Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Police Benevolent Association says an internal investigation into the crash involving Erie County Narcotics Chief D.J. Granville has been completed, resulting in disciplinary action against several responding officers, including a demotion.
Granville was captured on video in April 2024 crashing a county-owned vehicle into multiple parked cars on the city’s West Side. Six vehicles were struck, causing nearly $60,000 in damage.
Granville was cited for leaving the scene of an accident. Five Buffalo police officers were placed on administrative leave during the investigation, including Buffalo Police Detective Sgt. Lucia Esquilin, Granville’s sister-in-law.
Esquilin has since been demoted to lieutenant, according to the union.
The officers involved have accepted a range of resolutions including conferencing and penalty days. Granville himself was sentenced to 50 hours of community service and nearly $700 in fines.
John Davidson, president of the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, released a statement to WBEN on Tuesday night addressing the outcome of the investigation:
“When working in the same community in which you live, there are undeniable challenges regarding the use of discretion. The city acknowledges this, and our members always do their best to navigate this responsibility.
“Our members love the city in which they live and have chosen to be police officers to help their community. Det. Sgt. Esquilin has reverted to her previous position with the department, and the other officers involved in this call for service have accepted a range of resolutions, including conferencing and penalty days. This matter has now been resolved with the department.”
The Buffalo Police Department released additional details about the disciplinary actions in a statement on Wednesday:
"The Buffalo Police Department has completed its Internal Affairs Division review related to the April 11, 2024, incident involving responding officers and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Narcotics.
"After a thorough investigation, in cooperation with the Special Prosecutor and in accordance with BPD policy, Lieutenant Lucia Esquilin has been demoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant resulting from the findings of the Internal Affairs’ investigation. The other involved officers received a range of administrative disciplinary actions based on the nature of their conduct and the BPD’s contractual disciplinary guidelines.
"Relative to BPD, this matter is considered concluded."
Niagara District Council member David Rivera has issued the following statement regarding the Granville incident:
“The Buffalo Police Benevolent Association has announced the department’s conclusion to the internal investigation regarding the officers who responded to the D.J. Granville collision incident in April of 2024. While the Buffalo Police Department is reporting that the officers have been disciplined appropriately, I am asking Council Staff to schedule a Police Oversight Committee meeting in the coming weeks to discuss this further."