Buffalo Woman Indicted for Intentionally Firing Shots at Group Outside Corner Store

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 34-year-oldRhodesia L. Anderson of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on an indictment charging her with the following offenses:

• One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class "B" violent felony)
• One count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class "C" violent felony)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class "C" violent felony)
• One count of Assault in the Secon Degree (Class "D" felony)
• One count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class "D" felony)

It is alleged that on Friday, August 2, 2024, at approximately 1:28 p.m., the defendant was involved in a physical altercation with a known associate outside of a store on the corner of Genesee and May streets in the City of Buffalo. After the incident, the defendant allegedly entered a vehicle then intentionally fired multiple shots from an illegal gun at a group of people as she drove past the entrance to the store. One victim, an adult male, was hit once in the right hand by gunfire. The victim was treated for the injury at ECMC.

On Tuesday evening, Anderson was located on the city's West Side where she was taken into custody on the indictment warrant by the Buffalo Police Department Intelligence Unit. At her arraignment yesterday afternoon, prosecutors requested that the defendant be remanded. Judge LoTempio set bail at $20,000 cash or $75,000 bond. At this time, Anderson remains held on bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

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

Acting DA Keane commends Detective Ryan Crespo, Detective Richard Cruz and members of the Buffalo Police Department Gun Violence Unit and Intelligence Unit for their work in this 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.