Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 30-year-old William A. Fugate of Buffalo has been arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns on an indictment charging him with one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class “C” violent felony. The defendant was arraigned on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.

It is alleged that on December 29, 2019, at approximately 10:25 p.m., Buffalo Police officers initiated a traffic stop on Northland Avenue and Lonsdale Road for a vehicle that made an illegal U-turn. Fugate, who was on parole, was allegedly seated in the back of the vehicle and attempted to flee. The defendant is accused of pointing a gun towards the officers as he ran from the scene. The officers fired their weapons and the defendant was struck four times.

Fugate was located a short time later, hiding in a nearby yard. He was taken to ECMC to be treated for injuries to the side of his body. The loaded, illegal pistol was recovered in the defendant’s flight path.

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office conducted an investigation into the matter and found the officers use of force was appropriate.

Fugate remains held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time. If convicted on the charge, he faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

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

The case was prosecuted by Chief Gary Hackbush of the DA’s Tactical Prosecution Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.