Charges dismissed against man who fell into Bills stadium pit, other trespassers

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) – The criminal charge has been dismissed against a Buffalo Bills fan who made international headlines last year for entering the construction pit at the new stadium while allegedly under the influence of LSD and other drugs.

Adam McPherson of Cheektowaga was arraigned in January for the misdemeanor that carried a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail if convicted. But like others who were arrested for trespassing at the construction site last season, he was granted an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, meaning the case could be dismissed if certain conditions were met over a period of time.

Without further incident, his case was dismissed on Sept. 27, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office confirmed.

New Bills stadium: How big will they make the bison statues?

Others charged with trespassing at the Bills stadium site last season have also had their cases dismissed after going through the legal process. Some had to meet community service requirements to satisfy the conditions of their adjournment in contemplation of dismissal.

In total, 10 fans were charged for entering the construction site last season. Most were looking for photo opportunities or trying to cut through the site to get to parking lots on the other side, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said last year.

The Sheriff and DA are not aware of any new trespassing incidents from this season. Only one case against an adult from last year is unresolved: The case against Christopher McNeal Jr. of Buffalo remains pending, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

While entering the stadium construction site became a meme on social media late last season, referred to as making a sacrifice to the pit, its lore was wildly overstated. There was not a trespassing incident during every game on the team’s winning streak as many seemed to believe.

What is the Bills Stadium Experience? Here’s what we learned from a trip inside

Details on each stadium trespassing incident were released by the District Attorney’s office. Incidents are arranged by date; ages are of last winter.

• Adam McPherson, 29, received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal after allegedly trespassing on Sept. 17, when the Bills hosted the Raiders during their home opener. He did not have a community service requirement attached to his ACD. His charge was later dismissed, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

• Matthew Evens, 61, of Hamburg received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal for allegedly trespassing on Oct. 1, when the Bills hosted the Dolphins. His charge was later dismissed, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

• Mohammed Abdelhay, 21, of Williamsville received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal and was ordered to perform 25 hours of community service for allegedly trespassing on Nov. 13, when the Bills hosted the Broncos. His charge was later dismissed, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

• A 17-year-old male from Williamsville, whose name was not given because of his age, allegedly trespassed on Nov. 13, when the Bills hosted the Broncos. His case was not handled by the DA’s office due to his age.

• Kyle Bauer, 23, of West Seneca received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal and was ordered to perform 100 hours community service after allegedly trespassing on Nov. 19, when the Bills hosted the Jets. His charge was later dismissed, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

• Ontario residents Owen Bainbridge, 25, and Tanner Brunet, 32, received adjournments in contemplation of dismissal and were ordered to perform 100 hours of community service for allegedly trespassing on Nov. 19, when the Bills hosted the Jets. Their charges were later dismissed, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

• Daniel Wickemeyer, 40, of Pennsylvania received an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal and was ordered to perform 100 hours community service after allegedly trespassing on Dec. 17, when the Bills hosted the Cowboys. His charge was later dismissed, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

• Christopher A. McNeal Jr., 38, was accused of trespassing on Dec. 17, when the Bills hosted the Cowboys. His case remains pending and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, according to the DA’s office.

• Michael D. Poremski, 39, of New Castle, Pennsylvania was charged for allegedly trespassing on January 15, 2024, when the Bills hosted the Steelers in a playoff game. His charge was later dismissed, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Latest Local News

Pedestrian hit and killed by USPS vehicle in East Aurora

Clarence Middle School holds ‘Walk for Water’ charity event

UB Bulls comeback falls short in MACtion-packed loss against Western Michigan

Eden farmer says crops sustained minimal damage in tornado

Josh Allen poster comes down after expired contract

* * *

Nick Veronica is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team as the Digital Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at NBC Sports and The Buffalo News. You can follow Nick on Facebook, Twitter and Threads. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.