Federal prosecutors say a Buffalo man is facing a felony charge after police allege he produced a loaded handgun while trying to flee a large street gathering at Eddie Dawson Park and threw the weapon, striking a responding New York State Police trooper in the leg.
What happened at Eddie Dawson Park
Authorities say the incident occurred during a sizeable crowd at the park on Roetzer Street on July 15. Buffalo Police and FBI agents responded to the scene. Officials identified the suspect as 24-year-old Anthony Dean.
- Officers reported seeing Dean reach toward his waistband, retrieve a firearm and attempt to run from the scene.
- One officer announced "
gun
" and pursued Dean along with other officers. - When apprehended, Dean allegedly threw the loaded semi-automatic handgun, which struck a New York State Police trooper in the leg.
Charges and court proceedings
The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint charging Dean with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Prosecutors say Dean was convicted of a felony in Erie County Court in April 2024, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Dean made an initial appearance on Thursday and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 21. The federal charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a potential fine up to $250,000.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2024 | Felony conviction in Erie County Court (per prosecutors) |
| July 15, 2026 | Alleged incident at Eddie Dawson Park on Roetzer Street |
| July 16, 2026 | Criminal complaint filed; initial court appearance |
| July 21, 2026 | Detention hearing scheduled |
Local context and community impact
The arrest highlights continuing concerns about public safety at neighborhood events. Eddie Dawson Park, located on Buffalo’s west side, has been a frequent site for community gatherings. Incidents involving firearms at such events heighten anxiety among residents and place added pressure on local police, state troopers and federal agents who respond to crowd-related calls.
Officials have not released additional details about the trooper’s injuries beyond that the trooper was struck in the leg; there has been no public statement about the trooper’s condition from the New York State Police as of the latest filings. The case will proceed in federal court because federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office brought the complaint.
Neighbors and community leaders often call for preventive measures — including more visible policing at large gatherings, better coordination with event organizers and outreach — to reduce the risk of similar incidents. As the detention hearing approaches, prosecutors will decide whether to pursue detention based on public safety and flight risk considerations.
The case underscores the intersection of local policing and federal enforcement in Buffalo, where prosecutors say prior convictions can escalate a weapons incident into a federal matter with significant penalties.
