Williamsville man pleads guilty for shooting victim and recklessly firing rifle inside clinic on city's west side

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced 49-year-old Jeremy A. Griffin of Williamsville pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of attempted assault in the first degree (class “C” violent felony), one count of reckless endangerment in the first degree (class “D” felony), one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (class “D” felony) and one count of reckless endangerment in the second degree (class “A” misdemeanor).

On Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at approximately 8:44 a.m., the defendant intentionally shot a female victim with a rifle inside of her apartment building located on the 100 block of Pennsylvania Street in the City of Buffalo. After being shot, the victim ran into her apartment and closed the door. The defendant intentionally fired multiple shots into the door in an attempt to gain entry. The defendant, who was not known to the victim, left after he was unable to get inside of the apartment. The victim was taken by ambulance to ECMC where she was treated for an injury to her upper leg.

A few minutes after the shooting, the defendant drove to a nearby clinic, located on the 200 block of Virginia Street, while armed with the weapon. The defendant again recklessly engaged in conduct that created a substantial risk of physical injury to another person by intentionally firing a shot into a wall inside the lobby of the clinic. A struggle ensued when two security guards intervened and attempted to take control of the firearm. Additional shots were discharged from the weapon as the security guards forced the defendant out of the building. The security guards gained control of the weapon and subdued the defendant until responding Buffalo Police officers took him into custody without further incident. The loaded weapon was recovered and submitted into evidence by police. No injuries were reported.

Griffin faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when is sentenced on Thursday, May 30. He continues to be held without bail.

Acting DA Keane commends the security guards for their quick actions as well as the responding police officers and Buffalo Police Department gun violence unit.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John G. Schoemick of the major crimes unit.