Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 19-year-old Makai Cook of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony), one count of Menacing in the Second Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors) and one count of Trespass (violation).
It is alleged that on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the defendant intentionally slashed the victim with a box cutter while outside of Riverside High School on Ontario Street in the City of Buffalo. The defendant, who was not a student of the school, fled after the attack, but was arrested nearby a short time later. The victim, an 18-year-old male student, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was treated for the injuries and released.
Cook is scheduled to return on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
If convicted of the highest charge, Cook faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department and the School Resource Officers for their work in this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Danielle N. D’Abate of the Raise the Age Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
