BUFFALO, N.Y. — One suspect is currently in custody and three Buffalo police officers are recovering after being hit by gunfire on Tuesday. Police say the officers were shot while pursuing a driver who fled a traffic stop and led them on a chase through the city.
Buffalo Police Officers Trevor Sheehan and Christopher Wilson were treated and released, while Joseph McCarthy is currently in stable condition. According to Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, the officers were struck by gunfire on Bailey Avenue near the E District Police Station, the 1900 block of Genesee Street and Ferry and Fillmore.
"It's a miracle that no died and that all of our officers are expected to fully recover," Gramaglia said.
Kente Bell, 28, is in custody and charged with three counts of attempted murder of a police officer, according to authorities. Bell is currently on probation for illegal possession of a firearm. Gramaglia said police are not currently searching for other suspects. A second suspect was reportedly in custody, but police clarified Wednesday they have their only suspect in custody.
"We have everybody that we need at this time," Gramaglia said. "At this time, we have the only person we're looking for."
According to investigators, the incident began when officers attempted a traffic stop around 6 p.m. That's when they say the car took off on Niagara Street.
During the pursuit, police say the suspect's vehicle slowed to let someone out. After the passenger exited, shots were fired at police from the vehicle. They say a suspect continued firing as the chase made its way along city streets.
At one point, authorities say a suspect shot an officer through the windshield of the officer's cruiser. Later, another officer was shot in the arm and had another bullet graze his ear. The third officer shot was hit in the chest, but his bulletproof vest took a majority of the impact.
All three officers were in separate vehicles.
The chase ended at the intersection of East Ferry Street and Fillmore Avenue, where police say more gunfire was exchanged.
"This is a fluid situation," said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn. "It's a situation that involved a long car chase, with numerous shots being fired. So, in order to piece it all together and to have a situation where we can press charges, may not happen until a later date."
No bystanders were injured during the incident and police believe there is no further concern for public safety.
Commissioner Gramaglia stated that a total of 10 police Buffalo Police vehicles need to be processed as evidence, 9 of which sustained bullet damage during the incident. He added that there is a total of 19 crime scenes associated with the shooting.
Gramaglia said that video footage will be released, but it won’t be as fast as last time due to volume of video that needs to be reviewed and processed, including officer body cam, CTV and security camera.
"We will be transparent, it’s just going to take time," he said.
The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to call 911. Additionally, anyone with property damage as a result of this incident is asked to report it.