BUFFALO, N.Y. — The New York State Police are still looking for the shooter who shot three people on the I-190.
Three City of Buffalo Sewer Authority workers were shot while on the I-190 Thursday morning while returning to their office after finishing a job.
The shooting occurred on the I-190 south near the Peace Bridge just before 11:30am.
One person was killed and two others injured. Buffalo Fire arrived on scene and rendered aide to all of the victims.
They are identified as: Myron L. Walker, 30 of Buffalo, NY, who was the driver of the vehicle. Backseat passenger Lamar T. Whitfield Jr., 23 of Buffalo, NY, suffered gunshot wounds, and front passenger Keyshawn N. Gault, 22 of Buffalo, NY, who died at the scene.
The two surviving victims were taken to ECMC. One victim suffered non-life threatening injuries, the other victim suffered serious injuries.
Investigators say they are looking for a late-model, dark colored Jeep Cherokee. They say they do not have any leads at this time, and no motive for the shooting.
While police do not have a motive, they believe this is an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the public.
If anyone has information or dash cam footage regarding the incident involving the shooting, they are asked to please contact NYS Police at (585)-344-6200.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says the workers had just finished a job and were heading back to the sewer authority.
"I am heartbroken to share today that three of our hardworking Buffalo Sewer Authority employees were shot while on the job," said Brown. "Thank you for keeping these workers and their families in your thoughts and prayers."
On Thursday Night Communications Workers of America, who represent the Sewer Authority Workers released a statement saying, "The 150 members of the union are in a state of shock and heartbroken over this horrific act of violence. They are mourning the death of one of the victims and actively supporting the two surviving members and their families."
CWA Local 1186 President Salvatore Falzone added:
“Today, our membership has suffered a tragic loss while we are still mourning the unexpected passing of one of our members just last week. Our coworkers who were violently attacked while working, are men who are loved and respected by their coworkers for their hard work and dedication to not only work but to each other. The fact that they are so young is not to be overlooked either. As we continue to mourn the loss of one of our members today, we also look forward to a speedy recovery for our other coworkers. We stand ready and willing to support our members and their families through this tragic time. We would like to thank Mayor Byron Brown, the Buffalo Police Dept, the NYS Troopers, and the administration of the Buffalo Sewer Authority for their help in working with us throughout this."
CWA District 1 Vice-President Dennis Trainor says "It is incomprehensible that Buffalo has again been affected by a senseless shooting. CWA will do everything in our power to support our members who work for the Buffalo Sewer Authority including the victims and their families."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement regarding the shooting.
“I have been briefed on the shooting that occurred this morning on the Thruway near downtown Buffalo and have directed the New York State Police and the Thruway Authority to work with local law enforcement to provide any assistance necessary as the investigation continues. The State Police have confirmed one life has already been lost, and I join all New Yorkers in praying for our first responders and those in harm's way.
“As the investigation continues, all southbound lanes in the area are blocked and traffic is being diverted away from the scene. I urge all New Yorkers to remain cautious and follow instructions from first responders and local law enforcement officials working to keep New Yorkers safe.”