Officer's Daring Act: Shooting Suspect while Clinging to Speeding Car with Child in Passenger Seat

Bodycam footage captures a heart-stopping moment as a police officer shoots a fleeing suspect while clinging to the back of the suspect's vehicle, as a terrified child screams in the front seat.

In a harrowing turn of events, bodycam footage has been released showing a Buffalo police officer clinging to a speeding car, pleading with the suspect to stop while a terrified 6-year-old boy screams in the passenger seat. The officer, identified as Ronald Ammerman, eventually shoots the suspect dead, prompting an investigation.

Surveillance footage recorded just before midnight on Wednesday, September 14th, shows Ammerman pulling over 25-year-old Dae'von Roberts for speeding on Kingston Avenue. However, Roberts immediately accelerates in an attempt to escape, prompting Ammerman to cling onto the car for dear life.

Officer's Daring Act: Shooting Suspect while Clinging to Speeding Car with Child in Passenger Seat

For almost 20 seconds, Ammerman's bodycam captures his desperate pleas for Roberts to stop the car, while the child in the front seat screams in terror. "You're gonna kill me, bro," Ammerman can be heard saying.

As the car speeds through the streets, Ammerman fires several shots, both tumbling to the ground. "Shots fired! There's a kid in the car still. He tried killing me," Ammerman shouts into his radio.

Officer's Daring Act: Shooting Suspect while Clinging to Speeding Car with Child in Passenger Seat

Ammerman rushes over to check on the child, who miraculously remains uninjured, and secures him until backup arrives. Roberts is later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia expressed his support for Ammerman's actions, stating that the use of force was justified given the imminent danger the officer faced. "These situations don't evolve in a classroom or training facility," Gramaglia said. "This is real life, and when an officer finds themselves in grave risk, the use of force is justified by law."

Officer's Daring Act: Shooting Suspect while Clinging to Speeding Car with Child in Passenger Seat

Gramaglia also highlighted the professional demeanor displayed by Ammerman and another officer involved in the incident, noting that they had been engaging in a friendly conversation with Roberts before he attempted to flee.

The incident has sparked an investigation, with Ammerman and another officer placed on administrative leave as per department policy. "They need time to process what they've been through," Gramaglia said.

Officer's Daring Act: Shooting Suspect while Clinging to Speeding Car with Child in Passenger Seat

According to records obtained by WIVB News 4, Roberts had previously been charged in connection with an alleged shots-fired incident at a memorial for his half-brother. He was indicted in June and released under supervision at that time.

The bodycam footage has raised questions about the use of force by police officers, particularly when a child is involved. The incident is under ongoing review by the Buffalo Police Department.