Off-duty cop injured in serious crash

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo's finest are praying for one of their brothers. Off-duty officer Gary Sengbusch is in critical condition after an overnight crash with a suspected drunk driver.

The officer is listed in critical condition, but his condition seems to change every minute. It was a horrible crash that was caught on a surveillance camera. It shows, once again, that drinking and driving is a dangerous combination.

The next 24 to 48 hours will be of critical importance to 30-year-old Gary Sengbusch, who remains in the ICU at ECMC. The off-duty Buffalo Police officer was driving home from a part-time security job at around 2 a.m. when investigators say he was struck by a drunk driver on Main Street.

Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda said, "Again, people have been told over and over don't drink and drive, but sometimes the message doesn't seem to get through."

Sengbusch was the only passenger in his car. The other vehicle, a grey SUV, had five people inside, including a 20-year-old female passenger who also suffered serious injuries. She's listed in grave condition.

The driver of that vehicle, 22-year-old Anthony Thompson, has been charged with DWI, five counts of vehicular assault, and running a red light. A police surveillance camera, posted at the scene, recorded the entire accident.

"It shows the vehicle being driven by the defendant, Anthony Thompson, running a red light and striking the officer's vehicle. It's pretty graphic, pretty graphic," said Derenda.

As a result of the crash, the officer has undergone several life saving surgeries. Throughout the day, relatives, other officers even the mayor of Buffalo stopped by the hospital in a show of support.

Sengbusch grew up in West Seneca and graduated from Orchard Park High School. He was president of his police cadet class. He joined the Buffalo Police force in 2008.

Derenda said, "Outstanding officer. He's only been on the job a couple years. His supervisors have praised him."

Mayor Byron Brown said, "Certainly our thoughts and prayers are with the family of officer Sengbusch for his complete recovery."

"It has an impact because the Buffalo Police Department is a family, a big family, and when something happens to one of the officers we all take it very seriously," added Derenda.

The accused drunk driver is at the Erie County Holding Center. He could face new charges if either of his injured victims, including the officer, take a turn for the worse. Police say it's amazing there were any survivors.