Buffalo Youth Arrested Twice on Felony Weapons Charges

Community leaders raise concerns over suspect's release and repeat offenses

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a 9mm handgun magazine against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the threat of firearms in schools.A recent wave of youth gun crimes in Buffalo schools has shattered community trust in campus safety.Buffalo Today

A 17-year-old Buffalo male has been arrested twice in the past month on felony firearms, weapons, and controlled substance charges. The latest incident occurred when the suspect attempted to bring a 9mm handgun into Buffalo Public School 197, raising concerns from local activists about public safety and the criminal justice system's handling of the case.

Why it matters

The repeated arrests of this youth on serious weapons charges have shattered community trust in the safety of Buffalo's public schools. Activists are questioning why the suspect was released on his own recognizance after the initial arrest and are calling for a closer examination of bail reform policies and the handling of juvenile offenders.

The details

In the latest incident on April 1, the 17-year-old suspect was arrested for attempting to bring a 9mm handgun into Buffalo Public School 197. This came less than a month after the same individual was arrested by Buffalo Police on a series of felony firearms, weapons, and controlled substance charges, for which he was released on his own recognizance.

  • On March 1, the suspect was initially arrested by Buffalo Police on felony firearms, weapons, and controlled substance charges.
  • On April 1, the suspect was arrested for attempting to bring a 9mm handgun into Buffalo Public School 197.

The players

Sam Radford

A Buffalo Public Schools activist who has raised concerns about the repeated arrests and release of the 17-year-old suspect.

Michael Keane

The Erie County District Attorney, who stated the suspect was arraigned on one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds and one count of Possession of a Firearm, both Class E felonies.

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What they’re saying

“All of this is a cause for concern. And, what does a 17-year-old need with a handgun anyways?”

— Sam Radford, Buffalo Public Schools activist

“There are a lot of red flags here. He was putting a lot of students at risk. Why?”

— Sam Radford, Buffalo Public Schools activist

What’s next

The suspect is due back at Erie County Court Youth Part on April 7 and is currently remanded to the Erie County Youth Services center.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Buffalo faces in balancing public safety, juvenile justice reform, and the need to keep schools secure. Community leaders are calling for a closer examination of bail policies and the handling of repeat youth offenders to prevent further incidents that undermine trust in the system.