Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that a 16-year-old male from Buffalo, N.Y. was virtually arraigned yesterday morning before Youth Part Judge Kevin M. Carter on the following charges:
- One count of Assault on a Peace Officer, Police Officer, Firefighter or Emergency Medical Services Professional (Class “C” violent felony)
- One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree (Class “E” felony)
- One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- One count of Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- One count of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
- Various Vehicle and Traffic Law violations
It is alleged that on Monday, June 7, 2021, at approximately 11:20 p.m., an officer observed a reported stolen vehicle at a gas station on Bailey Avenue and Langfield Drive, which is located across the street from the Buffalo Police Northeast “E” District station. The vehicle had been reported stolen that morning from a residence in North Buffalo. When police officers approached the vehicle, the adolescent offender allegedly refused orders to exit and put the vehicle into reverse, hitting one of the officers.
The adolescent offender is accused of fleeing from police in the stolen vehicle. During the pursuit, the adolescent offender allegedly swerved into a civilian car, which subsequently hit a police patrol vehicle. Two officers inside the vehicle were injured.
The adolescent offender allegedly ran from the vehicle after crashing into a parked car on Peach Street and Best Street. While apprehending the adolescent offender, three other officers were subsequently injured.
All of the officers were treated at ECMC and continue to receive medical treatment for various injuries.
The adolescent offender, whose name will not be released due to his age, is scheduled to return on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing.
Due to the nature of the alleged crimes, prosecutors requested that the adolescent offender be remanded. Judge Carter set bail at $25,000 cash, $30,000 bond or $50,000 partially secured bond.
If convicted of all charges, the adolescent offender faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends Buffalo Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Danielle D’Abate of the Community Prosecution Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the adolescent offender is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.