Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - In court today was Kente Bell, who was arraigned on an indictment following a dangerous police pursuit resulting in gunfire from both Bell and the Buffalo police in late March.
The investigation concluded that Bell only struck one officer and the other two Buffalo officers were struck by bullets from other officers, those two officer counts are not included in his eight total charges.
At least 14 shots came from Bell during the 15-minute chase, brandishing a pistol, firing bullets from his car. Nearing the end of the chase, it was deduced that 16 officers in total fired shots. The number of shots fired from officers is undetermined. "I can't put a number on that," said Flynn.
"The other two were hit by friendly police fire and so those two attempted murder charges are not included in the five counts. The two officers that were hit by friendly fire are not included in one of the five," said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.
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Bell's charges are as follows:
- Five counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class “A-1” felony)
- One count of Reckless Endangerment (Class "D" felony)
- One count of Unlawful Fleeing (Class "D" felony)
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony)
Bell's initial charges only included three counts of attempted murder.
Approximately three or four shots were struck Bell in his hand, shoulder and lower extremity. He is continuing his rehabilitation at ECMC.
No police officers will be pressed with charges in this incident.
Bell is scheduled to return on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to remain held without bail
Bell's sentencing could vary due to his prior gun charge in which he was on probation for. If convicted, Bell is looking at approximately 40-47 years to life in prison. Bell entered a plea of not guilty.