Buffalo Man Indicted for Shooting Store Clerk, Firing Shot at Police Officer

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Dejuan L. Williams, also known as Juan Quionos, 42, of Buffalo, was arraigned this afternoon at Erie County Medical Center before Erie County Court Judge Jessica Kulpit on a 12-count indictment charging him with the following offenses:

• One count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class A-I felony)
• One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class B violent felony)
• Two counts of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class C violent felonies)
• One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class D violent felony)
• Two counts of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (Class C violent felonies)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C violent felony)
• One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class D felony)
• One count of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class A misdemeanor)
• One count of Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle (Class A misdemeanor)
• One count of Reckless Driving (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law)

It is alleged that on the evening of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at approximately 8:42 p.m., two on-duty Buffalo Police officers went to a convenience store on the corner of Prospect Avenue and Connecticut Street as customers. As the officers approached the entrance, they allegedly saw an armed robbery in progress inside the store. The defendant allegedly opened the store's door and fired a shot toward one of the officers outside of the building. The defendant is accused of attempting to cause the death of the police officer. The other officer subsequently discharged their firearm, resulting in injury to the defendant.

The defendant is accused of attempting to forcibly steal cash and cigarettes from the store while armed with a deadly weapon. Prior to the arrival of the police officers, it is alleged that the defendant attempted to cause the death of the store clerk by intentionally shooting the victim with an illegal gun during the commission of the crime. The victim, a 24-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to EMC where he was treated and released for an injury to his upper leg.

It is further alleged that after firing a shot at the officer, the defendant ran south on Prospect Avenue where he is accused of stealing a vehicle. The defendant is accused of recklessly driving the stolen vehicle northbound on Prospect Avenue for several blocks before crashing into multiple unoccupied parked vehicles near Massachusetts Avenue. Responding officers performed life-saving measures until the defendant was transported by ambulance to ECMC. The defendant remains hospitalized to receive treatment for an injury to his arm.

Neither of the officers were injured during the incident. A weapon was recovered from the store's parking lot and placed into evidence.

"My office conducted a thorough review of this officer-involved shooting. We have determined that the actions of both police officers were justified. The member of the Buffalo Police Department who fired the shots that resulted in injuries to the defendant has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing," said Erie County DA Mike Keane.

Williams continues to be held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of the highest count, Williams faces a maximum sentence of 20 years to life in prison.

DA Keane commends Detective Jennifer Zanghi, Detective Mark Costantino, Detective Joseph Ruggiero, and Sgt. Shawn McCabe of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Ashley M. Morgan of the Major Crimes Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.