Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 37-year-old Larry Muhammad, Jr. of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Carrie Phillips on two counts of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class “D” felonies), one count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree and one count of Failure to Safely Store Firearms in the First Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors).
It is alleged that on Monday, July 31, 2023, at approximately 12:06 a.m., the defendant was recklessly driving at a high-rate of speed through red lights and near oncoming traffic in the area of Bailey Avenue in the City of Buffalo, which created a grave risk of death for his female passenger. The defendant is accused of taking the victim’s cell phone when she attempted to call 911 for help. The defendant allegedly crossed into the westbound lane while traveling eastbound on Langfield Drive, which nearly caused a collision with a westbound motorist.
The defendant is also accused of firing one shot from a handgun after exiting his vehicle on Langfield Drive, which created a grave risk of a death to the victim and other persons in the area. Responding police officers allegedly recovered a handgun from the defendant’s right hip, two unsecured guns from the trunk of his vehicle and a shell casing from the street, which were submitted into evidence.
The defendant, who is a lieutenant with the Buffalo Police Department, was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident.
Muhammad is scheduled to return on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
If convicted of the highest count, Muhammad faces a maximum of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel Kranitz McPhee of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
