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8-year-old boy hit by gunfire on Buffalo's east side

Posted at 10:53 PM, Aug 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-28 09:36:05-04

A little boy was rushed to Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo after being shot on the city's east side Thursday night.

Police tell 7 Eyewitness News the incident happened just after 10 p.m. on the 400 block of South Division Street.

Eight-year-old Donnell Bibbes was shot in the head while sitting in a vehicle with his two brothers and mother.  The young boy was taken to Women & Children's Hospital where he underwent two surgeries and remains in critical condition.

During a morning press conference at the hospital, Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda said the shooting appears to be gang-related.  The commissioner said it is believed the sole shooter was targeting one of Donnell's brothers.  Derenda added that Buffalo Police are familiar with Donnell's brothers.

Police believe the family was visiting a relative on South Division Street.

Donnell's mother, Chawniqua Johnson, released a statement on her son's condition - "Our family would like to thank everyone for their concern and prayers for Donnell. At this time, we have asked for privacy. Please continue to pray for him as he fights to recover."

Because the shooting was targeted and gang related, police say information is slow in coming so a $2,500 reward is being offered through Crime Stoppers for information that leads to an arrest.

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

You can also call any of these outreach organizations:

  • Peacemakers Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S - (716) 912-7188
  • Stop the Violence Coalition - (716) 882-7882
  • Buffalo United Front - (716) 818-3410
  • No More Tears - (716) 816-8264
  • Back to Basics- (716) 854-1086
  • Mad Dads - (716) 602-1662
  • SNUG - (716) 572-2104