Published: January 24, 2008 06:43 pm            

WHEATFIELD: Three charged after ATV chase

Three men were charged with trespassing on railroad property after several law enforcement agencies joined forces to track them down early Thursday.

Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputy Gerald Granto was performing a building check at a lot on Walmore Road at 1:21 a.m. when he saw someone run from the lot and up an embankment to the railroad tracks, the report said.

Granto reportedly saw the suspect getting onto an ATV, which was already occupied by two other people and drive away northwest on the train tracks.

Granto called out the incident to dispatch and began to follow the ATV on foot. After a short while, he heard the ATV coming back toward him and then pass quickly by his position.

Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including more sheriff’s department patrols, the Town of Niagara police, the New York State Police and U.S. Border Patrol.

Officers followed ATV tracks to a residence on Nash Road.

The suspects pulled into a shed behind the house and ran inside.

Units converged on the residence and were allowed inside by the homeowner.

The three suspects — Daniel R. Bryan, 25, 3035 Steig Road, North Tonawanda; Randolph M. Cannuli, 20, 2419 Grand Ave., Niagara Falls; and Jason E. Everard, 23, 6683 Walmore Road, Niagara Falls — were all inside the home.

The trio admitted to riding the ATV on the train tracks. They said they were just joy riding in the area and fled after being chased, the report said.

Everard told police they were afraid “some crazy railroad guys or farmers were chasing them,” and that’s why he didn’t stop.

The ATV was found to have expired registration and was towed, the report said.

Everard, Bryan and Cannuli were each charged with third-degree criminal trespass. All are due Tuesday in Wheatfield Town Court.

        

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