October 28, 2024
The Board of Public Safety met in regular session on October 12, 2024, to review a motor vehicle pursuit that took place in the City of Hornell on October 3rd.
Chief Ted Murray provided details of the incident, which began at the Hornell Plaza and continued through the City. Chief Murray noted while the pursuit didn’t involve high speeds, the driver committed multiple traffic violations and drove erratically. The pursuit ended on the west side of the City, where several vehicles from the Hornell Police Department and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office were present. Sgt. Thomas Aini, driving an unmarked police car, attempted to block the suspect as the vehicle appeared to turn back toward downtown Hornell. The suspect then collided with Sgt. Aini’s vehicle, bringing the pursuit to a close.
Mayor John Buckley commended Sgt. Aini’s actions, stating, “Sgt. Aini’s decisions that day were nothing short of heroic. If that vehicle made it into the downtown area, anyone nearby would have been in serious danger. I was downtown myself that day, along with numerous construction workers, and several pedestrians. In my view, Sgt. Aini’s quick actions prevented a tragedy and likely saved lives.”
Sgt. Aini sustained minor injuries in the collision but has since returned to full duty. Thank you, Sgt. Aini, for helping to keep our community safe.
Photo: Sgt. Aini stands in front of a patrol car at the Hornell Police Department.
