BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Fourth of July weekend in Buffalo saw two different large illegal gatherings, resulting in three arrests.
On July 5, police said officers responded to the 400 block of Olympic Avenue after calls of a large party, fights, and an unruly crowd not allowing homeowners to get into their residences. When officers arrived and attempted to disperse the crowd, multiple individuals allegedly began lighting fireworks and throwing them at officers.
21-year-old Quantrell Carson of Buffalo was charged with one count of obstruction of governmental administration and one count of disorderly conduct.
According to police, while in the process of apprehending Carson, another individual allegedly threw a large explosive device, which detonated in the vicinity of 14 officers.
21-year-old Sliester Luther of Buffalo was charged with 14 counts of assault, 14 counts of aggravated assault upon a police officer, one count obstruction of governmental duties with a bomb, one count reckless endangerment, one count criminal possession of a weapon and one count unlawful possession and use of a firework.
On July 6, police said officers responded to a stabbing call at E Delavan Avenue and Grider Street, where another large, illegal and unruly gathering was allegedly taking place. According to police, a 26-year-old Buffalo woman was stabbed multiple times, causing injuries to her stomach, arm, and face. She was transported to ECMC in a private vehicle and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
20-year-old Nalah Eady of Buffalo was charged with one count of assault and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.
After what took place over the weekend, Buffalo Police Commissioner Al Wright made a strong statement on social media.
“Let me be clear, if this behavior continues, the Buffalo Police Department will take enhanced enforcement action. This could include detainment and on-the-spot fines,” Wright said in that video.
WATCH: 'Enhanced enforcement action': Buffalo police release strong message about illegal gatherings
Police said fines for illegal gatherings can reach up to $1,500 per offense and may include up to 15 days of imprisonment.
“I feel like it is a little bit of an uptick of it, but for me, it’s really about prevention,” Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart said. “That is my job as an elected official, to listen to our young people, but we also have to let them know that there are rules… I said come to my office on Monday, let’s sit down, let’s have a conversation, let’s put together a proposal, I’ll help you write it.”
“Hopefully we can take those organizers and shift them to something more productive and safer,” Democratic Nominee for Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said. “Hopefully, they can continue this energy but have it go through a more formal process.”
“Every city resident knows the pro-criminal agenda championed by Sean Ryan in Albany has made it impossible for the Police to keep us safe here in Buffalo. Sean Ryan’s failed policies of bail reform and “Raise the Age” have emboldened young criminals and handcuffed police officers.
As lawless mobs are taking over their neighborhoods, city residents deserve more than a YouTube video promising fines and appearance tickets. When I am Mayor, I will support the brave officers of the Buffalo Police Department in cracking down on the lawlessness spreading to every corner of our city and advocating for the repeal of the pro-criminal agenda Sean Ryan continues to support.”
