that Elmore was known to law enforcement in Genesee County and had previous contact with Batavia police.

Why was Sanfratello at Batavia Downs?

Sheron said that on Saturday nights since the fall, the sheriff's office stationed a uniformed deputy at the casino "as a deterrent." Sanfratello was the lone deputy on special assignment at Batavia Downs on March 9 and 10, he said.

Police seek public's help

The casino was incredibly busy Saturday night into Sunday morning, Heubusch said. While officers have interviewed many witnesses and have reviewed video of the encounter - including casino surveillance and officers' body camera footage - they are asking anyone with video or photos of any part of the incident at Batavia Downs on Sunday to contact the department using this link or by calling Detective Eric Hill at (585) 345-6373.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Son of Thomas Sanfratello speaks out after death at Batavia Downs in NY