Ballistic Shield Stops Rounds as N.Y. Fugitive Fires on U.S. Marshals
What to know
- Keith Holmes was charged with assault on a federal officer, firearm discharge during a crime, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
- The incident took place during a supervised release arrest operation, escalating into gunfire with Holmes firing multiple rounds at law enforcement.
- Holmes was previously convicted of drug and firearm charges and was wanted for violating supervised release terms.
According to the criminal complaint, Holmes was previously convicted in October 2020 in the District of Maine on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison.
Following his release, supervision of Holmes was transferred to the Western District of New York. On May 13, 2026, a federal arrest warrant was issued after he allegedly violated the terms of his supervised release, making him a fugitive from justice.
On June 8, 2026, four Deputy U.S. Marshals and nine members of a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force went to a residence on the 800 block of Glenwood Avenue in Buffalo to execute the arrest warrant. Law enforcement announced their presence and entered the residence at approximately 3:25 p.m., approaching a bedroom where Holmes was located.
As officers prepared to make entry, Holmes allegedly fired multiple rounds through the bedroom door toward the deputies and task force officers. One Deputy U.S. Marshal’s ballistic shield was struck approximately three times. The U.S. Marshals Service was using a Vengeance Viewport shield manufactured by BlueRidge Armor.
Law enforcement returned fire, striking Holmes. He was taken into custody, provided medical treatment, and transported to the Erie County Medical Center for further care. No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recovered a privately made 9mm firearm, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun,” from a dresser in the bedroom. Investigators also recovered approximately 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition and multiple spent shell casings.
“This case highlights the dangers that are faced every day by law enforcement officers,” U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo said. “Rather than run away, these officers are running towards danger in their efforts to enforce the law and keep our communities safe. Any defendant who puts the life of a law enforcement officer at risk will face the consequences and be held fully accountable.”
U.S. Marshal for the Western District of New York Charles Salina said the task force was attempting to apprehend a violent fugitive when the situation escalated.
“On Monday afternoon, our US Marshals Task Force was on Glenwood Avenue working to protect the City of Buffalo by removing a dangerous and violent criminal from our streets,” Salina said. “During this arrest operation, they came under attack and were forced into a gunfight to defend their lives.”
Brendan Dunford, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of FBI Buffalo, said the incident underscores risks faced by law enforcement during high-risk apprehensions.
“Violence against law enforcement officers threatens the safety of our communities and will not be tolerated,” Dunford said. “FBI Buffalo and our partners will relentlessly pursue those responsible and ensure they are held accountable.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Leydecker. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Buffalo Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.
A criminal complaint is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.