Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 33-year-old Chaz M. Brzezicki of East Aurora pleaded guilty on Monday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Driving While Intoxicated (Class “A” misdemeanor). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest count in the indictment against him.

On April 18, 2020, at approximately 8:52 p.m., the defendant was driving, while under the influence of alcohol, when he passed a New York State Trooper on Center Street in the Town of Colden. The trooper initiated a traffic stop on Center Street near Holland Glenwood Road. When the trooper approached the vehicle, he could smell the odor of alcohol and marijuana. The trooper saw a pipe containing marijuana in the defendant’s lap.

The defendant, while refusing orders, exited his vehicle and punched the trooper in the face with a closed fist. A struggle ensued as the trooper attempted to place the defendant under arrest. The trooper hit the defendant with a flashlight while the defendant had him in chokehold. When additional law enforcement arrived at the scene, the defendant was taken into custody and transported to ECMC where he was treated for a minor injury.

The trooper was also taken to ECMC to receive treatment for a broken nose. The victim underwent surgery for the injury, but he has since been able to return to work.

Brzezicki faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. He continues to remain released on $50,000 bail, which he previously posted in Colden Town Court.

“Acts of violence against any member of law enforcement will not be tolerated. I hope that the victim feels that justice has been served by this defendant pleading guilty to the highest charge,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.

DA Flynn commends the New York State Police and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel Kranitz McPhee of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.