(WNY News Now) – A welfare check led to impaired driving charges for a Jamestown man found behind the wheel under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

FREWSBURG, NY — A routine welfare check turned into a criminal investigation on the night of June 2, 2025, when Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies discovered a motorist allegedly impaired by both drugs and alcohol.

Deputies were dispatched at approximately 9:46 p.m. to Frewsburg, NY, to check on the well-being of an individual inside a vehicle. Upon arrival and investigation, law enforcement determined that 51-year-old Christopher Cassel of Jamestown was operating the motor vehicle while under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol.

Cassel was taken into custody, processed at the scene, and released with appearance tickets. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Carroll Court at a later date to face charges of Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) by drugs and alcohol. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.