Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 25-year-old Yassin A. Abdikadir of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Carrie Phillips on the following offenses:

• One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony)
• One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony)
• One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Obstructing Emergency Medical Services (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
• One count of Reckless Driving (unclassified misdemeanor under Vehicle & Traffic Law)
• One count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (unclassified misdemeanor under Vehicle & Traffic Law)
• One count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Property Damage (violation under Vehicle & Traffic Law)

It is alleged that on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at approximately 11:53 p.m., the defendant stole a Buffalo Fire Department Engine 1 fire truck in the area of Main and West Huron Streets. The defendant unlawfully operated the firetruck and allegedly hit three parked vehicles before abandoning the truck on Delaware Avenue near Allen Street.

Abdikadir was also arraigned this morning before Judge Phillips on charges in a separate incident:

• One count of Burglary in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony)
• One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class “E” felony)
• One count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)

It is alleged that on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at approximately 2:29 a.m., the defendant unlawfully entered a restaurant on the 200 block of Ellicott Street in the City of Buffalo. While unlawfully inside of the building, the defendant allegedly broke the lock of a storage cabinet in order to steal approximately 50 bottles of alcohol, valued at approximately $2,000.

Abdikadir is scheduled to return on both cases on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. The defendant was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Abdikadir faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.

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

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