An investigation is underway into the fatal shooting of a NFTA bus driver. It happened in the early morning hours Wednesday on Guilford Street in Buffalo.
Buffalo Police say 39-year-old Brian Chapman Jr. was waiting for a ride to work on his own front porch in the 300 block of Guilford around 5 a.m. Wednesday when a car pulled up and he was shot. Chapman was rushed to the Erie County Medical Center, but died.
"An alert Buffalo police officer on routine patrol, Ferry - Fillmore District Officer Dennis R. Gilbert happened to be in the vicinity when he heard multiple shots fired. A vehicle was stopped shortly thereafter and was believed to be involved in the shooting incident," according to Dennis J. Richards, chief of detectives.
Detectives are interviewing a person of interest, and a car and a gun have been impounded.
A .38 caliber revolver was recovered by Officer Jeremy W. Connolly. Police said a handgun had been tossed from the rear of the car, in the vicinity of Guilford and Genesee Street.
Seated in the back of the gray Saturn Ion, which was stopped at Herman and Genesee Streets, was Joshua J. Mitchell, 24 years old, of LaSalle Avenue. Mitchell has been booked by Officers Gilbert and Brian O. Griffin on two felony weapons counts, including a charge for having been previously convicted of a crime, in 2007. Additional charges may be filed against the defendant, as the investigation continues.
Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant James P. Lonergan and Detective James A. Lema are continuing the investigation. This is the city's third homicide of the year.
Mitchell was taken to the Erie County Holding Center, awaiting a court appearance in Buffalo City Court.
NFTA spokesman Doug Hartmayer said Chapman was well liked. Chapman's father -- Brian Senior -- is a NFTA Metro Rail controller.