Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that a 17-year-old male from Buffalo was arraigned yesterday afternoon before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman on an indictment charging him with nine felony offenses:
- One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
- One count of Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer or Peace Officer (Class “B” violent felony)
- Two counts of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
- One count of Assault on a Peace Officer, Police Officer, Fireman or Emergency Medical Services Professional (Class “C” felony)
- One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicles in the Second Degree (Class “E” felony)
It is alleged that on Monday, February 6, 2023, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the defendant and other individuals were looking for vehicles to steal in the area of Penora Street in the Town of Lancaster. The defendant allegedly stole a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was parked outside of a residence with the keys inside of the vehicle. His accomplices allegedly stole a maroon Jeep Cherokee, which was parked outside of a neighboring home.
A short time later, at approximately 4:25 a.m., a Depew Police officer on routine patrol saw the two Jeeps traveling at a high-rate of speed westbound on Walden Avenue. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop and pursued the two vehicles as they traveled into the Town of Cheektowaga.
A Cheektowaga Police patrol officer was attempting to deploy a “Stop Stick” on Union Road near the entrance to the Kensington Expressway when he was hit by the white Jeep Cherokee. The adolescent offender allegedly continued to drive after hitting the officer then abandoned the stolen vehicle outside of a gas station on Kensington Avenue near Century Road in the City of Buffalo.
The Depew Police officer rendered first aid to the injured police officer until he was taken by ambulance to ECMC in critical condition. The victim, 45-year-old Officer Troy Blackchief, suffered a traumatic brain injury and other serious physical injuries. He continues to recover at home after several months at the hospital and long-term care rehabilitation. Due to the severity of his injuries, Officer Blackchief has not been able to return to work.
The adolescent offender is scheduled to return on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11:45 a.m. for a six-day review. Prosecutors requested that the adolescent offender be remanded. Judge Freedman set bail at $80,000 cash or bond or $120,000 partially secured surety bond.
DA Flynn commends the Cheektowaga Police Department as well as the Depew Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.