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Driver Sentenced for Possession of Illegal Gun Recovered During Traffic Stop

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 44-year-old Alexander J. Wright of Buffalo was sentenced yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens to 3 years of probation. 

On Saturday, July 8, 2023, at approximately 1:36 a.m., the defendant was driving a vehicle eastbound on William Street when he was stopped by Buffalo Police officers near Sherman Street for a traffic violation. The officers allegedly saw the vehicle unable to maintain its line while being operated without activated headlights. During the traffic stop, the officer witnessed the defendant take what appeared to be a handgun from the front passenger floorboard and place the gun inside the center console, which prompted a search of the vehicle. A loaded, illegal handgun was recovered from the center console and submitted into evidence. 

Wright pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) on October 4, 2023.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Morris of the Felony Trials Bureau. 

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