(WNY News Now) – A 41-year-old Dunkirk resident faces multiple charges following a shooting incident near East 5th Street and Columbus Avenue on Thursday night.
DUNKIRK, NY — On April 24, 2025, at approximately 9:37 p.m., Dunkirk Police responded to several 911 calls reporting an altercation and active gunfire in the area of East 5th Street and Columbus Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers encountered multiple uncooperative individuals. A search of the area led to the discovery of several spent shell casings on the roadway. Through investigation, officers identified 41-year-old Luis A. Sanchez Jr. of Dunkirk as the alleged shooter.
According to police, Sanchez was involved in a confrontation with several individuals during which he fired multiple rounds from a pistol. Officers located Sanchez nearby and took him into custody without further incident.
A search warrant was executed at a nearby residence, resulting in the recovery of a loaded 9mm Springfield XD-9 pistol, believed to be the weapon used during the altercation. Police stated that the firearm, equipped with an illegal high-capacity magazine, was unlawfully possessed by Sanchez.
Sanchez was transported to Dunkirk Police Headquarters, where he was booked on the following charges:
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C Felony)
- Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class D Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class D Felony)
- Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm (Dunkirk City Code Violation)
He was arraigned in Dunkirk City Court and remanded to Chautauqua County Jail on $10,000 cash bail. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Dunkirk Police Department’s 3-11 shift was assisted by the Dunkirk Detective Bureau, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force (STRDTF), Fredonia Police, and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dunkirk Police Department at 716-366-2266 or submit information anonymously via the confidential tip line at 716-363-0313.
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