BUFFALO, NY – Five people, including four juveniles, were arrested following an armed robbery and vehicle chase that began near Canisius University and ended in downtown Buffalo Thursday night.
Police said the group was involved in an armed robbery in which a female victim was allegedly robbed of her car and phone at gunpoint.
Officers spotted the stolen vehicle about an hour later traveling on the 190-North near Dingens Street before it struck a patrol vehicle at Goodell and Elm streets.
All five suspects fled on foot but were quickly apprehended a short distance away, according to the Buffalo Police Department.
Suspects face multiple felony charges
Authorities identified one adult suspect as 22-year-old Demario Wells of Buffalo. The remaining suspects were identified only as a 12-year-old male, a 14-year-old male, a 15-year-old male, and a 16-year-old male, all from Buffalo.
Police said all five face identical charges including assault, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, possession of stolen property, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Wells, along with the 14- and 15-year-old suspects, also faces two counts of first-degree robbery, a class B felony.
In addition, Wells was charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of stolen property, endangering the welfare of a child, making a false report regarding a stolen motor vehicle, and several traffic violations.
Officer and juvenile injured during pursuit
A Buffalo Police Officer was transported to Erie County Medical Center after a patrol vehicle crash during the chase. One juvenile suspect was also taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said the incident remains under investigation, and additional charges could be filed.
The Buffalo Police Department urged residents to report suspicious activity and cooperate with detectives as the case develops.
Key Points
- Five suspects, including four juveniles, were arrested after an armed robbery near Canisius University.
- The group led police on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash at Goodell and Elm streets.
- All face multiple felony charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.