Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 48-year-old Jeremy A. Griffin of Williamsville was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case on an indictment charging him with the following offenses:
- One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
- One count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class “C” violent felony)
- One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor)
It is alleged that on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at approximately 8:44 a.m., the defendant intentionally shot a female victim with a rifle inside of her apartment building located on the 100 block of Pennsylvania Street in the City of Buffalo. After being shot, the victim ran into her apartment and closed the door. The defendant is accused of recklessly engaging in conduct that created a grave risk of death to the victim and others inside of the apartment by intentionally firing multiple shots into the door in an attempt to gain entry to the apartment. The defendant, who was not known to the victim, left after he was unable to get inside.
The victim was taken by ambulance to ECMC where she was treated for an injury to her upper leg.
It is further alleged that a few minutes after the shooting, the defendant drove to a nearby clinic, located on the 200 block of Virginia Street, while armed with the weapon. The defendant is accused of recklessly engaging in conduct that created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person by intentionally firing a shot into a wall inside the lobby of the clinic. A struggle ensued when two security guards intervened and attempted to take control of the firearm. Additional shots were discharged from the weapon as the security guards forced the defendant out of the building. The security guards gained control of the weapon and subdued the defendant until responding Buffalo Police officers took him into custody without further incident. The loaded weapon was recovered and submitted into evidence by police. No injuries were reported.
Griffin is scheduled to return on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to be held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Griffin faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the security guards for their quick actions as well as the responding police officers and Buffalo Police Department Gun Violence Unit.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John G. Schoemick 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.
