Sheriff's sergeant dies in New York casino fight

New York authorities said a sheriff’s sergeant died in a brawl Sunday as he was trying to remove two patrons from a casino.

Batavia police said they arrested a man and a woman early Sunday in connection with the fight that killed Genesee County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Police said Sgt. Sanfratello and security guards were asked to remove Michael J. Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, from the Batavia Downs casino after the two were causing trouble in the bar area.

Sgt. Sanfratello and security staff began to lead the two out of the casino, but police said Ms. Wilcox started to fight with the sergeant as they were reaching the exit.

Authorities said Mr. Elmore attacked Sgt. Sanfratello as police handcuffed Ms. Wilcox.

Police said Sgt. Sanfratello used a Taser to try to subdue the male suspect, but Mr. Elmore continued to brawl with authorities and security staff.

Police said the sergeant became unresponsive during the fight. Authorities gave him CPR, but the 54-year-old was pronounced dead inside the casino.

Police didn’t say what caused Sgt. Sanfratello to become unresponsive. He was a 32-year veteran of the department.

“Words cannot describe the loss our Office feels with the passing of Sergeant Sanfratello,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post. “May he rest in peace.”

Mr. Elmore was charged with manslaughter, assault on a police officer and burglary following the incident. Ms. Wilcox was charged with burglary and attempted assault.

Their first court hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.