WNY News Now

(WNY News Now) – DUNKIRK, NY — Four people were arrested following the execution of a narcotics search warrant Monday afternoon at an upper apartment on Lincoln Avenue, authorities said.

According to the Dunkirk Police Department, officers executed a search warrant at 81 Lincoln Ave., Upper Apartment, at approximately 1:08 p.m. on March 2, 2026. The operation was conducted with assistance from narcotics investigators with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Jamestown Police Department. Dunkirk Police SRT made entry into the residence.

Inside the apartment at the time were Dakota O. Cordell, 28, of Dunkirk; Taylor M. Austin, 23, of Stockton; Matthew S. Eggelston, 36, of Fredonia; and Robert S. Ryen, 55, of Dunkirk.

Drugs, Firearm and Cash Seized

Investigators reported seizing:

• 331.69 grams of methamphetamine
• 5.35 grams of cocaine
• 2.42 grams of crack cocaine
• 14.55 grams of fentanyl
• 79 dosage units of Suboxone
• Digital scales and packaging materials
• A .44 magnum revolver
• $4,908 in cash

A records check determined the revolver had been reported stolen, according to police.

Charges Filed

Cordell was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd, 3rd and 7th degrees
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th degree
• Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd degree

Austin was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd degree
• Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th degree
• Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd degree

Eggelston was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree.

Ryen was charged with Criminal Nuisance in the 1st degree.

Eggelston and Ryen were issued appearance tickets and released. Cordell and Austin were transported to the Dunkirk Police Department for arraignment in Dunkirk City Court.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities stated the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Police are encouraging community members to report suspected narcotics activity. The Dunkirk Police Department Tip Line can be reached at 716-363-0313. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Tip Line is available at 800-344-8702 or 716-664-2420. The Jamestown Police Department Tip Line can be reached at 716-483-8477.

All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.