Gunshots were fired at two undercover Buffalo Police Department narcotics detectives driving an unmarked car at the intersection of Bailey and Minnesota Avenues in the University Heights district late Monday night.
After a foot chase, three suspects were apprehended. Police recovered a handgun from the scene and no one was hurt, according to Buffalo Police Department Chief of Detectives Dennis J. Richards.
Jibreel Williams, 17, of Greenfield Street in Buffalo has been arrested and charged with attempted murder as well as possession of a weapon with intent to use and obstructing government administration, according to Richards.
"(The detectives) happened to come upon a large group of people at Minnesota and Bailey," Richards said. "As they approached, coming from Bailey... a shot rang out."
Upon hearing the first shot, the detectives - Edward Niemann and Timothy Mulhern - turned on the emergency lights on their otherwise-unmarked car. After a second shot was fired in their direction, they pursued the suspects now in custody as they ran from a gathering near the intersection, according to Richards.
"Three people ran from the group," Richards said. "A short foot chase ensued."
Clayton Williams (no apparent relation, according to BPD), 17, of Lisbon Avenue and Philip Smith, 18, of Minnesota Avenue were the other two suspects caught. Clayton Williams was charged with marijuana possession; both he and Smith were charged with obstructing government administration.
Although the detectives were undercover when the first shot was fired, Richards believes that it was clear they were law enforcement after they turned their lights on, before the second shot was fired in their direction.
There is a "certain assumption that that would be a police car," he said.
The chase ended near Smith's home on Minnesota Avenue - the silver .22-caliber semi-automatic handgun recovered was found in his backyard, according to Richards.
Calling the shooting an "isolated incident," UB Chief of Police Gerald Schoenle stressed the use of caution for anyone in the Heights, but that university police will not change any routines in response to it.
Although the detectives had not shown themselves as police before the first shot, Schoenle believes the actions were not random.
"From the information I've heard it sounds like it was targeted at the police," Schoenle said.
Richards echoed Schoenle's call for increased safety awareness.
"Students should always be cautious and aware of their surroundings," he said, "Obviously it's a concern to us when someone would open fire on anyone, especially when that 'anyone' happens to be a police officer."
Additional reporting by Rebecca Reeves, news editor.
