BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo man accused of stealing a vehicle, and assaulting police officers during his attempted arrest has been arraigned in Buffalo City Court.
49-year-old Joel P. Anzalone is facing two felony charges and a misdemeanor. Investigators say on September 16, detectives from the Town of Hamburg Police Department went to a department store on Delaware Avenue in the City of Buffalo to get surveillance video as part of an investigation involving a stolen vehicle. Anzalone is accused of using a credit card belonging to the victim involved in the stolen car case.
While detectives were at the store, investigators say Anzalone returned. When confronted, detectives say the Buffalo man refused to turn off the car, and say he drove away while detectives were holding onto the vehicle. Both officers were injured as a result, according to the Erie County District Attorney's office. In addition, investigators say one of the detectives was partially inside the vehicle as Anzalone drove away. The detective was able to free himself, but his weapon and holster were reported missing after the incident. Investigators say the gun has since been recovered.
Anzalone is set to return to court on Wednesday, September 23. His bail is set at $100,000.
