Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 18-year-old Harun O. Sabriye of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday afternoon before Buffalo City Court Judge Shannon M. Heneghan on one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the defendant, with the intent to cause physical injuries, slashed the victim with a pocket knife outside of Lafayette High School in the City of Buffalo. The defendant, who is a student at the school, was allegedly involved in an ongoing dispute with the victim, a former student. The victim, a 19-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was treated for lacerations to the right side of his torso, left arm, neck and back.
Sabriye is scheduled to return on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. Prosecutors requested that the court set bail at $50,000 cash or bond. Judge Heneghan set bail at $3,000 cash or bond or release under supervision.
If convicted of the highest charge, Sabriye faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends Detective John Britzzalaro, Detective Tom Olejniczak and members of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stephen C. Papia of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Jamie E. Englerth of the Buffalo City Court Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.