Buffalo man arrested for drunk driving after crashing into a backyard

Press Release

On May 4, 2026, New York State Police assigned to SP Buffalo arrested Austin Edward Payne, 30, of Buffalo, for Driving While Intoxicated.

Investigation revealed that shortly before 10:00 p.m., Payne was traveling southeast on the New York State Thruway (I-190) in a 2020 Jeep Cherokee when he failed to maintain the lane, traveling through the Exit 4 off ramp, striking the exit sign, and continuing over a concrete traffic divider onto the Exit 4 on ramp. He then veered off the right shoulder of the on-ramp, striking more signs and the guardrail before proceeding down a hill, rolling over multiple times before coming to a stop in a residential backyard on Selkirk Street in Buffalo.

Upon an interview with Payne, troopers detected signs of alcohol impairment. Standardized field sobriety tests were administered, which returned positive results for alcohol impairment. Payne was arrested for DWI. He was transported to Erie County Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.

Payne, who was also issued several uniform traffic tickets, is due in Buffalo City Court on June 5, 2026.

The New York State Police urge drivers to use the STOP-DWI Have a Plan app to help them get home safely. The free app allows users to contact a taxi service or ride share, program a designated-driver list, or report a suspected impaired driver. The app is available for Apple and Android smartphones.

Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/buffalo-man-arrested-drunk-driving-after-crashing-backyard