Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A 28-year-old Buffalo man pled guilty before a State Supreme Court Judge on Wednesday for his role in the murder of a 63-year-old man, as well as attempting to shoot Buffalo Police officers back in June.
Nakeem Haynes pled guilty to all four counts he faced before Justice Debra Givens, including:
- One count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class "A-I" felony)
- Two counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class "A-I" felony)
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class "C" violent felony)
It was on Friday, June 17, 2022 at approximately 7:18 p.m. EST when Haynes intentionally shot the victim with an illegal gun in the vicinity of Broadway Avenue and Sears Street in East Buffalo. The victim, Atlas Johnson, died at the scene.
The homicide occurred while Buffalo Police officers were on routine patrol in the area.
As the officers pursued Haynes in their patrol vehicle, the defendant intentionally fired a shot into the windshield, which hit one of the officer's gun holster.
Haynes continued to fire shots at the officers as they chased after him on foot. The defendant was subsequently shot by police officers, who detained him on Playter Street.
Officers provided first aid until Haynes was transported by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center, where he was hospitalized for a few days for an injury to his torso.
Haynes faces a maximum sentence of 80 years-to-life in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, March 27 at 2 p.m. EST. He continues to be held without bail.
