Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Nearly two months after Chippewa Street was rocked with a series of violent episodes on two consecutive weekends, Buffalo police are close to making arrests.
Buffalo police commissioner Erika Shields says arrests are forthcoming and could happen within the next few days - if not sooner.
On both the weekends of July 4 and July 11, Buffalo had a wave of violent incidents including 11 people being shot in various East Side neighborhoods - on July 4th and all during a two-hour, late night/early morning period.
"Criminality will not drive the narrative of the city," Shields said.
The Chippewa Street violence comes against the backdrop of Buffalo - under Mayor Sean Ryan - putting forth a concerted effort to return the city, and especially downtown, to its pre-Covid swagger.
There have a series of special events created - many through M&T Bank's "Meet Me in Downtown" programs - to help reinvigorate the central business district.
In mid-July, the police department closed portions of Chippewa Street to vehicular traffic on weekend nights to help with keeping potential problems in check.
There is now talk of limited access to Chippewa Street to those 21 years of age or older - a proposal that's supported by such groups as the Chippewa Alliance but questioned by others including bar owners.
The traffic control measures are working, Shields said.
"It has changed the narrative," Shields said. "Things are far more manageable."
Chippewa Street will remain a works in progress with changes remaining fluid as time progresses, Shields said.
"Our changes are working," Shields said.
Buffalo police commissioner Erika Shields expects arrests to be made in coming days
Buffalo police commissioner Erika Shields expects arrests to be made in coming days
