Deputy accused of DWI, hit motorcyclist

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - An Erie County Sheriff's deputy has been charged with DWI and vehicular assault after a serious crash in Amherst early Saturday morning.

Investigators say just after 4 a.m., Daniel Colosimo was stopped on a motorcycle at a red light on Sheridan Drive at the intersection of Bailey Avenue. Police say the motorcycle was struck from behind in the westbound lane by a Jeep operated by 28-year-old Michael Haug.

Amherst Police say Haug is an Erie County Sheriff's Deputy and was off-duty at the time of the crash.

PHOTO GALLERY | See more photos of Michael Haug here

Colosimo, 37, was thrown from his motorcycle upon impact. The Tonawanda man was transported to ECMC with head injuries and is listed in critical condition.

Motorcycle safety activist Richard McClure said, "80 percent of the accidents involving cars and motorcycles usually have fault in the car. We have a motorcyclist that got hit and you have somebody else who ruined their life because of the situation."

McClure's safety program led a girls-only ride through Niagara County Saturday afternoon, teaching riders how to protect themselves.

"Us as motorcycle riders need to be aware of our surroundings and try to predict what everyone on the road is going to do while they're out there," McClure said.

Police have charged Haug with DWI and vehicular assault. The Erie County Sheriff's Office has suspended him without pay immediately pending the outcome of both the criminal and administrative investigations. Haug has been with the Sheriff's Office for over five years.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call police at 689-1311.