Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Antonio Roman, 67, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth F. Case to one count of Assault in the Second Degree and one count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class “D” felonies). The defendant pleaded guilty ahead of his non-jury trial, which was scheduled to begin today.
On Thursday, February 8, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the defendant approached a group of individuals in the parking lot outside of the Marine Drive Apartment complex. The defendant, a retired Buffalo Police officer, suspected the group of stealing property from vehicles. During the encounter, the defendant intentionally shot a juvenile in the leg with his legally owned handgun. After the shooting, the individuals drove away in a vehicle, which had been reported stolen from the Town of Amherst. The victim, a 14-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children’s Hospital where he underwent surgery.
Roman faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. He remains released on previously posted bail.
DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Gun Violence Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Major Crimes Bureau and Chief Eugene T. Partridge, III of the Homicide Bureau.
