Cops: Man was drunk when he drove away after DWI conviction

Authorities say a 44-year-old suburban Buffalo man was drunk when he drove away from a courthouse where he had just been convicted of driving while intoxicated.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office says 44-year-old J.B. Silverthorn of Orchard Park was found guilty of a DWI charge Monday night in Grand Island Town Court. Silverthorn was charged after he crashed his car into the Niagara River on Dec. 29. He was rescued by firefighters.

Deputies say Silverthorn was drunk during Monday's court appearance and told not to attempt to drive home.

Officers say Silverthorn then got into his car and pulled out of the parking lot before he was stopped by deputies.

Silverthorn was charged with felony DWI. He's being held Friday in the Erie County jail. It couldn't be determined if he has a lawyer.