Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 41-year-old Cornelius J. Caddale of Buffalo has been sentenced by Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison.

On Sunday, June 16, 2019, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Buffalo Police officers on bicycle patrol at the Juneteenth Festival observed the defendant recklessly driving a Kawasaki ATV on a public street. When the defendant came to a stop at a red light, the officers rode toward Caddale to write a ticket. 

In an attempt to evade police, the defendant ran over one of the officers who was still on his bicycle. The officer was dragged underneath the vehicle for approximately 15 feet. When the officer escaped from underneath the ATV, the defendant did not stop. Caddale continued to drive at a high-rate of speed for several blocks before he was apprehended.

The officer suffered road rash and a back injury as a result of the defendant’s actions. He has since been able to return to work.

Caddale pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree, a Class “E” felony, on December 19, 2019.

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

The case was prosecuted by Chief Justin T. Wallens of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau.