Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29-year-old Randy Schindler of Buffalo pleaded guilty before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns to Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree and Escape in the Second Degree.

On the afternoon of December 12, 2017, the defendant went to his girlfriend’s home on Dearborn Street. When the girlfriend did not answer the door, Schindler attempted to gain entry through the home of a downstairs neighbor. When denied entry, the defendant proceeded to punch through several windows and destroy other property outside the residence, causing an estimated $250 in damages.

Buffalo Police arrested Schindler nearby a short time later and drove him to ECMC to be treated for injuries to his hands.

At the hospital, nurses requested that the defendant’s handcuffs be removed to treat his wounds. As officer waited outside, Schindler proceeded to jump through the ceiling titles. Officers attempted to grab him, but the defendant escaped through the ceiling. Despite searching for hours, officers were unable to locate the defendant. Schindler was apprehended the following morning as he attempted to exit the hospital. Damage from his attempted escape cost an estimated $3,000.

Schindler faces a maximum of 5 years in prison when he is sentenced on Friday, March 9 before Justice Burns.  As part of his guilty plea, Schindler has agreed to pay for the damages he caused to the three buildings.

Assistant District Attorney Amy Beatrice Benedict of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau prosecuted the case.