1 dead after shooting on Bird Avenue, several suspects in custody

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Several people were taken into custody after a police pursuit of suspects in a fatal shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon on Bird Avenue, Buffalo police officials announced.

Officials said just after 1:30 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Bird Avenue where police found a 21-year-old male who was struck by gunfire while outside. He was transported by ambulance to ECMC where he was later declared deceased, according to officials.

Authorities said the suspects fled in a vehicle, but officers matched the description of the suspect's vehicle where a pursuit then occurred through different parts of the city and ended on the outbound Buffalo Skyway.

According to police, the suspects started throwing firearms and contraband out of the window on the Skyway, with some of the items landing in the Buffalo River.

The suspects fled the vehicle on foot while on Route 5, but all of the occupants were apprehended a short time later by officers from various city police districts, authorities said.

As of 6 p.m. Saturday, the Buffalo Police Underwater Recovery Team is on the scene in the Buffalo River to try and retrieve the items that were thrown from the vehicle. Officials said at least two firearms were discovered along with drugs and other evidence.

Police said several suspects are in custody and no arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call or text the Buffalo police's confidential tip line at (716) 847-2255.