BUFFALO (WBEN) - After another violent weekend in the City of Buffalo, Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo addressed the media Tuesday morning to update the public about what the department is doing to combat the recent wave of shootings.
"The city saw 13 shooting incidents that resulted in 21 victims (since Friday)," said Rinaldo. "We saw yesterday, unfortunately, a 3-year-old child was critically wounded in a shooting, and we saw a shooting where an 8 year old was wounded at a park."
"This level of violence cannot continue," Rinaldo added. "It is absolutely disgusting, and as a community, we need to come together to help put an end to this violence."
As for the shooting incident that critically injured the 3-year-old child, Rinaldo said police are looking for a person of interest that was seen in the vicinity of Donovan Drive at the time of the shooting. Rinaldo described the person as a Black male who was wearing a dark-colored t-shirt and pink pants.
Anyone with knowledge of the incident or has information regarding the person of interest is asked to call the confidential tip call line at 847-2255.
Rinaldo added that the department will increase the number of patrols "into directed areas where the violence has increased.
"We have received funds through the state...to increase patrols in and around the areas that have seen this violence," he said. "Working with the DA's Office, as well as the US Attorney's Office, we are starting a comprehensive of all gun defendants to determine exactly what federal charges and additional charges they may face."
