Starpoint superintendent arrested for DWI after striking tree in West Seneca

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Starpoint Central School District Superintendent Sean Croft was arrested for driving while intoxicated after striking a tree Saturday in West Seneca, West Seneca Police announced.

Officials said at 3:40 p.m., patrol responded to Nina Terrace near the intersection of East and West Roads for a report of an injury accident where one vehicle struck a tree as it exited the neighborhood.

When officers arrived, they located a Toyota Sedan with “heavy front end damage and air bag deployment,” police said. Croft was in the driver’s seat and allegedly showed several signs of intoxication, according to officials.

Police said Croft failed several field sobriety tests and a roadside breath test was positive for alcohol. He was then brought to the West Seneca Police station and allegedly refused the administration of a breath test to determine his BAC percentage.

Neighbors said Croft was awake and talking after the crash, adding that he claimed the accident happened due to him swerving from a squirrel.

“His arm was messed up,” a neighbor said. “He definitely hit his head, his head was bleeding.”

Croft was released on appearance tickets for the following:

• driving while intoxicated
• moving from lane unsafely
• imprudent speed

He is due back in court in mid-September.

“The Starpoint Central School District Board of Education has been made aware of a motor vehicle accident that took place on August 31, 2024 involving Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sean Croft,” the Starpoint Central School District Board of Education said in a statement Monday. “We are taking this matter seriously as we gather more information. We will provide an update when we are able.”

The BOE said that Croft is on leave and questions can be directed to Maureen Braunscheidel, the assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and technology.

Students in the district are set to return to school on Tuesday.

WIVB News 4 reached out to Starpoint Central School District’s assistant superintendent and Starpoint’s PTA for further comment, but haven’t heard back.

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here .

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