BPD searches for shooting suspect as it continues efforts to prevent gun violence

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo police are still searching for the person responsible after a 14-year-old girl was killed and five other teens were injured in a shooting Saturday night.

7 News obtained cell phone video showing the chaotic scene minutes before the shooting. Buffalo police say the fight may have had something to do with the shooting.

On Monday, Crime Stoppers Western New York announced it would offer a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the murder of 14-year-old Jazzmine Fomby.

WATCH: 14-year-old girl killed in Buffalo shooting identified; Crime Stoppers is offering a $7,500 reward for information

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The deadly shooting occurred nearly a week after two men were killed in a shooting on Zenner Street.

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Police say while these recent incidents are shocking, gun violence has decreased significantly since it spiked in 2020.

The Buffalo Police Department provided the following shooting figures:

• In 2020, 347 people were shot in 287 incidents
• In 2023, 166 people were shot in 141 incidents
• In 2020, 47 people died in shooting homicides
• In 2023, 25 people were shot and killed

Buffalo police say they believe their strategy of sending patrol officers to hot spots for what they call “directed patrols” is helpful.
Crime analysts determine where the hot spots are, patrol officers are sent there, and their job is to park, turn on the lights, then get out of the car and walk around the neighborhood.

First Deputy Commissioner Alphonse Wright says it’s a simple way to deter crime.

“I don’t think you’re going to commit a crime in front of the officer,” he said. “If you see lights and sirens, officers are walking.”

Police will now intensify their directed patrols in the neighborhood where Saturday’s shooting took place.

7 News also spoke with community members Monday, they said everyone needs to come together – teens, parents, grandparents, community members – to help fight gun violence.

WATCH: ‘It’s a cycle of violence’: Buffalo community responds to shooting of six teens, one dead

‘It’s a cycle of violence’: Buffalo community responds to shooting of six teens, one dead