Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 27-year-old Nakeem D. Haynes of Buffalo was arraigned on Friday afternoon before Buffalo City Court Judge Shannon M. Heneghan at ECMC on one count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felony).

It is alleged that on Friday, June 17, 2022, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in the vicinity of Broadway Avenue and Sears Street, the defendant fatally shot a 63-year-old man as Buffalo Police officers were on routine patrol in the area. During the officer’s pursuit, the defendant is accused of intentionally firing a single shot into the windshield of the patrol vehicle, striking one of the officer’s gun holster.

It is further alleged that the defendant fired his gun at the officers who closely pursued him on foot as he attempted to flee through various yards. The officers were able to detain the defendant after allegedly shooting him on Playter Street. The officers allegedly provided first aid until the defendant was transported to ECMC where he remains hospitalized with various physical injuries.

Additional charges may be filed as the homicide and the officer-involved shooting remains under investigation.

Haynes is scheduled to return on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.

If convicted of the charge, Haynes faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.  

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gary Hackbush of the Homicide Unit.

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