BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo police say a 17-year-old boy is in custody in connection to the shooting of a security guard during an attack at McKinley High School on February 9.
According to police, the 17-year-old was taken into custody without incident Monday at an address on Baxter Street in coordination with the SWAT team.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced the 17-year-old boy was charged with one count of attempted murder in the second degree, one count of assault in the second degree and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Police said he is a registered student of McKinley High School "who has not had great attendance." He is due back in court Friday for a felony hearing.
The security guard, a 27-year-old man, was shot in the leg during the attack. Crime Stoppers released a photo of a shooting suspect Friday and a reward of up to $5,000 was offered for information leading to an arrest or indictment. The security guard was treated and released from the hospital and police said a 13-year-old was also grazed by a bullet on his side during the attack. He did not seek treatment until Thursday for a minor grazing wound.
This is the second suspect taken into custody in connection to the attack, as there was also a stabbing. Police announced Thursday a 17-year-old boy was in custody in connection to the stabbing of a 14-year-old student. The 14-year-old student was stabbed 10 times, nine times to the chest and abdomen and once to the leg. DA Flynn said he was injured "pretty badly" and has a little ways to go to be released from the hospital. The 17-year-old was arraigned on second degree attempted murder and first degree assault charges Friday and was in court Monday for a bail review and the judge ruled he continued to be held in custody. The judge cited a flight risk, that he fled the scene and is not a U.S. citizen. He is due back in court Wednesday for a felony hearing.
DA Flynn said there was a "brewing dispute" among a group of kids earlier in the day. The dispute rolled over into the parking lot outside of school after dismissal and led to a fight. There were approximately 15-25 students in the parking lot when the fight started. The security guard rushed over to break up the fight and that is when "multiple" shots were fired. One struck the guard in the leg and the other grazed the 13-year-old on his side.
According to DA Flynn, the gun and knife used in the attack have not been recovered and the investigation is ongoing as officials believe there are others that were involved.
Buffalo Public Schools superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash sent a letter to parents outlining what will take place this coming week, including counseling available for students and staff who want it. You can find more information here. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the request by the district to have additional school resource officers at McKinley during arrival and dismissal has been granted and they will be there through at least April.
