Times Observer file photo This Times Observer file photo dated June, 9, 2017 shows K9 officer Choper at a DARE event with handler Scott J. Neiswonger and current police chief Brandon Deppen. On January 5 of that same year, Choper chased Demario T. Chatmon across Rt. 62 from the mall and into the weeds after Chatmon refused to stop. Chatmon has pled guilty before President Judge Maureen Skerda to charges that he was dealing crack cocaine.

A Buffalo man who led police – and K9 Choper – on a chase back in 2017 has pled guilty to charges that he was dealing crack cocaine.

Demario T. Chatmon, 41, pled to possession with intent to deliver, resisting arrest and fleeing or attempting to elude police officers before President Judge Maureen Skerda.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, investigators received information that Chatmon “would be delivering approximately half an ounce of crack cocaine to a known subject in the area of the Warren Mall” on Jan. 5, 2017

Investigators then set up surveillance at the mall at about 6:30 p.m.

Just three minutes after arriving, “investigators observed (Chatmon) leaving the area in his vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the mall parking lot.”

Police explain in the affidavit that Chatmon then fled toward the theater at the mall, where a second law enforcement vehicle attempted to stop him.

Chatmon “also failed to stop for this vehicle, but was unable to maneuver his vehicle between the Movie Theater building and the law enforcement vehicle.”

That resulted in a minor collision between Chatmon’s vehicle and one of the law enforcement vehicles.

Chatmon then tried to flee on foot.

K9 Choper chased the subject across Rt. 62 from the mall toward the Red Carpet Inn, and into the weeds after Chatmon refused to stop at gunpoint.

In exchange for his plea, the following charges were not prosecuted: Six counts of criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Skerda advised Chatmon regarding the maximum possible penalties, which total 14 years in prison and up to $110,000 in fines. His attorney, Elizabeth Feronti, also indicated he agreed to forfeit $180 that was found on his person at the time of his arrest.

The amount of crack cocaine listed in the original affidavit was 12.9 grams but District Attorney Rob Greene changed that amount to 9.9 grams. He said it did not change the grading of the offense but would affect the sentencing guidelines.