Video shows purported confrontation between business owners, Erie County authorities

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — A video making its way around social media purportedly shows a confrontation between business owners and Erie County authorities Friday night.

According to a blog post and video posted by Tim Walton, the Erie County Sheriff's Office and the Erie County Department of Health arrived at Athletes Unleashed in Orchard Park Friday night in an attempt to break up a meeting. Walton said business owners were gathered to discuss how to survive the increased New York State restrictions.

Earlier this week New York State designated a portion of Erie County an Orange Zone and the rest of the county a Yellow Zone in an attempt to control the recent spread of COVID-19. With the designation of the Orange and Yellow Zones come restrictions on businesses and social activities.

The video shows a purported confrontation between Erie County authorities and the business owners chanting "get out."

The Erie County Sheriff's Office could not be reached for comment on the matter.

A spokesperson from the Erie County Department of Health said "we are gathering information and will have more to share in our press conference on Monday."

A spokesperson for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said "we are still gathering information about this unfortunate event, as the County Executive explained on the radio with Peter Hunt this morning."

Poloncarz also took to Twitter Saturday to release a statement on a protest planned for Sunday morning outside of his home and in his neighborhood.

In a tweet, Poloncarz said he is aware of the planned protest and posted about it to make his neighbors aware. He also said Buffalo police and other law enforcement are aware.

"I am aware of a loud protest planned for tomorrow (11/22) at 9:30 am to target my house and my immediate neighborhood. I am posting this now so my neighbors are aware.

Please read my statement on this and their despicable reference to 'internment camps' and 'dress up as slaves.'"