Collins Man Arraigned on Attempted Murder Charge

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Walter M. Blaze, 57, of Collins, was arraigned yesterday before Brant Town Court Justice Jeffrey W. Gier on one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class B violent felonies), one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class D violent felony), one count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class D felony) and one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class E felony).

It is alleged that on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at approximately 10:20 a.m., New York State Police Troopers responded to a shooting on Edgewood Drive in the Town of Collins. The defendant is accused of attempting to cause the death of the victim by intentionally shooting him with a shotgun. The victim, a 23-year-old male, was plowing snow outside of an apartment building at the time of the incident. It is also alleged that defendant's conduct caused damage to the tractor operated by the victim. The victim was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was treated for injuries to his left arm and neck.

The defendant was taken into custody following a five-hour standoff with law enforcement. It is further alleged that prior to his arrest, the defendant intentionally fired a round from a firearm, which damaged a drone owned by the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

Blaze is scheduled to return on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Blaze faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

DA Keane commends the New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Border Patrol and assisting fire departments for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan M. Flaherty 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.