(WNY News Now) – HANOVER, N.Y. — A 64-year-old Dunkirk woman was charged with driving while intoxicated following a well-being check in the Town of Hanover, according to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a well-being check in Hanover at approximately 12:40 p.m. on October 8, 2026. During the investigation, deputies determined that Patricia A. Bennice, 64, of Dunkirk, was allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Bennice was transported to the sheriff’s Hanover substation for processing and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), authorities reported.

She was subsequently released and is expected to appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.