LOCKPORT, N.Y. — A Niagara County legislator accused of slashing the tire of a truck outside Attitudes Bar & Grill on West Avenue in Lockport was seen in court on Wednesday morning for his arraignment.
Investigators say Legislator William Collins Sr., 58, of Lockport, is charged with one count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree for allegedly damaging the truck's passenger side tire back in October while it was parked outside a local bar.
At the time of the incident, Collins was on the ballot for re-election in November for Niagara County's 10th legislative district. He turned himself into Lockport Police on election day after the news had came out of the alleged slashing.
Following the incident, the Niagara County District Attorney's Office had submitted a petition to request a special prosecutor to handle Collins case, which was granted and appointed to Erie County's DA John Flynn.
Collins is expected to return to court in January for a pre-trial conference. He was was released on his own recognizance, as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
If Collins is convicted, he could face a maximum of one-year in jail.
