GI man charged with DWI

Grand Island Dispatch, August 31, 2007

Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard has reported the arrest of a Grand Island man for felony driving while intoxicated.

Michael J. Gardener, 31, of Fernwood Lane, was stopped for traffic infractions by Deputy Gene Nati on Whitehaven Road. After a roadside investigation, Gardener was considered intoxicated and placed under arrest for DWI.

Gardener refused chemical analysis of his breath, according to a report from the sheriff’s office, and was taken to the Erie County Holding Center pending arraignment in Grand Island Town Court.

The DWI charge rose to the level of a felony due to Gardener’s prior driving while intoxicated conviction in the Town of Alexandria on Aug. 22, 2003, the report stated.

Gardener was also charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and traffic infractions.

Deputy Nati was assisted by Deputy Michael Haug and agents of the United States Border Patrol.