Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 65-year-old Antonio Roman of Buffalo was arraigned on Friday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on an indictment charging him with one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony) and one count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Buffalo Police responded to a report of shots fired on the 100 block of Marine Drive. The defendant allegedly approached a group of individuals suspected of stealing property from vehicles in the parking lot outside of the Marine Drive Apartment complex. The defendant is accused of intentionally shooting a juvenile in the leg with a legally owned handgun. After the shooting, the other individuals drove away in a vehicle, which had been reported stolen from the Town of Amherst.
The victim, a 14-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children’s Hospital where he underwent surgery.
Roman, who is a retired Buffalo Police officer, was held without bail. A return court date has not been is scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the highest charge, Roman faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Gun Violence Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Eugene T. Partridge, III of the Major Crimes Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.