Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Shane K. Cronin, 30, of Lombard, Illinois, was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with the following offenses:
- One count of Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony)
- One count of Burglary in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony)
- One count of Attempted Luring a Child (Class “E” felony)
- One count of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (Class “E” felony)
- One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanor)
It is alleged that on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at approximately 12:35 p.m., police responded to a reported assault by an intruder inside of a school near Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in the City of Buffalo. The defendant is accused of unlawfully entering the school with the intent to commit a crime.
The defendant, who did not have permission to be inside of the school, allegedly approached two juvenile students in the hallway. The defendant is accused of attempting to lure and abduct one of the students. A school employee, who saw the defendant in the hallway with the students, directed him to leave. After he was confronted, the defendant allegedly attempted to cause physical injuries to the school employee by punching her in the face and shoving her to the ground.
The defendant allegedly ran out of the building after a school security guard intervened. Cronin was taken into custody nearby a short time after the incident. The defendant was held without bail following his arraignment in Buffalo City Court.
Cronin is scheduled to return on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He remains held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Cronin faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
DA Keane commends Lt. Sgt. Jason Schnelle of the Buffalo Police Department for his work in this ongoing investigation. Additional charges may be filed.
“I understand this alleged incident has raised questions and heightened concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the Buffalo Public School District. I assure the public that this office remains committed to the thorough investigation and prosecution of any crime involving a child. Additionally, I am aware of statements made by a member of the Buffalo Police Department in recent podcast interviews. My office has been conducting an investigation. We are committed to upholding the law, pursuing justice for victims, and preserving the integrity of the investigative process. While our investigation continues, I will have no further comment and will provide an update at the appropriate time,” said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stephen C. Papia and Chief Danielle N. D’Abate of the Felony Trials Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.