Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that a 16-year-old male from Buffalo pleaded guilty on Friday afternoon before Youth Part Judge Kevin M. Carter to one count of Assault on a Peace Officer, Police Officer, Firefighter or Emergency Medical Services Professional (Class “C” violent felony) and two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felonies). The adolescent offender pleaded guilty to the highest charges in the indictment against him.

On Monday, June 7, 2021, at approximately 11:20 p.m., a Buffalo Police officer observed a stolen vehicle at a gas station on Bailey Avenue and Langfield Drive, located across the street from the department’s Northeast “E” District station. The vehicle had been reported stolen that morning from a residence in North Buffalo. When police officers approached the vehicle, the adolescent offender was in the driver’s seat. He refused orders by the officers to exit and instead placed the vehicle into reverse. A police lieutenant was injured after being hit by the open passenger side door of the vehicle as it moved in reverse.

The adolescent offender attempted to evade arrest by fleeing from police in the stolen vehicle. During the pursuit, the adolescent offender swerved into a civilian car, which subsequently hit a police patrol vehicle.

After crashing the stolen vehicle into a parked car on Peach and Best streets, the adolescent offender ran off. Two other officers were injured while chasing the adolescent offender and placing him under arrest.

All of the officers were treated at ECMC for various injuries. The lieutenant who was hit by the passenger side door of the vehicle continues to recover from her injuries, which prevented her from being able to return to work for several months.

The adolescent offender, whose name will not be released due to his age, faces a maximum of 4 years in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. as a youthful offender.

The adolescent offender remains held on $50,000 cash, $50,000 bond or $75,000 partially secured bond at the Erie County Youth Services Center.

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

The case was prosecuted by Chief Danielle N. D’Abate and Assistant District Attorney Noha A. Elnakib of the Community Prosecution and Training Bureau.