WHEATFIELD — On August 15, 2023 at 0027 hours, Deputy Ross initiated a traffic stop on Williams Road for speed in zone and failure to maintain lane of travel. While interviewing the driver, Deputy Ross recognized the backseat passenger and was aware that he had several active arrest warrants.
Deputy Ross requested the assistance of Deputy Battaglia, who quickly responded to the scene. During the investigation, the rear passenger, JEREMIAH T. KRAFT, a 30 year old male from the Town of Lewiston, was asked to exit the motor vehicle. KRAFT began reaching into his waistband and was ordered to raise his hands and exit the vehicle. As that was occurring, the driver, MICHAEL D. RAMOS, a 30 year old male from the City of Niagara Falls, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee.
RAMOS was immediately tased and subsequently taken into custody by Deputy Ross. KRAFT fled out of the passenger side of the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued. KRAFT was caught a short distance later by Deputy Battaglia and placed into custody. Located on the ground next to the passenger rear door where KRAFT fled was a loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun. KRAFT was also found to possess suspected controlled substances which were seized as evidence. A front seat passenger was also detained, but later released.
JEREMIAH T. KRAFT was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree (C Felony), Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor), Obstructing Governmental Administration in the second degree (A Misdemeanor, as well as, three outstanding warrants. Further charges pending laboratory results. MICHAEL D. RAMOS was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the second degree, Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle and two other traffic violations. Both parties were remanded to the Niagara County Correctional Facility awaiting, Centralized Arraignment.
