Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State Police tell WBEN a Franklinville man who has missed his court appearances related to a hate crime charge stemming from a Hertel Avenue protest is now in custody.
On Monday, State Police out of the Machias barracks responded to a verbal argument call on East Hill Road in Franklinville where 48 year old Michael Cremen was taken into custody. Cremen is being turned over to Buffalo Police for an active warrant.
Cremen was charged by Buffalo Police with menacing, harassment, and criminal possession of a weapon and failed to appear in court in October. The charges stem from him pulling a knife and yelling racial slurs at protesters in August on Hertel Avenue.
In October, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn says he received a letter from Cremen which explained the defendant won't show up to court over the mask mandate. The letter also issued a warning to law enforcement:
