City officials take aim at gun crime

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo's west side is the target, as city officials take aim at gun crime.

This latest push comes after a young man was shot to death Friday afternoon.

Police continue to look for the gunman responsible for that midday murder.

But for all of the efforts made by police, one councilman says it's time for the public to step up.

Councilman David Rivera represents portions of the west side.

Like everyone else who was born and raised here, he too has seen the neighborhood change for the worse.

"We have to work with the police department, we have to work with neighborhoods, residents and people that have actually seen and witnessed some of these shootings," said David Rivera, D, Buffalo Common Council.

He is sending that message to everyone who lives in troubled spots in Buffalo.

In less than 16 hours, three young men were fatally shot on the east and west side.

29-year-old Henry Figueroa was shot to death on the sidewalk at Whitney Place near Virginia Street.

It happened Friday afternoon.

A disturbing revelation for Justino Colon who walks through here just about every day.

"They have to pick up everybody who's hanging out in a group on the street, make them leave because that's when the trouble starts," said resident Justino Colon.

You'll find Faye Porter sitting on her porch just about every day.

But as soon as the sun goes down, she's back in her house for safety reasons.

"I don't know if there's any cameras close by maybe that would help. seems to me that helped on some hit and runs," said resident Faye Porter.

Councilman Rivera tells us Buffalo will soon have roughly 120 cameras around the city.

City Council is expected to approve funding for another batch in the next year or so.

Rivera said, "We're gonna provide the administration and the police department, whatever it is they need to combat crime and firearms, whether it's cameras, additional police officers."

In the meantime, he is turning to the public for help.

"We're asking anybody that has witnessed anything to please, if you want to do it anonymously contact the narcotics and homicide tip line," said Rivera.

If you have any information on any one of the fatal shootings in Buffalo, you're asked to call the confidential tip line. The number is 847-2255.