(WNY News Now) – FRENCH CREEK, N.Y. — A 49-year-old French Creek man was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after authorities investigated an altercation on Cherry Hill Road on October 27, according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and New York State Police from Jamestown responded to an address on Cherry Hill Road in the Town of French Creek at approximately 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2026, for a reported altercation.

During the investigation, authorities identified the individual as Ricky L. Waltenbaugh, 49, of French Creek.

Investigators determined that Waltenbaugh had damaged property belonging to someone else, according to the sheriff’s office.

Waltenbaugh was taken into custody and transported to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office for Centralized Arraignment Processing (CAP).

He faces a charge of fourth-degree criminal mischief. The case is scheduled for processing through CAP.

A criminal charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.