BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo police say four people were shot on East Amherst Street Saturday night.
Officers were called to the first block of East Amherst Street just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
"Things like that don't usually happen around here," Kevin Allen, a resident nearby, said.
According to police, two women and two men were shot inside of Level One Entertainment Complex and taken to ECMC.
"We've reached a critical point of just a blatant disregard for life," Zip, a resident who lives nearby, said.
On Monday police provided the ages of the individuals that were shot and identified one who is facing charges:
- 19-year-old Buffalo woman — in critical condition at ECMC
- 19-year-old Buffalo woman — described as stable at ECMC
- 28-year-old Buffalo man — described as stable at ECMC
- 19-year-old Buffalo man — identified as Kenyatta Lee — treated at ECMC and arrested and charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm.
Zip said her aunt called her Saturday night saying she heard kids screaming outside the complex.
"So it's not like we're shocked it's just I think we're getting to a point where we're tired, we're tired of it," Zip said.
Level One Entertainment Complex released the following statement:
"We at Zone One Complex are devastated with the recent event that has taken place Saturday November 5th 2022. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We are wholeheartedly sorry that such acts of violence have occurred and are currently working with our police department to provide any assistance we can in their investigation. At this time we would like to take immediate action and change our time & age requirement for entering our facility. We will now open no later than 10pm. Our age requirement for entering our facility without a parent is now 21 years & older. Our software we have acquired "Waiver Master" will scan IDs much easier than our previous software. We will still employ a licensed armed guard at our door during these times. Our focus is family entertainment, non for profit, schools, and birthday parties. We want to and have always encouraged a safe environment for our community. Again our hearts and prayers are with the families. We offer our deepest sympathies and support."
7 News' Kristen Mirand did speak with the owner, but he said he does not want to go on camera now out of respect for the families. He said the location will be temporarily closed for now.
But others in the community said the owner is a good guy trying to help this community.
"This is a skating rink, so the kids come to skate and you know keep them off the streets but unfortunately something bad happen and I feel for the owner because he is a really nice guy," Allen said.
Zip said this location is a staple to this community and has been for generations.
"He put a lot of work into this building to provide this generation with the good old you know evening, afternoon, even morning skating sessions and it's not fair," Zip said.
Zip hopes city leaders do not label the owner as reckless after this incident, but rather do one thing for him and other businesses owners in their community.
"Help - when it comes to the safety and concerns of their patrons," Zip added.
Anyone with information is asked to call or text the confidential line (716) 847-2255.
