Man acquitted of threatening local restaurants after Tops shooting

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man was acquitted of allegedly threatening local restaurants after the Tops mass shooting, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Joseph S. Chowaniec, 52, was acquitted of two misdemeanor counts following a bench trial on Thursday. He was previously acquitted of felony charges in November 2022.

In May 2022, at approximately 12:05 p.m., Chowaniec allegedly made a threatening phone call to a pizzeria on Delaware Avenue. At approximately 12:45 p.m., he also allegedly made a second threatening phone call to a brewery in downtown Buffalo.

Both establishments closed for the day after receiving the calls.

In both incidents, officials said, Chowaniec allegedly made references to the Tops mass shooting on Jefferson Avenue.