Driver charged in Buffalo police chase that ends in gunfire

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A driver accused of shooting at police during a lengthy car chase through Buffalo streets that ended in an exchange of gunfire was arraigned Wednesday on five counts of attempted murder.

The wild chase on March 29 resulted in the striking of three police officers, as well as the suspect, Kente Bell. An investigation by the prosecutor’s office found that two of those officers were hit by friendly fire, Erie County Prosecutor John Flynn said at a news conference announcing the charges.

Bell, 28, is accused of driving off during a traffic stop, then shooting at police as they chased him through city neighborhoods and onto highways for more than 20 minutes. Prosecutors say he drove through a police barricade and drove through several Buffalo neighborhoods before crashing his car.

The chase ended in a hail of gunfire outside a police station at a Buffalo intersection. Bell was shot in the neck, arm, leg and hand and is still recovering. The three officers affected did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

Bell fired at least 14 shots from his vehicle. Because he was partially paralyzed, Bell was operating a vehicle that did not require him to use his feet, Flynn said.

The prosecutor said 16 police officers fired shots, mostly at the scene of the accident. But he didn’t know how many shots were fired by police.

Bell was initially charged days after the pursuit. He was indicted Wednesday on five counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, among other charges.

Bell was ordered held without bail. A call seeking comment was sent to Bell’s attorney.

Flynn said there would be no criminal proceedings against any of the officers, although he suggested not all responded appropriately.

“There is no violation of the criminal law that expresses common sense, and so I cannot accuse any Buffalo police officer of a violation of common sense,” Flynn said.