Lancaster man pleads guilty for vandalizing 'Patriots and Heroes Park'

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced 21-year-old Michael L. Stasiuk of Lancaster pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before Lancaster Town Court Justice David S. Stabler to one count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree and one count of assault in the third degree (class “A” misdemeanors). He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to continue participation in mental health treatment.

During the early morning hours of Thursday, March 2, 2023, the defendant intentionally caused damage to the “Patriots and Heroes Park” located on the 6600 bock of Transit Road in the Town of Lancaster. The defendant broke several statutes and drove his vehicle on the property, which caused damage to the landscaping. The defendant’s actions resulted in approximately $200,000 in damage to the park.

During the investigation, Lancaster Police executed a search warrant and found pieces of the damaged displays from the park inside of the defendant’s vehicle.

The next day, on Friday, March 3, at approximately 7:16 p.m., Lancaster Police responded to Pleasant View Drive after receiving multiple 911 calls to check the welfare of a pedestrian. As the officer approached in his patrol vehicle, the defendant ran in front of the vehicle and yelled obscenities at the officer. When the officer exited his vehicle to talk to the defendant, the defendant ran into the middle of the street. Another responding police officer used his patrol vehicle to block traffic to prevent the defendant from being hit by oncoming traffic.

When the police officer attempted to take the defendant into custody, the defendant attempted to flee, refused orders and fought with the officer. The defendant bit the police officer’s right hand while resisting arrest. The defendant was subsequently tased and taken into custody.

Keane commends the Lancaster Police Department for its work in both investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Andrew S. Criado of the felony trials bureau.