Police: Squatter fatally shot 2 workers in Buffalo; Seeking info on subject

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A suspected squatter fatally shot two workers Saturday on Zenner Street, and police are seeking information on a subject in connection with the shooting, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said Sunday.

Police said they responded around 12:30 p.m. to a residence on the 100 block of Zenner Street, where two males had been shot. Both men were later declared deceased.

Crime Stoppers WNY identified the victims Sunday as Buffalo residents Babul Meah and Abu Yousuf. Gramaglia said that the two men were there to work on the house, as it was for sale and due to close soon. One of the victims was shot on the residence’s porch, while another was shot in the street.

Officials are asking for the public’s help in identifying a subject who could be involved with the shooting, saying they “would like to speak” with them.

Police provided the photos below of the individual, who was last seen Saturday on Zenner Street. Gramaglia emphasized that the subject is believed to be armed and dangerous and that police “don’t want anyone in the community to confront him.”

Anyone who spots or has information regarding the subject is asked to call 911 immediately.

Gramaglia said that police, including a SWAT unit, responded to the shooting Saturday and set up a perimeter after witnesses said they believed the suspected shooter was still in the house. After obtaining a search warrant, it was later found there was nobody inside.

After canvassing video, Gramaglia said the subject did enter the home following the shooting, which is not believed to be targeted, but exited out a rear door within minutes of the initial 911 call.

“We’ve got tactical teams, patrol officers and detectives that are out scouring the neighborhoods for this individual,” Gramaglia said. “Knowing that the safety of our community is at risk until we get out there, until we find him, this is the challenging time for us. We are working diligently to locate this person.”

A News 4 photographer on the scene confirmed that Zenner Street and Kilhoffer Street were closed off to traffic for a portion of Saturday as a result of the police and SWAT presence.

Buffalo police are also asking anyone with information regarding the incident to call or text their confidential tip line at (716) 847-2255. Additionally, Crime Stoppers WNY is offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to the arrest or indictment of those responsible. You can submit a tip to them at (716) 867-6161.

You can view Gramaglia’s full Saturday press conference above.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.