Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 36-year-old Shariff L. Shadwick of Buffalo was arraigned on Friday morning before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller on an indictment charging him with one count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felonies).

It is alleged that on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at approximately 2:21 a.m., Buffalo Police officers were responding to a 911 call in the area of East North Street and Orange Street when they encountered the defendant. The defendant is accused of intentionally firing shots at one of the police officers with an illegal weapon. One of the police officers allegedly returned fire. No injuries were reported. The defendant was taken into custody and investigators recovered two loaded, illegal handguns from the scene.

Shadwick is scheduled to return on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to remain held without bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Shadwick faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life in prison.  

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the Major Crimes Unit.  

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