Buffalo police, in collaboration with the Erie County District Attorney's office, is continuing its investigation into Wednesday night's attempted robbery, shooting and chase along the city's West Side.
The incident began shortly before 9 p.m. when two Buffalo B District police officers, on break, happened upon a robbery in progress at a 7-11 convenience store at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Connecticut Street.
"There was no 911 call, they just happened on it," said Craig Macy, Interim Buffalo Police Commissioner.
In the space of 20 seconds, the 42-year-old Buffalo man identified as the suspect, fired one shot into the clerk's upper leg/groin area, then fired at the two police officers where one of the officers shot the suspect in the arm and he ran down Prospect Avenue.
The suspect then stole a car and drove down Prospect Avenue while being chased by police. He crashed into several parked cars and was apprehended and arrested by the officers.
Macy said the suspect's name will be released later. The suspect is expected to face a series of felony charges.
"The officers made a very tactical decision," Macy said. "The suspect was probably just as surprised that they showed as the officers were."
Macy said because it was not a fatal shooting, the district attorney's office will lead the investigation, not the state Attorney General's office.
The probe will include reviewing body camera footage from both officers and interviewing the clerk and other witnesses.
The clerk was treated at ECMC and released.
The suspect had a second surgery Thursday and remains in custody at ECMC.
Macy said the female officer who shot the suspect fired at him, instead of using a taser, because he fired first at her.
"It was a deadly physical force situation," Macy said.
Macy praised the two officers for how they handled the situation.
"They walked into the 7-11 to buy a beverage and then everything happened," Macy said.
Suspect to be charged later today
Suspect to be charged later today
