BUFFALO, NY – A man accused of shoplifting beer at a convenience store in Buffalo is now facing charges of making terroristic threats after he made a threatening reference to the Tops Market mass shooting earlier this year.
According to Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn, 45-year-old Sean Q. Ingleman of Buffalo was arraigned before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging him with one count of Robbery in the Third Degree and one count of Making a Terroristic Threat.
“It is alleged that on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at approximately 4:29 p.m., the defendant attempted to forcibly steal cash from a convenience store on Main Street near West Winspear Avenue in the City of Buffalo by demanding that the store clerk give him money from the register,” Flynn said. “The defendant allegedly made a reference to the shooting that occurred at Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo with the intent to intimidate or coerce that created a reasonable expectation of fear. The defendant is accused of stealing a beer during the incident.”
Ingleman is scheduled to return on Monday, September 26, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for motions. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
“This is the third person who has been arrested for allegedly making a threat following the horrific shooting on Jefferson Avenue and several other mass shootings incidents in our country. Any threat will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.
If convicted of all the highest charges, Ingleman faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Briana R. D. Miller of the Felony Trials Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.