Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 32-year-old Edwin R. Calo-Montanez and 27-year-old Victor Perez Martinez, both of Buffalo, were arraigned yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging them both with the following offenses:  

• Two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felonies)
• Two counts of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felonies)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony)

It is alleged that on July 14, 2021, at approximately 9:10 p.m., the defendants, while acting in concert with one another, intentionally fired multiple shots at two male victims during an argument. The incident occurred on West Avenue near Vermont Street in the City of Buffalo. Both victims were taken to ECMC with serious physical injuries, but survived the attack.

Victor Perez Martinez was indicted on additional charges for his alleged involvement in a separate incident. He was arraigned today before Judge Eagan on the following offenses:

• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class “B” felonies)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony)
• Two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors)

It is alleged that on May 21, 2021, at approximately 6:12 p.m., Buffalo Police officers initiated a traffic stop of a SUV, driven by the defendant, on Decker Street for heavily tinted windows. One of the officers allegedly observed what appeared to be the outline of a firearm in the defendant’s fanny pack. While being questioned by the officer, the defendant allegedly opened his fanny pack and the officer saw the firearm inside. Officers allegedly recovered an illegal pistol as well as $5,431.00 in cash from inside the defendant’s fanny pack. Officers also allegedly found more than half an ounce of cocaine, scale and packaging materials during the search of the vehicle.

Calo-Montanez was remanded without bail. Martinez remains released on previously posted $125,000 bond. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of all charges, both defendants faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. 

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brian D. Langenfeld of the Major Crimes Unit and Assistant District Attorney Meredith M. Mohun of the Felony Trials Bureau.

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