Editor's note: The video may be disturbing to some viewers.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Police Department has released body camera video showing a chase through Buffalo and Cheektowaga back in March that ended with three BPD officers in the hospital and the alleged driver in critical condition.
Thirteen videos from multiple officers and lieutenants show how quickly the whole incident escalated, and it’s now up to Buffalo Police to look at these videos, interview those involved and decide if anyone will face disciplinary action.
Earlier this week, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said at least 14 shots were allegedly fired by Kente Bell, 28, of Buffalo, and that 16 officers fired back. How many rounds couldn’t be determined, but Flynn said it was very high.
While no officer will face criminal charges, an internal probe is now underway.
Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia on Friday clarified that based on their policy, the chase shouldn’t have started – but once gunfire began, it changed the game. Of the three officers injured, two were from friendly fire.
Interviews with the officers are scheduled for the next couple of weeks.
If any violations are found, consequences range from training to termination.
“Our use of force policy prohibits shooting at or from a motor vehicle unless deadly physical force is being used against you by means other than the vehicle,” said Gramaglia. “So we have to look and see what those officers that were discharging their weapons — what did they face at that time? Were they under fire?”
The 16 officers who fired their guns are on administrative leave during the probe.
Gramaglia noted that the chase is something that's almost never seen, but they will use it to see where training needs to be updated.
Bell faces five counts of first-degree attempted murder, one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of first-degree reckless endangerment and one count of third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, he faces 40 years to life in prison.
To watch the the released body camera footage, click here.