BUFFALO, N.Y. — Five people were arrested after two officers with the Buffalo Police Department were assaulted while attempting to disperse an unlawful gathering Saturday in the 500 block of Niagara Street, according to police.
Authorities said officers were attempting to disperse the crowd when several people interfered with the administration of lawful orders. During the confrontation, one man allegedly placed his hands on an officer before grabbing another officer’s duty belt, removing a department-issued magazine, and repeatedly attempting to seize the officer’s gun and Taser.
Officers injured during violent confrontation
Police said officers were ultimately able to handcuff the suspect despite continued interference from the crowd. During the incident, one officer was struck in the head with a bottle and suffered a concussion, while another officer sustained a broken hand.
Both injured officers were treated and released from Erie County Medical Center.
Authorities identified the primary suspect as Carlos Martinez Rosario, 40, of Buffalo. He was charged with one count of Assault on a Police Officer, a Class C felony, along with Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Inciting to Riot, Unlawful Assembly, two counts of Disorderly Conduct, and a violation.
Four others also charged
Police said four additional Buffalo residents were charged with Disorderly Conduct in connection with the incident. They were identified as Graciela Sexto, 28; Maria Martinez, 39; Pedro DeJesus, 43; and Enrique Sexto, 53.
“As officers attempted to disperse the unlawful gathering, an unruly crowd interfered with the administration of lawful orders by officers,” the Buffalo Police Department said in its news release. Police further stated that one suspect “removed a department issued magazine from the belt and repeatedly grasping at the duty belt that secures the officer’s gun and taser.”
- Two Buffalo police officers were injured while dispersing an unlawful gathering on Niagara Street.
- Carlos Martinez Rosario was charged with felony assault on a police officer and several additional offenses.
- Four other Buffalo residents were charged with disorderly conduct in connection with the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not announced whether additional charges or arrests are expected.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Buffalo Police Department.
FAQ
- When did the incident occur?
The confrontation occurred Saturday, Aug. 15, while officers were dispersing an unlawful gathering on Niagara Street. - How many officers were injured?
Two officers were injured. One suffered a concussion after being struck with a bottle, and another sustained a broken hand. - Who faces the most serious charges?
Carlos Martinez Rosario, 40, was charged with Assault on a Police Officer, a Class C felony, along with multiple related offenses. - Were the officers hospitalized?
Both officers were treated and released from Erie County Medical Center. - How many people were arrested?
Five people were arrested in connection with the incident.
Sources: Buffalo Police Department press release.
