LOCKPORT, N.Y. — There has been a recent increase in crime in the City of Lockport, 2 On Your Side spoke with Mayor Michelle Roman about what the city is doing about it.
"We are working really hard as a city and as a department to ensure this doesn't continue," she said.
This past weekend, six people were shot early Saturday morning at a large Halloween party at 43 S. Niagara Street. One of those people shot died from injuries. Police identified the deceased individual as Cheyenne Farewell of Medina, NY.
On Monday, Lockport Police were investigating a shooting that happened in the afternoon near the intersection of Erie and Walnut streets. No one was injured during that incident. The Lockport School District was on lockdown due to the shooting incident.
When asked what is being done to curb the violence, Roman told 2 On Your Side, "We started a joint task force with Niagara Falls, NT and the County Sheriff. We've been partnering with the federal government as well to try and reduce these issues. Our own police department, we have added more patrols, we've added a detective to the detectives division that focuses on guns and drugs."
Niagara County District Attorney Caroline Wojtaszek and Lockport Police Chief Steve Abbott said no one is in custody in connection with Saturday's shooting.
“We know that many young people attended the party and may be concerned about their parents finding out or are being discouraged from getting involved," said Niagara County District Attorney Caroline A. Wojtaszek in a statement. "We need your courage to come forward with anything you may know. This is a tragedy beyond words. Cheyenne was an innocent victim and deserves justice, her family, her friends, her community deserve justice."
Wojtaszek added, “We sincerely appreciate the public’s patience. Building a case takes time, diligence and tremendous effort. As most people can appreciate, law enforcement cannot always share details of the investigation with the public. I can assure you that everyone is working day and night to hold those responsible for this senseless loss of precious life."
Lockport Police Chief Steve Abbott says the police department is working diligently on this case, asking anyone with information to call the police tip line at (716) 439-6707.
Mayor Michelle Roman put out a statement on her personal Facebook page late Monday night.
"Events of the day: This morning there was a robbery at Frank's Deli on West Avenue. There was also an altercation between two vehicles that included shots fired near Erie and Walnut Streets. Our police have been partnering with other agencies and have had extra patrols out for months. We have added a person to the county drug task force, added a detective that focuses on gangs and drugs to the detective division, joined a regional task force to combat both, as well as asked for assistance from the state and federal levels. We understand it is scary to become a witness, but we will support you. You are not alone. Once one person speaks up, I believe others will follow in your strength. When you feel you don't have the strength, reach out to the community and allow us to offer a hand up. We cannot allow a select few people to impact our community in such a negative way. We have a lot of wonderful people of all ages, creeds, and color. We have seen the best in people. Unfortunately, over the last few months we have also seen the worst in people. I pray for all those in our community. I thank our first responders for protecting and serving our community, but they cannot do it alone."
Roman added that the community needs to come together and that anyone with information on the increased crime in Lockport to, "step up and speak out."
"Our community needs to support one another and encourage those who know something to step up and speak out. Together we can be Lockport Strong.
Sign up for the anonymous app: STOPit and use LockportPDTips to sign up for Lockport. You can share video, photos and text messages. Call our non-emergency number 716-433-7700."