Orchard Park Police continue to investigate a weekend shooting that injured a woman, 21, from New York City. The victim was treated and released from the Erie County Medical Center.
It happened during a "promoter party" held at Frank Young's Sports Arena at 3651 North Buffalo Road, Orchard Park.
An out-of-town promoter advertised the event as being able to accommodate 800+ people, even though the owner of the roller rink/ sports complex said the fire code only allowed a total of 465 people in two rooms.
"I talked to the promoter and told him that we would not be able to hold 800. He said, "I know" and said it was sort of a poetic license that they take when they advertise," Frank Young told 7 Eyewitness News Reporter Paola Suro over the weekend.
When police responded after the shooting, officers estimated there were 500+ people trying to flee the scene in a chaotic manner. Orchard Police Police Chief Mark Pacholec said cars were driving over lawns and there were some vehicles that hit each other.
Police from Hamburg and West Seneca also responded to help.
Did the promoter who advertised the "2Brauds Takeover" in Orchard Park over-sell the event and not supply adequate security?
That's a question being raised by Don Lorentz, Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Lorentz is a band member himself who plays keyboard for a local group called the "Boys of Summer."
"They (some out-of-town promoters) are not looking at numbers as far as capacity, they are just looking at the number of tickets they can sell," said Lorentz.
In June 2016, a large promoter party at the Lodge Bar & Restaurant on Chippewa Street in Buffalo also ended with shots fired.
Don Lorentz believes it might be time to have out-of-town promoters partner with local promoters who have a better idea of area venues.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his reports.
