BUFFALO, NY – A man who fired shots from his illegal gun at two men in Buffalo before fleeing the scene on his bike is getting off easy after pleading guilty to attempted assault. One man was struck and suffered serious injuries, but 29-year-old Jose Castillo was able to avoid an attempted murder conviction.
On Thursday, July 8, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Castillo fired multiple shots from an illegal handgun at two men. The victims were walking eastbound on Allen Street near Irving Place. After the shooting, the defendant rode away from the scene on a bicycle.
Both victims were transported by ambulance to ECMC. One victim suffered multiple serious physical injuries. The other victim was treated and released for his injuries.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office issued the following statement:
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29-year-old Jose A. Castillo of Buffalo pleaded guilty yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felonies) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” violent felony).
Investigators found the defendant in possession of an illegal gun when he was arrested at an apartment on Schiller Street on July 15, 2021.
Castillo faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced as a second violent felony offender on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. He continues to remain held without bail.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Gun Violence and Intelligence Units as well as the U.S. Marshals Service for their work in the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the Major Crimes Unit.