Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) The Buffalo Police Benevolent Association says an internal investigation into the hit-and-run 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 allegedly 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.
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,” Davidson said. “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 has not released additional details about the disciplinary actions.