Man indicted, accused of kidnapping at a Buffalo Public School

On April 22, 2025, a significant legal development unfolded in Buffalo, New York, as an Erie County grand jury indicted 30-year-old Shane Cronin, a resident of Lombard, Illinois, on multiple charges related to an incident at Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School (PS 59). The charges stem from an alleged attempted kidnapping and assault that occurred on February 11, 2025, raising concerns about school safety and security in the Buffalo Public School District. This blog post provides a detailed summary of the incident, the charges, and the broader implications based on the report from WKBW.

The Incident

On February 11, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Buffalo police responded to reports of an assault in progress at PS 59, located adjacent to the Buffalo Museum of Science. According to authorities, Shane Cronin entered the school through a shared door connecting the museum and the school. Once inside, he allegedly approached a young student, prompting immediate intervention by the school’s assistant principal.

The situation escalated when Cronin reportedly punched and shoved the assistant principal into a wall, causing minor injuries. Following the altercation, Cronin fled back into the Buffalo Museum of Science, where he attempted to hide. Buffalo police quickly located and apprehended him without further incident. The swift response by law enforcement ensured that the situation was contained, but the incident left the school community shaken.

Legal Charges

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced that Cronin faces a four-count indictment, with the following charges:

• Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree (Class C felony): This charge reflects the allegation that Cronin intended to abduct the student he approached.

• Assault in the Second Degree (Class D felony): This pertains to the physical attack on the assistant principal, who sustained minor injuries.

• Burglary in the Third Degree (Class D felony): Cronin is accused of unlawfully entering the school with the intent to commit a crime.

• Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor): This charge addresses his unauthorized entry into the school premises.

Cronin was arraigned on April 22, 2025, before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens. He is currently being held without bail, with a court appearance scheduled for June 5, 2025, for a pre-trial conference. If convicted on the most serious charge, attempted kidnapping, Cronin could face up to seven years in prison.

Additional Context and Allegations

The incident gained significant attention following claims by Buffalo Police Special Victims Unit (SVU) Detective Richard Hy, who discussed the case on the “Unsubscribed Podcast.” Detective Hy alleged that the incident was an attempted abduction of two children, though official reports confirm only one student was approached. He further accused Buffalo Public Schools officials of obstructing investigations into child abuse and failing to report incidents promptly, raising broader concerns about the district’s handling of safety issues.

In response, the Buffalo Public School District issued a statement denying these allegations, emphasizing their commitment to student and staff safety. The district highlighted its role as the second-largest school district in New York State, with approximately 60 schools, 30,000 students, and 7,000 staff members. They asserted that any transgressions are addressed swiftly with “seriousness, integrity, fairness, and empathy.” The Buffalo Board of Education also announced plans for an independent external investigation to address these allegations transparently, with results to be shared publicly.

Community advocate Kareema Morris, a graduate of PS 59 and founder of Bury the Violence, has been vocal about the incident. She organized a petition drive and a community forum on April 30, 2025, to demand improved safety measures. Morris raised critical questions about how Cronin gained access to the school, why security footage was reportedly deleted, and who had access to it. Her efforts underscore the community’s demand for accountability and enhanced security protocols.

Broader Implications

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about school safety in Buffalo and beyond. The shared door between PS 59 and the Buffalo Museum of Science has been identified as a potential security vulnerability, prompting calls for stricter access controls. The allegations of deleted security footage and delayed reporting have further fueled distrust among parents and community members, who are seeking assurances that schools are safe environments for children.

The Buffalo Board of Education’s commitment to an independent investigation is a step toward addressing these concerns, but the outcome will likely shape public perception of the district’s priorities. Additionally, the case highlights the importance of mandated reporting and the role of school staff as mandated reporters of suspected abuse or threats to student safety.

Conclusion

The indictment of Shane Cronin for an alleged attempted kidnapping and assault at Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist even in places meant to be safe havens for children. As the legal process unfolds, the Buffalo community is grappling with questions about school security, administrative accountability, and the protection of its students. The independent investigation promised by the Buffalo Board of Education will be crucial in restoring trust and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.

For more information on the community forum organized by Bury the Violence, visit www.btvbuffalo.org. Stay tuned for updates on this case as it progresses through the legal system.