Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Police announced Monday afternoon the arrest of a 17-year-old male accused of shooting a school security officer after opening fire during a large fight outside of McKinley High School this past Wednesday.
The suspect, whose name was not released, is the second teen to face charges in connection with the Feb. 9 dispute.
According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, the adolescent offender is facing one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony).
"In less than a week after this violent incident, two 17-year-old males have been arrested in connection with the stabbing and shooting that occurred last Wednesday at McKinley High School," said Mayor Byron Brown during a press conference on Monday at the Erie County District Attorney's Office. "Excellent police work has gone into this investigation with tremendous cooperation and partnership with the Erie County District Attorney's Office."
"The police investigation has been non-stop since the violent incidents at McKinley High School last Wednesday. I want to say a special word of thank you to the men and women of the Buffalo Police Department, who have literally worked on this investigation around the clock, as well as other law enforcement agencies that have worked with and have been assisting the Buffalo Police Department."
At a press conference this past Friday, Crime Stoppers of Buffalo was able to distribute a bulletin with a picture that led to some quick tips that provided Buffalo Police with the information needed to aggressively move forward on the investigation.
"At approximately 9:30 a.m. this morning, homicide detectives with a search warrant in-hand went to an address on Baxter Street in the City of Buffalo and worked with the SWAT team. It was a very carefully planned out execution, taking in mind certain safety considerations with the use of technology to take an individual into custody without incident," said Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia on Monday. "Our SWAT team trains and works very, very hard working within our policies that have been put in place over the last couple of years, and, again, without incident, took an individual into custody."
The 17-year-old is believed to have intentionally shot a 27-year-old school security officer, who ran toward the gathered crowd in an attempt to break up the fight. The gunman was also said to have fired multiple rounds from an illegal weapon.
In addition, a 13-year-old was believed to have suffered a grazing gunshot wound to the upper flank area under his arm. Erie County DA John Flynn says the 17-year-old will not be charged for the potential shooting of the 13-year-old just yet.
"That portion of the investigation is continuing," Flynn explained on Monday. "Before I charge the shooter with that offense, I want to see the medical records first, because, like I said, it was just a grazing, and I just want to make sure that that grazing came from a bullet before I officially charge that matter."
If it is determined that the 13-year-old was grazed by a bullet during the incident at McKinley High School, Flynn says additional charges can be added in the grand jury.
The adolescent offender is scheduled to return to court on Friday at 1:30 p.m. EST for a felony hearing. He was remanded to the custody of the Erie County Youth Services Center.
Earlier on Monday, the other 17-year-old suspect in the McKinley High School incident was in court for a bail application hearing. After nearly an hour of deliberation, Youth Part Judge Kelly Brinkworth continued the remand for the adolescent offender, based on the charges currently pending which are serious in nature.
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The first 17-year-old offender was arraigned under the legal theory of accomplice liability after a 14-year-old student was stabbed a total of 10 times: Nine times in the chest and abdomen and once in the leg. The victim was also kicked and beaten by a number of individuals, as authorities say anywhere between 15-to-25 students had gathered when the fight started.
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The two suspects are charged as adolescent offenders with charges attempted murder and assault to their name. The teenager arrested Monday was also charged with illegal possession of a weapon, Flynn said.
The security officer was treated at ECMC for his injuries and was released. The 13-year-old student did not seek immediate medical attention, but eventually went for treatment the day after.
Meanwhile, the 14-year-old victim remains at Oishei Children's Hospital and was last known to be in stable condition. No update was provided of his condition on Monday, though Mayor Brown did say he visited with the victim and his family at the hospital.
