ERIE COUNTY, NY – William A. Fugate, a 34-year-old Buffalo resident, was sentenced to 3 ½ to 7 years in prison on Monday, by Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio. Fugate was a second felony offender.
The sentencing dates back to an incident on Sunday, December 29, 2019, when Buffalo Police officers executed a traffic stop on Northland Avenue and Lonsdale Road.
Fugate, a passenger in the vehicle and on parole at the time, fled the scene. During his escape, Fugate pointed an illegal firearm towards the officers, prompting them to discharge their weapons. Fugate was subsequently hit four times.
Fugate was located in a nearby yard and transported to ECMC for treatment of side body injuries. An illegal firearm was recovered along his flight path.
After a comprehensive investigation, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office deemed the officers’ use of force appropriate. Fugate was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.