BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced Friday morning the indictment of the accused driver who allegedly hit and injured a Cheektowaga police officer in February.
The officer, Troy Blackchief, was hit and critically injured by a man driving a stolen Jeep on February 6.
“This is a very complicated puzzle. This is a five thousand piece jigsaw puzzle,” remarked John Flynn, Erie County District Attorney.
The defendant, a 17-year-old Buffalo teenager, was arraigned on the following charges:
- One count of attempted murder in the second degree
- One count of aggravated assault upon a police officer or peace officer
- Two counts of assault in the first degree
- One count of assault on a peace officer, police officer, fireman, or emergency medical services professional
- One count of grand larceny in the third degree
- One count of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree
- One count of reckless endangerment in the first degree
- One count of unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the second degree
On February 6 at 4 a.m., the defendant and other individuals were looking for vehicles to steal in Lancaster.
The defendant allegedly stole a white Jeep Grand Cherokee which was parked outside of a residence with the keys still inside the vehicle.
The defendant's accomplices also allegedly stole a maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was parked outside of a neighboring home.
Nearly 30 minutes later, a Depew police officer on patrol saw the two Jeeps traveling at a high rate of speed westbound on Walden Avenue.
The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop and pursued both vehicles into Cheektowaga.
A Cheektowaga police officer, Troy Blackchief, was attempting to deploy a "Stop Stick" on Union Road when he was hit by the white Jeep Cherokee.
“The other vehicles including the white Grand Cherokee, allegedly being driven by the defendant, kept going and took off,” Flynn noted.
The defendant continued driving after hitting the officer and later abandoned the vehicle outside a gas station on Kensington Avenue at the Cheektowaga-Buffalo border.
The Depew police officer gave first-aid to the injured Blackchief until he was taken to ECMC by ambulance.
Officer Blackchief suffered a traumatic brain injury and other serious physical injuries. He has since not been able to return to work. He left a rehab center in Chicago, underwent surgery at ECMC and is now at a rehab center in Texas.
“Quite frankly, that morning — that week — we weren't even sure that Officer Blackchief would make it through this. He’s a very strong individual. He's had the top care possible provided to him,” explained Chief Brian Gould, Cheektowaga Police Department.
Investigators believe several others were involved in the stolen vehicle chase, but won't say if they will be charged.
“Young people in our community are creating havoc,” Chief Gould stated.
Police Chief Gould and DA Flynn say too many teens are stealing cars for fun.
“Night after night with no fear of consequences. No deterrence to that — no leadership — no supervision at home,” replied Gould.
“There are groups of kids who are going around this entire county with the purpose of stealing cars. That is there is fun night out,” responded Flynn. “They are going out in the communities — in groups of kids and they are looking for cars to steal. That is happening in Erie County.”
Flynn blasted the criminal justice reforms, like bail reform, for removing accountability.
“They have eliminated accountability, and when you eliminate accountability that fosters chaos in society,” Flynn stated.
Flynn is outraged that the judge set $80,000 bail for the teen
“As far as I'm concerned that is unacceptable. We asked obviously for a remand, he should be remanded, but again for whatever reason the court decided to put bail on this individual, he's still in custody now, but we'll see if he makes bail,” commented Flynn.
The defendant will return to court on May 9 for a six-day review.
“I am hopeful going forward, that the court takes this as seriously as I do,” Flynn reflected.
