50949_WKBW_7_Problem_Solvers_658x90.png

Actions

18-year-old arraigned after allegedly trying to kill Buffalo Police officer

Posted at 11:42 PM, Aug 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-10 12:57:15-04

Andre Fuller made his first court appearance Wednesday morning after he allegedly tried to kill a Buffalo Police officer.

On June 15th at Doat Street and Stewart Avenue, Officer Anthony Fanara spotted the 18-year-old fleeing the scene of a robbery.

Fanara and two other officers, Officer Joseph Acquino and Officer Bradford Pitts, chased Fuller on foot. Fanara was able to catch up with Fuller and wrestled the armed teen to the ground. 

He tried to grab a loaded .45 caliber handgun from Fuller, but Fuller pushed it into Fanara's chest and according to prosecutors, he pulled the trigger twice. The gun's safety was still on and Officer Acquino was able to knock the gun from Fuller's hands.

Fuller was indicted, facing charges of first degree attempted murder, first degree attempted robbery and second degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael Flaherty said, "This could have very easily turned into a very, very tragic situation" if the gun's safety had not been on.

Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda was adamant that violence against law enforcement in Western New York is intolerable. Derenda says Fuller's young age will not play a role in how the DA's office pursues charges.

"He did pull the trigger. He said he knew the safety was on, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. The officers were in a life and death struggle to disarm the suspect."

Prosecutors said in court that after his arrest, Fuller told officers he wishes he had killed them.

Fuller is being held without bail and is scheduled for another court appearance September 29th.