Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Zoe Restaurant Shooting and Three Other Crimes

Modified: May 29, 2018 4:25pm

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5/29/2018

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 37-year-old Christopher Boyd of Buffalo pleaded guilty before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, three counts of Robbery in the First Degree, one count of Assault in the First Degree, one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.

On September 4, 2016 around 11 p.m. at Zoe Restaurant on Transit Road in the Town of Clarence, the defendant robbed and shot 44-year-old Alexander J. Pozantidis, the restaurant owner, as he was leaving with the proceeds of the day. The victim was struck in the arm and chest, but survived the assault.

On July 28, 2016, the defendant burglarized a home on Riverside Avenue in the City of Buffalo and assaulted the homeowner. Later that same day, Boyd committed a carjacking on Gallatin Avenue in Buffalo where he stole a vehicle from a woman at gunpoint.

On November 9, 2016, when Buffalo Police Officers, NYSP and parole officers located Boyd at a local deli, he was armed with a gun. 

Boyd faces a maximum of 35 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, July 19 at 9:30 a.m.

DA Flynn commends the investigative work of the New York State Police, NYS Department of Parole and the Buffalo Police Department.

“Mr. Boyd is a dangerous individual who injured or threatened several people while committing robberies and burglaries for his own personal gain,” DA Flynn. “I hope the victims feel that justice has been served by Mr. Boyd pleading guilty to the highest counts in the indictment."

Joseph A. Agro, Deputy DA-Litigation, and Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau prosecuted the case.