Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty for Injuring Victim in Town of Tonawanda Shooting

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Joel A. Brown, 45, of Buffalo pleaded guilty yesterday before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class "C" violent felony).

On Monday, September 9, 2024, at approximately 4:08 p.m., Town of Tonawanda Police officers responded to the 300 block of Kenmore Avenue for a reported shooting. The victim, a 36-year-old male, was taken by Twin City ambulance to ECMC where he was treated for injuries to his hand and lower torso. The investigation determined that the defendant attempted to cause serious physical injuries to the victim by shooting him multiple times during a dispute involving money.

Brown faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. He remains held without bail pending sentence.

Acting DA Keane commends Detective Frank DiRienzo and members of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this investigation as well as the Buffalo Police Department for their assistance.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan M. Flaherty of the Major Crimes Bureau.