Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that a 16-year-old male from Buffalo, N.Y. was arraigned this morning before Youth Part Judge Kevin M. Carter on an indictment charging him with the following charges:

• One count of Assault on a Peace Officer, Police Officer, Firefighter or Emergency Medical Services Professional (Class “C” violent felony)
• Three counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felonies)
• One count of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)

It is alleged that on Monday, June 7, 2021, at approximately 11:20 p.m., an officer observed a reported stolen vehicle at a gas station on Bailey Avenue and Langfield Drive, located across the street from the Buffalo Police Northeast “E” District station. The vehicle had been reported stolen that morning from a residence in North Buffalo. When police officers approached the vehicle, the adolescent offender allegedly refused orders to exit and put the vehicle into reverse. One officer was subsequently hit by the open passenger side door of the vehicle.

The adolescent offender is also accused of attempting to evade arrest by fleeing from police in the stolen vehicle. During the pursuit, the adolescent offender allegedly swerved into a civilian car, which subsequently hit a police patrol vehicle.

The adolescent offender allegedly ran from the vehicle after crashing into a parked car on Peach Street and Best Street. Two other officers were subsequently injured while apprehending the adolescent offender.

All of the officers were treated at ECMC for various injuries. The officer who was allegedly hit by the vehicle continues to recover from her injuries, which has prevented her from being able to return to work.

The adolescent offender, whose name will not be released due to his age, is scheduled to return on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings.

This morning, Judge Carter increased previously set bail. The adolescent offender remains held on $50,000 cash, $50,000 bond or $75,000 partially secured bond at the Erie County Youth Services Center.

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office has filed a motion, requesting that the case against the adolescent offender not be transferred to Family Court due to extraordinary circumstances.

If convicted of all charges, the adolescent offender faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Danielle N. D’Abate and Assistant District Attorney Noha A. Elnakib of the Community Prosecution Unit.

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