Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 36-year-old Shariff L. Shadwick of Buffalo was arraigned on Monday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Jenelle Faso on the following offenses:

• One count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felony)
• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felonies)
• One count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)

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 firing shots, with the intent to cause death, at one of the police officers. One of the police officers allegedly returned fire. No injuries were reported. The defendant was taken into custody and investigators allegedly recovered two loaded handguns from the scene.

Shadwick is scheduled to return on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Shadwick faces a maximum sentence of 25 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.