BUFFALO, NY — An off-duty Niagara Falls police officer acted in self-defense after being confronted by an armed suspect during a robbery in North Buffalo on Thursday evening. The suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Dorian Jones, was armed with what appeared to be a handgun, later determined to be a pellet gun, and has been charged with multiple offenses, including robbery and endangering the welfare of a child.

The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Hertel Avenue. According to Buffalo Police, Jones approached the officer and demanded the officer’s vehicle, a 2010 Mercedes, while displaying the weapon. The officer complied, but the situation was made more dire by the presence of the officer’s two children. One child, age 13, was inside the vehicle at the time of the robbery, while the other, age 15, was standing outside with the victim.

During the robbery, the off-duty officer, fearing for the safety of his children and himself, discharged his firearm, striking Jones. Despite being wounded, Jones fled the scene but was located shortly thereafter on Delaware Avenue and transported to Erie County Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The stolen vehicle was quickly recovered nearby on Wilbury Place, and the 13-year-old child inside the car was safely located, unharmed. Investigators also recovered the pellet gun used in the crime.

Jones now faces serious charges, including two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Court records indicate that he has a history of involvement in stolen vehicle cases, having pleaded guilty to three separate incidents prior to this event. Bail has been set at $80,000 cash or bond, and Jones could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges.

The Niagara Falls Police Department and Mayor Robert Restaino have pledged their full cooperation with the Buffalo Police Department as the investigation continues.

The off-duty officer’s ability to respond decisively while under extreme stress highlights the value of training and maintaining a clear focus in life-threatening situations. Faced with an armed suspect who had taken off in his vehicle with his 13-year-old child inside, the officer had little choice but to act swiftly. His quick decision to use his firearm likely prevented further harm and ensured his child’s safe recovery. This incident serves as a reminder of how critical split-second decision-making can be when protecting innocent lives.