Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A chaotic and horrifying scene unfolded along the I-190 Southbound near Downtown Buffalo on Thursday, as New York State Police responded to a shooting just beyond the Peace Bridge.
A city of Buffalo employee was killed and two others were wounded Thursday when the city pickup truck they were in was struck multiple times by gunfire from a passing vehicle, state police said.
State Police Major Eugene Staniszewski says the shooting happened at around 11:20 a.m. ET.
"All three people shot in the Buffalo Sewer Authority’s truck were employed by the sewer authority. One of the victims has perished, another victim has suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and another is in serious condition," announced Staniszewski.
"We have several leads that we are working on, but currently we do not have a motive for the shooting. This is believed to be an isolated incident and we have no information that there is a threat ongoing to the community at this time."
Staniszewski adds police are searching for a late model, dark-colored Jeep Grand Cherokee that's believed to be involved in the shooting.
The victims were employees of the Buffalo Sewer Authority and had just finished a job when they were shot as they drove back to the Sewer Authority building, Mayor Byron Brown said.
The names of the employees in the shooting were not immediately released by authorities.
The driver of the pickup tried to evade the gunfire but was struck, along with the two passengers, Brown said. The driver survived.
"I spoke with one of the individuals who was shot and both families of those wounded at ECMC. They are shaken," said the mayor on Thursday. "I ask residents to keep those affected in their prayers,"
Brown says incidents like this are, unfortunately, becoming all too common. He calls it "unspeakable" that this could’ve happened to three workers with the Buffalo Sewer Authority.
"Who could have ever imagined that something like this would happen to three Sewer Authority employees as they are at work, doing the right thing, doing the people’s business? This has to stop," Brown said.
Erie County District Attorney John Flynn says there’s nothing much to add when it comes to any suspect or suspects with the shooting, nor a motive.
The 190 South has since been reopened after being closed for hours, as traffic was diverted at the Scajaquada Expressway.
“I have been briefed on the shooting that occurred this morning on the Thruway near downtown Buffalo and have directed the New York State Police and the Thruway Authority to work with local law enforcement to provide any assistance necessary as the investigation continues," stated New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in response to the incident. "The State Police have confirmed one life has already been lost, and I join all New Yorkers in praying for our first responders and those in harm's way. As the investigation continues, all southbound lanes in the area are blocked and traffic is being diverted away from the scene. I urge all New Yorkers to remain cautious and follow instructions from first responders and local law enforcement officials working to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Anyone with more information on the shooting, or that may have witnessed the incident and may have dash cam footage, is being asked to come forward and call (585)-344-6200.