BUFFALO, NY (PRESS RELEASE) – Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 27-year-old Nakeem D. Haynes of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), two counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felony), and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).
It is alleged that on Friday, June 17, 2022, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in the vicinity of Broadway Avenue and Sears Street, the defendant fatally shot 63-year-old Atlas Johnson as Buffalo Police officers were on routine patrol in the area.
During the officer’s pursuit, the defendant is accused of intentionally firing a single shot into the windshield of the patrol vehicle, striking one of the officer’s gun holster, as well as continuing to fire at them as they pursued him on foot. The officers were able to detain the defendant on Playter Street after shooting him. The officers provided first aid until the defendant was transported to ECMC.
Haynes is scheduled to return on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to be held without bail.