BUFFALO, N.Y. — A 15-year-old student from Buffalo is in the intensive care unit following a violent assault by multiple individuals at MLK Park on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. The incident, which took place around 3 p.m. after school, was widely circulated on social media and has prompted an ongoing investigation by the Buffalo Police Department.
Police responded to the scene at the park’s pavilion area, where they found the teenager unconscious. He was transported by ambulance to Oishei Children’s Hospital with severe injuries, including a brain bleed, broken clavicles, and potential spinal damage, officials reported. “There is absolutely no place in our society for this,” a police spokesperson said, describing the assault as a grave act of violence.
According to police, three individuals, all students at East High School, have been identified as suspects in connection with the assault. One suspect, a 16-year-old male, was apprehended on Wednesday evening and charged with first-degree gang assault. Two other suspects, both 17-year-old males, have yet to be taken into custody. Authorities indicated that one of the suspects’ mothers has been cooperative, attempting to encourage her son to surrender. The family of the other suspect, initially uncooperative, is now reportedly assisting in efforts to bring him in.
Detectives, with support from the District Attorney’s Office, have been working to gather evidence through witness statements and video footage captured at the scene. Buffalo Public Schools has also provided assistance in the investigation. Police stated they are confident in the identification of the three main suspects but will continue to review evidence as it becomes available.
The assault is believed to be an escalation of a prior conflict that began earlier in the day at school, although no physical altercation took place on school grounds. Authorities declined to comment on specific motives, leaving further details to be revealed through court proceedings.
Buffalo Police Commissioner spoke on the importance of community cooperation in resolving cases like this. “We have received a significant amount of cooperation from members of the community,” he said, emphasizing the role of public assistance in identifying the suspects quickly.
The assault has reignited concerns among parents and community members about student safety in Buffalo Public Schools. Buffalo Police maintain a school resource officer (SRO) presence in the district, aiming to prevent violence through engagement and relationship-building with students, according to officials. However, recent incidents have raised questions about the adequacy of current measures to address youth violence.
The two outstanding suspects face charges as adolescent offenders. Buffalo Police and the District Attorney’s Office will determine whether the individuals will face additional charges based on the severity of the victim’s injuries and other evidence gathered in the investigation.
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