Incident
| Date | Sep 23, 2023 |
| Department | Buffalo Police Department |
| Officers | Kereem Johnson , Tyler Baxter , Joseph(Joe) A. Gramaglia Iii |
| Address |
Tonawanda St
Buffalo, NY |
Incident Description
Police officers responded to a call regarding an attempted suicide on Tonawanda St. Jon Battison, a 36-year-old man, was observed with a long pellet gun aimed at his own head. He never directed it towards the police.
Battison asked the officers whether they were going to shoot him given that he was holding a gun to his own head. Subsequently, the officers shouted at Battison to lower the pellet gun, and no further efforts at deescalation were undertaken.
One officer declared an intent to shoot. "OK," responded Battison, maintaining the pellet gun pointed at his own head.
Outcome
Battison was taken by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center, where he was listed in critical but stable condition and was held in police custody, with charges on criminal possession of weapons.
The officer was temporarily placed on administrative leave and faced no charges.
Links
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Notice of Claim
Claim against officers, city, and department - Geoff Kelly | Investigative Post
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Erie County DA says he will not pursue charges against officer who shot suicidal man holding a gun
The Buffalo police officer who shot a man holding a weapon inside a Tonawanda Street residence last fall will not face criminal charges for his actions, Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced. - Buffalo News | Harold McNeil
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Family of man shot by Buffalo police officer calls for change in handling of mental health crises
Family and friends of a man shot by a Buffalo police officer rallied in Niagara Square, calling for change when it comes to handling mental health crisis calls. - WIVB | Marlee Tuskes
Videos
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Body Worn Camera Footage
CW: An officer enters the home, asks where the individual is, then heads up the stairs after being told the person who, according to police, had ingested numerous pills was in the attic. The video shows the man with a gun to his head. - Buffalo Police Department