Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Nathan Wasyl of Buffalo has been arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on the following charges:

• Five counts of Arson in the Third Degree, Class “C” felonies
• Five counts of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Class “D” felonies
• Five counts of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Class “D” felonies
• Three counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Class “D” felonies
• One count of Burglary in the Second Degree, a Class “C” violent felony
• One count of Petit Larceny, a Class “A” misdemeanor
• One count of Trespass, a violation

It is alleged that during the early morning hours of April 9, 2019, the defendant set fires while burglarizing five garages on Cleveland Avenue, Highland Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, and Penhurst Place in the City of Buffalo. Buffalo Police estimate the total damage at more than $800,000.

Two members of the Buffalo Fire Department suffered burns while fighting the fires and were taken to ECMC to be treated.

Wasyl is scheduled to return on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was remanded without bail.

If convicted on all charges, Wasyl faces a maximum indeterminate sentence of up to 75 years in prison. 

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Fire Department who worked tirelessly throughout the night as well as the Buffalo Police Department for their actions that resulted in the apprehension of the defendant.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nathanael C. Kapperman of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau.

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