Suspect Who Attempted to Escape Through Ceiling at ECMC Sentenced on Numerous Charges

Modified: March 15, 2018 11:08am

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3/15/2018

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29-year-old Randy Schindler of Buffalo has been sentenced by State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns to four years in prison followed by five years post-release supervision.

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.

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 police officers remove defendant’s handcuffs to treat his wounds. As officers 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.

In February 2018, the defendant pleaded guilty to Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree and Escape in the Second Degree.

For the damage he caused, Schindler was ordered to pay $2,780 to ECMC, $2,907.96 to the tenant and $570.94 to the Dearborn Street property owner. Also, an order of protection was issued for the downstairs tenant.

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