ORCHARD PARK, NY — A Buffalo man faces multiple charges after allegedly checking vehicle door handles and leading police on a chase that ended in a crash.
On May 21, 2026, at approximately 4:34 a.m., the Orchard Park Police Department was notified of a male checking vehicle door handles in the area of Powers Road near Scherff Road.
The male entered a dark-colored SUV and was last seen traveling toward Scherff Road.
Officers responding to the area observed a dark-colored SUV stopped on Scherff Road.
Patrol units pulled behind the vehicle and activated their emergency lights and sirens.
The vehicle fled from officers, traveling at a high rate of speed on Scherff Road before turning onto Bruce Drive and continuing through the neighborhood at a high rate of speed.
The vehicle failed to negotiate the turn at Wildwood Lane and crashed into a tree.
Following a brief foot pursuit, the sole occupant of the vehicle was taken into custody.
The operator was identified as Cody J. Cook, 33, of Buffalo.
Cook was charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in the 3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 3rd Degree, and nine Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.
Cook was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to return to Orchard Park Town Court at a later date.
Stolen property belonging to local residents was recovered from the vehicle.
Additional charges are pending.
