On March 28th, 2021, Olean City Police were pursuing a vehicle in a chase that ended up in gunfire and destruction at the War Veterans Park. Read our reporting here about that event, where state police investigators immediately focused their attention: Olean City Mayhem Requires State Police Assistance
Today Cattauragus County District Attorney Lorie P. Rieman, released this statement:
” On June 1, 2021, Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Esq., was appointed as Special Prosecutor in the above matter, to determine whether charges were warranted against the officer who fired shots during a high-speed pursuit. A special prosecutor was appointed because the involved officer is a witness in multiple cases, which are being prosecuted by the Cattaraugus County District Attorney’s Office, and also to avoid the appearance of impropriety. On June 7, 2021, District Attorney Friedman informed the New York State Police and Cattaraugus County District Attorney’s Office that, having reviewed the New York State Police investigative file regarding the matter, he concluded that, based on the evaluation of the evidence and facts in the case, there was no basis for bringing criminal charges against the Officer. He further determined that, because of that, there would be no criminal prosecution of the officer.”
