Two Shootings in Buffalo Within 24 Hours Leave Man and Teenage Girl Wounded

Key facts

• A man was shot in the leg on the 100 block of Hampshire Street at about 5 p.m. Wednesday.
• The man was taken to Erie County Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
• Buffalo Police say the Wednesday shooting appears targeted.
• A 19-year-old woman was shot on Jefferson Avenue near Southampton just before 10 p.m. Thursday.
• The woman was transported to Erie County Medical Center for treatment.
• Both investigations are being handled by the Buffalo Police Department's Gun Violence Unit.
• Police urge anyone with information to call or text 911 or the confidential tip line at 716-847-2255.

Two Non-Fatal Shootings in Buffalo Prompt Police Investigations

Buffalo Police are investigating two separate shootings that occurred within 24 hours, leaving a man and a teenage woman wounded. The first incident took place Wednesday evening on the city's west side, followed by a late-night shooting Thursday on Jefferson Avenue. Both victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) and are expected to survive. The shootings have drawn the attention of the department's Gun Violence Unit, which is handling both cases. Police have described the first shooting as targeted, suggesting it was not a random act of violence.

Wednesday Shooting on Hampshire Street

On Wednesday at approximately 5 p.m., officers responded to a shooting on the 100 block of Hampshire Street, east of Niagara Street. They found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was transported by ambulance to ECMC, where his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. Detectives from the Gun Violence Unit launched an investigation. A Buffalo Police spokesperson stated that the shooting 'appears to be targeted in nature.' The police have not released the victim's identity or details about any suspects.

Thursday Shooting on Jefferson Avenue

Just before 10 p.m. on Thursday, police responded to a shots-fired call on Jefferson Avenue at Southampton. Arriving officers discovered a 19-year-old woman with a gunshot wound. She was taken to ECMC for treatment. The extent of her injuries has not been disclosed, but she is reported to be in stable condition. The Gun Violence Unit is also investigating this incident. As of now, no arrests have been made, and police have not indicated whether the shooting was targeted or random.

Police Appeal for Public Assistance

In both cases, Buffalo Police are asking for the public's help in identifying suspects. They urge anyone with information to call or text 911 or contact the confidential tip line at 716-847-2255. The department has not provided further details about potential motives or connections between the two shootings. The shootings add to concerns about gun violence in Buffalo, a city that has seen a rise in such incidents in recent years. Community leaders have called for increased police presence and preventive measures.

Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact

The Gun Violence Unit continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Police have not disclosed whether they have identified any persons of interest. The targeted nature of the Wednesday shooting suggests a possible personal dispute, while the Thursday shooting remains under investigation. Local residents have expressed unease over the back-to-back shootings. Community organizations are urging calm and cooperation with law enforcement. The incidents underscore the persistent challenge of gun violence in Buffalo and the need for comprehensive strategies to address it.

What Comes Next

As investigations proceed, police are expected to release more information as it becomes available. The department may increase patrols in the affected areas. The victims' families have been notified, and support services are being offered. The shootings highlight the ongoing struggle to curb gun violence in Buffalo. With two non-fatal incidents in quick succession, the community and law enforcement are on alert for further violence.

The bottom line

• Two separate shootings in Buffalo within 24 hours left a man and a 19-year-old woman wounded, both treated at ECMC.
• The Wednesday shooting on Hampshire Street is considered targeted; the Thursday shooting on Jefferson Avenue is still under investigation.
• The Buffalo Police Gun Violence Unit is leading both investigations.
• Police are asking for public tips via 911 or the confidential tip line at 716-847-2255.
• No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been identified publicly.
• The incidents underscore ongoing gun violence concerns in Buffalo.