Drunken James Morgan of Niagara Falls Tells Police to 'Get off my property' After Hit-and-run

A Niagara Falls man was arrested on the evening of October 13th following a reported hit-and-run crash and subsequent confrontation with police in which he was found to be highly intoxicated.

Police say the incident began around 8pm when a witness saw a vehicle traveling eastbound on Buffalo Avenue abruptly turn onto 87th Street, nearly striking a pedestrian as it swerved onto the curb. The witness had to slam on their breaks to avoid being hit. The vehicle also allegedly struck a parked car in the 100 block of 87th Street before continuing on to Frontier Avenue.

The witness followed the vehicle until it pulled into a driveway on Frontier Avenue. According to the witness, the driver failed to successfully pull into the driveway multiple times before getting it right.

Officers arrived at the scene and identified the driver as James Morgan, who was outside his vehicle holding himself upright and exhibiting severe signs of intoxication. Officers noted that Morgan was swaying, had glassy eyes, slurred speech, and the strong odor of alcohol on his breath.

When approached by police, Morgan became uncooperative and hostile. According to the report, he initially refused to provide identification and at one point blurting out, “Fuc* you… I don’t have to give you…” He then shouted, “Get off my property,” when officers continued their investigation.

Officers observed fresh damage to Morgan’s vehicle consistent with what witnesses described and attempted several times to have him comply with orders. After repeated warnings, officers attempted to place Morgan under arrest. However, he did not comply. As a result, force was used to subdue him. Police noted that he was unable to stand on his own due to intoxication and had to be physically held upright.

Once in custody, Morgan continued to act belligerent, exhibiting slurred speech and difficulty comprehending instructions. At booking, officers determined that standardized field sobriety tests could not be safely administered. A certified chemical breath test was later conducted showing a blood alcohol content of .20%, more than twice the legal limit.

Morgan refused medical treatment at the scene and was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing.

Overall, he was charged with aggravated DWI, resisting arrest, leaving the scene of an accident, assault 3rd, obstructing governmental administration and other traffic infractions.

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Drunken James Morgan of Niagara Falls Tells Police to 'Get off my property'