A Buffalo Police officer, Ronald Ammerman, was forced to use lethal force when a routine traffic stop turned into a life-threatening situation. The incident occurred in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Officer Ammerman pulled over 25-year-old Dae’von Roberts for driving at an excessive speed and having tinted windows. Upon approaching the driver’s side of the vehicle, Ammerman noticed a 6-year-old boy sitting in the front seat without a seatbelt. Roberts initially identified the child as his “little cousin” but later referred to him as his “nephew.”
Ammerman requested identification from Roberts, who presented an out-of-state ID on his phone. However, upon further investigation, the officer discovered that the ID photo was invalid, and Roberts did not possess a valid license in either state. Ammerman informed Roberts that they would conduct a different search for his name and reached into the car to open the door.
In a shocking turn of events, Roberts suddenly accelerated, leaving Ammerman clinging to the door frame. The officer pleaded with Roberts to slow down and offered to exit the vehicle, but his pleas were ignored. Roberts continued to drive recklessly, even attempting to kick Ammerman off the car while the terrified 6-year-old cried hysterically.
Fearing for his life, Ammerman drew his weapon and fired multiple rounds at Roberts, causing him to fall out of the moving vehicle. Both Ammerman and Roberts landed on the street. Ammerman immediately called for assistance, informing his colleagues that shots had been fired and emphasizing the presence of the child in the car.
Ammerman rushed to check on the unharmed child while his partner, Officer Jonathan Crawford, captured the incident on his bodycam from the passenger’s side of the suspect’s car. Crawford then proceeded to his cruiser to approach Roberts, who was lying motionless on the ground, until additional help arrived.
Roberts was transported to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Ammerman sustained minor injuries and was treated at the hospital before being released.
During a press conference, Buffalo Police Department Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia stated that he believed the use of force by Officer Ammerman was justified. He emphasized that the officer faced a grave risk of serious physical injury or death, justifying the level of force employed.
Officer Ammerman, a seven-and-a-half-year veteran of the department, and Officer Crawford have been placed on administrative leave, following department policy. Buffalo homicide detectives and the Internal Affairs Division are conducting separate investigations into the incident.
A subsequent search of the vehicle, which did not belong to Roberts, led to the discovery of a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun under the driver’s seat. Roberts had a prior criminal record, having been charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree reckless endangerment, and third-degree criminal mischief in April. These charges were later changed to first-degree attempted assault and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in June.
The incident has left the community saddened, as Roberts’ half-brother, Jaylen Griffin, was found deceased in a South Buffalo home in April after being reported missing since August 2020.
Officer Ammerman and Officer Crawford will require time to process the traumatic event, according to Commissioner Gramaglia. He acknowledged that real-life situations often differ from training scenarios, and the officers involved will need support during this challenging time.
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It is important to note that the use of lethal force by law enforcement officers is a highly debated and controversial topic. In situations like the one mentioned, it is crucial to consider various perspectives and understand the complexities involved.
For readers who are interested in learning more about police use of force and its implications, I recommend visiting the website of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The NIJ is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice and provides valuable resources on
It’s unfortunate that situations like these arise where police officers are forced to use lethal force in order to protect themselves or others. While it’s important to remember that each case should be thoroughly investigated to ensure the appropriate use of force, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the difficult decisions that officers sometimes have to make in split-second moments. This incident highlights the inherent dangers and unpredictability that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training and support for