Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 61-year-old Christopher H. Koch of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on one count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at approximately 8:36 p.m., the defendant and the male victim were involved in an argument in the parking lot outside of a restaurant on Delaware Avenue near Delham Avenue in the City of Buffalo. When the victim exited his vehicle and approached the defendant’s vehicle, the defendant allegedly engaged in conduct that created grave risk of death to another person by intentionally driving his vehicle toward the victim. The victim allegedly jumped out of the way to avoid being hit, but suffered an injury to his hand. The defendant allegedly hit the victim’s vehicle, which caused damage to the passenger side.
Koch is scheduled to return on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. The defendant was released on his own recognizance.
A temporary no-contact order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
If convicted of the charge, Koch faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
