BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)...A Buffalo man, who is already on parole, faces 12 count indictment in connection with an attempted robbery and shooting incident at a West Side convenience store.
Charged is Dejuan Williams, 42.
The charges, which were returned April 22 by an Erie County grand jury, are connected the April 15 incident at a 7-11 on Prospect Avenue on the edge of the D'Youville University campus.
Charges include:
* One count of attempted murder, first degree.
* One count attempted murder, second degree
* Two counts of attempted assault in the first degree.
* One count of assault in the second degree
* Two counts of attempted robbery, first degree.
Williams, allegedly, was in the process of robbing the store when two Buffalo police officers, on break, headed into the 7-11 to buy some bottled water.
Williams shot the store clerk in the leg and then fired shots from his .22 revolver at the officers.
One of the officers fired two shots and hit Williams in his arm and also hit his revolver.
Williams then fled on Prospect Avenue and stole a car in an attempt to flee the scene. The car chase last a few blocks before Williams crashed the vehicle into several parked cars.
Williams was arrested and detained at the scene.
The 24-year-old store clerk was transported to Erie County Medical Center, treated and released.
Williams has undergone several surgeries and remains at ECMC where he is remandered until police watch.
Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane said the police officer's shooting was ruled justified.
"The use of force was justified," Keane said.
Keane praised the Buffalo police for their swift action and the fact that no one else was injured.
"It was a very, very dangerous situation," Keane said. "This could have been a situation with a worse outcome."
Williams continues to be held without bail and no return court date has been set.
If convicted, Williams could be facing a 20-year to life sentence.
Nine felony counts among the 12 charges.
Nine felony counts among the 12 charges.
