Two men face weapons charges after surveillance captures alarming behavior at East Buffalo grocery location
The shadow of tragedy continues to loom over the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in East Buffalo, where a disturbing gun incident earlier this month has resulted in multiple arrests and renewed concerns about safety at the location that became synonymous with racial violence in 2022.
On June 17, surveillance cameras inside the grocery store captured footage that would lead to a chain of events resulting in serious criminal charges against two Buffalo men. The incident began when store security systems recorded Avello Pena and Ronnie Midgett engaging in suspicious behavior that immediately caught the attention of law enforcement officials reviewing the footage.
Surveillance reveals troubling activity
The security footage showed both men inside the store passing what appeared to be a firearm between them, creating an atmosphere of unease among shoppers and staff. This behavior, captured in real-time by the store’s comprehensive surveillance network, would become crucial evidence in the subsequent investigation and arrests.
The men’s actions inside the store represented just the beginning of what would escalate into a more serious confrontation with law enforcement. After completing whatever business they had inside the grocery store, both individuals departed the premises, apparently unaware that their activities had been monitored and recorded.
The incident took a more alarming turn as the pair drove away from the shopping center. While behind the wheel of their vehicle, Pena allegedly displayed a weapon toward a bystander in what police later characterized as a threatening manner. This brazen act of intimidation would prove to be a critical mistake that would lead to their eventual apprehension.
Witness cooperation leads to arrests
The bystander who witnessed the weapon display demonstrated civic responsibility by immediately reporting the incident to nearby law enforcement officers. These officers happened to be in the vicinity responding to an unrelated call, positioning them perfectly to act on the fresh intelligence about the armed individuals.
The rapid response by Buffalo police led to a traffic stop at the intersection of East Utica and Roehrer, where the situation quickly escalated. What began as a routine traffic stop transformed into a physical confrontation when Pena allegedly refused to comply with officers’ directives to exit the vehicle.
Law enforcement officials reported that Pena’s resistance required physical intervention, with officers forced to bring him to the ground before successfully placing him in handcuffs. The struggle didn’t end there, as attempts to transport Pena to the patrol vehicle met with continued resistance and an escalation that shocked responding officers.
During the attempt to place him in the police cruiser, Pena allegedly became violent, biting one of the officers on the finger hard enough to cause bleeding. This act of violence against a law enforcement officer added assault charges to an already serious list of criminal allegations.
Weapons cache discovered
The search of the suspects’ vehicle revealed a disturbing arsenal that underscored the potential danger posed by the incident. Officers recovered two loaded 9mm firearms that authorities identified as ghost guns, untraceable weapons that have become increasingly problematic for law enforcement agencies across the country.
The discovery didn’t stop with the firearms themselves. Investigators also uncovered three additional loaded magazines, suggesting the suspects were prepared for extended confrontation or planning activities that would require substantial ammunition reserves.
Ghost guns, which can be assembled from parts without serial numbers, represent a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies nationwide. These weapons bypass traditional tracking systems, making them attractive to individuals seeking to avoid detection while possessing firearms illegally.
Serious charges filed
The evidence gathered during the investigation resulted in substantial criminal charges against both men. Pena faces the more serious allegations, including two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, charges that carry significant potential prison sentences under New York state law.
Additional charges against Pena include second-degree menacing, reflecting the alleged threat made toward the bystander with the weapon. The physical confrontation with officers resulted in third-degree assault charges, while his refusal to cooperate led to resisting arrest and second-degree obstructing governmental administration charges.
Midgett faces two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, charges that acknowledge his role in the incident while recognizing the more limited nature of his alleged participation compared to his co-defendant.
Location carries painful history
The setting of this incident adds another layer of concern for community members and law enforcement officials alike. The Jefferson Avenue Tops location became the site of one of the most horrific racially motivated mass shootings in recent American history on May 14, 2022.
That tragic day saw a white supremacist gunman deliberately target Black shoppers, killing 10 people and injuring three others in an attack that devastated the East Buffalo community. The shooter specifically chose the location because of its significance to the local Black community, making the grocery store a symbol of both loss and resilience.
The recent gun incident, while not connected to the mass shooting, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities trying to heal from traumatic events. For residents who have worked to reclaim their sense of safety at this essential community gathering place, any incident involving weapons can trigger painful memories and renewed anxiety.
Community leaders and law enforcement officials continue working together to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff at the location, recognizing the symbolic importance of maintaining security at a site that represents both tragedy and community strength.
The arrests of Pena and Midgett demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to addressing weapons-related incidents swiftly and thoroughly, particularly at locations that hold special significance for community safety and healing.
