Buffalo man arrested for DWI after rear-ending police car in Cambria

Eric M. Mende, 33, faces aggravated DWI and other charges after incident on Tuesday afternoon

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 33-year-old Buffalo man has been arrested and charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI) after he rear-ended a Niagara County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle in the town of Cambria, New York on Tuesday afternoon. Eric M. Mende was taken into custody following the collision, which occurred around 3:06 pm at the intersection of Lockport Junction Road and Saunders Settlement Road.

Why it matters

Impaired driving incidents involving law enforcement vehicles raise significant public safety concerns, as they put both officers and the general public at risk. This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing drunk driving and the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to keep roads safe.

The details

According to Sheriff Michael Filicetti, the marked patrol vehicle was stopped in traffic traveling southbound on Lockport Junction Road when it was struck from behind by a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze driven by Mende. Deputies determined Mende was intoxicated following an investigation at the scene. Mende was taken into custody, transported to the Sheriff's Office, and submitted to a chemical breath test.

  • The incident occurred at approximately 3:06 pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Eric M. Mende

A 33-year-old man from Buffalo, New York who was arrested and charged with aggravated DWI, open container, and additional vehicle and traffic law infractions.

Niagara County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested Mende.

Sheriff Michael Filicetti

The sheriff of Niagara County who provided details about the incident and Mende's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Impaired driving incidents involving law enforcement vehicles raise significant public safety concerns, as they put both officers and the general public at risk.”

— Sheriff Michael Filicetti, Niagara County Sheriff (newportdispatch.com)

What’s next

Mende is being held at the Niagara County Correctional Facility pending a centralized arraignment. The deputy operating the patrol vehicle was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing need for strict enforcement of DWI laws to protect both law enforcement and the public from the dangers of impaired driving. It also highlights the importance of continued education and awareness campaigns to deter drunk driving and promote road safety in local communities.