SARDINIA, NY — Erie County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man on weapons and drug charges following the execution of a search warrant Friday.
James Zbytek, 41, of Sardinia, was taken into custody after deputies from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, executed a search warrant at 10349 Savage Road.
The warrant, signed by Hon. Paul Wojtaszek of Supreme Court, authorized the search of the residence and Zbytek’s person.
Deputies seized illegal firearms, including a loaded homemade 22 caliber pistol with a homemade suppressor, according to Sheriff John C. Garcia.
Methamphetamine, ammunition and drug paraphernalia were also recovered during the search.
Zbytek was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia.
He was incarcerated at the Erie County Holding Center.
Zbytek was previously convicted of first-degree attempted reckless endangerment stemming from an Aug. 11, 2022 incident at the same Savage Road address.
Deputies responded to that incident for a report of a male with a gun making threats to himself and a family member.
After a perimeter was established, Zbytek pointed a weapon at a deputy, forcing the deputy to discharge his service weapon and strike Zbytek in the leg.
Zbytek retreated into the residence before ECSO SWAT personnel made entry, ushered the family member to safety and took Zbytek into custody.
