Dwayne Ferguson, the MAD DADS Buffalo chapter president who was arrested Thursday for having a gun inside the School 97 Harvey Austin Elementary School, allegedly denied possessing the weapon when questioned several times by police, according to a Buffalo Police Department report.
Ferguson, 52, of Butler Avenue, pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the afternoon incident that drew a big police response. The Erie County Sheriff’s helicopter also responded to the report of “a person bearing a weapon on or near school property.”
The police report revealed that Ferguson, a registered pistol permit holder, was found to have a loaded .38-caliber handgun with one round chambered.
Police officials said the well-known community activist was not suspected of harboring any ill intent. He was apparently involved in the after-school program at the East Side school.
Ferguson is not a city schools employee but has worked with at-risk youth for several years in after-school programs.
He remains released on his own recognizance pending a future date in Buffalo City Court.
Ferguson, 52, of Butler Avenue, pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the afternoon incident that drew a big police response. The Erie County Sheriff’s helicopter also responded to the report of “a person bearing a weapon on or near school property.”
The police report revealed that Ferguson, a registered pistol permit holder, was found to have a loaded .38-caliber handgun with one round chambered.
Police officials said the well-known community activist was not suspected of harboring any ill intent. He was apparently involved in the after-school program at the East Side school.
Ferguson is not a city schools employee but has worked with at-risk youth for several years in after-school programs.
He remains released on his own recognizance pending a future date in Buffalo City Court.