Perrysburg, N.Y. (WBEN) - Two men are dead after a shooting late Monday night in the Town of Perrysburg on the Cattaraugus Indian Territory.
According to New York State Police, troopers out of SP Collins in Erie County first responded to the report of a shooting at approximately 11:27 p.m. on Whites Drive in Cattaraugus County.
Upon arriving to the scene, police found two males, ages 23 and 18, deceased of gunshot wounds just off of Whites Drive. Both individuals were residents of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Cattaraugus Territory.
According to Troop A Cpt. Daniel Howard, the incident took place about a quarter-of-a-mile to a half-mile down Whites Drive, while a vehicle involved in the incident was discovered down the road closer to Indian Hill Road.
"The incident occurred in a large area throughout Whites Drive. At this time, all members of the families have been notified, and we are working closely with them, as well as with the crime victim specialist for Troop A," said Cpt. Howard during a press briefing on Tuesday.
In addition, another 23-year-old male involved in the incident suffered minor injuries, and was treated at Erie County Medical Center and later released. Police say that individual is cooperating with police and the ongoing investigation.
Cpt. Howard says it remains unclear as to what led to the shooting, as investigators are still working with the families to find out the true dynamic of the situation. It is still unknown how the three individuals knew each other, if they were close, if they were relatives, etc.
"By the time law enforcement and emergency response personnel from medical services arrived, both of the victims were already deceased, and the third was treated for his wounds transported by Gowanda EMS. Not a deceased victim, just an injury. He had minor injuries, he went to ECMC, and he's since been released," Cpt. Howard noted.
While police believe there may be pending charges in the future, Cpt. Howard adds there appears to be no further threat to the general public.
Seneca Nation president J.C. Seneca issued the following statement in the hours after the incident in Perrysburg:
"We are profoundly saddened by the tragic events that occurred in our Indian Hill community last night. The Nation is reaching out to assist the families at this remarkably difficult time.
"We want to thank Seneca Nation Chief Marshall Tom Thompson and our Marshals Department, New York State Police Troop A, the Cattaraugus County and Erie County Sheriff's offices, and all first responders who assisted in the response to the scene.
"In times of tragedy, our entire community suffers. As we all look to understand and heal, we encourage community members to call Seneca Nation Crime Victim Services at (716)-532-8339, the Seneca Nation Health System Behavioral Health Unit at (716)-532-5583, or our local 24-hour Crisis Hotline at (716)-532-8185 for support. Seneca Nation employees may also contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-(800)-433-7916.
"As we work to move forward, we encourage our entire community to pull together, support one another, and ask the Creator to send us love, support, healing and understanding."
Anyone with more information relating to the incident is asked to contact New York State Police Troop A at (585)-344-6200.