(WNY News Now) – A Depew resident is facing federal charges after allegedly ramming a vehicle through a secure airport gate and driving onto restricted airfield areas.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that James R. Muench Jr., 45, of Depew, NY, has been charged by criminal complaint with unlawfully entering a secure area of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The charge, stemming from a May 20, 2025 incident, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, Muench was driving a pickup truck when he allegedly forcefully rammed perimeter Gate 1 at the airport, repeatedly striking the gate until it bent and gave way. After breaching the gate, Muench reportedly drove the vehicle into the secure aircraft operations area without authorization, bypassing all established airport security protocols.
The complaint states that Muench’s vehicle was observed traversing several restricted parts of the airfield, including aircraft taxiways, the passenger ramp, and an active runway. These areas are tightly controlled due to their proximity to commercial aircraft and critical aviation operations.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police responded quickly, locating Muench and taking him into custody without incident. He was later released on conditions following an initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.
The case is being investigated by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police, led by Chief Brian Patterson, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
Authorities remind the public that criminal complaints are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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