Buffalo, NY (WBEN) A half dozen Buffalo Police officers were hurt as they tried to apprehend suspects in a stolen vehicle case in Buffalo's E District.
Police say around 11:20pm Monday night, officers stopped a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station located on Bailey Avenue and Langfield. As officers attempted to get the occupants out of the vehicle, police say the driver, a 16 year old Buffalo man, proceeded to try to drive away in reverse, dragging Lieutenant Nicole Santiago with the vehicle and injuring her. "Lt. Santiago is very lucky she wasn't killed in this incident," says Buffalo Police Capt. Jeff Rinaldo.
Police say the vehicle was able to get out of the parking lot and was pursued by officers for committing a violent felony assault on an officer. During the course of the pursuit, investigators say the driver of the stolen vehicle swerved into the path of an oncoming vehicle, causing that car to strike a police vehicle, injuring the two officers inside.
The pursuit came to an end in the vicinity of Peach and Best Streets when police say the suspect struck a parked car. During the ensuing foot chase, two more officers were injured and a lieutenant was also injured during the arrest.
The 16 year old has been charged with felony assault of a police officer, unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle as well as numerous vehicle and traffic offenses.
All six officers' injuries are non life threatening and they are expected to recover.
Rinaldo notes there is a policy when it comes to police pursuits. "There are times though when crimes that qualify for when a police pursuit is authorized. It's very concerning, it's erratic driving on the part of the suspect. It makes it very difficult for officers to predict," says Rinaldo. "Unfortunately we have seen severe injuries to officers as a result of these pursuits."
Last week, 29 year old Jonathon Negron was injured when a car he pursued struck a light pole, which crashed onto his car. He is currently in critical condition at ECMC.
