BREAKING NEWS: Morning Shooting on Lackawanna Avenue in Sloan Sparks Heavy Police Presence
SLOAN, NY – July 20, 2025 — A normally quiet morning in the village of Sloan was shattered today by a shooting incident on Lackawanna Avenue that drew a swift and sizable response from the Cheektowaga Police Department and other emergency services. Authorities were called to the scene around 7:45 a.m. after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire in the residential area, prompting an immediate lockdown of nearby streets and a heightened sense of alarm throughout the community.
According to initial reports, at least one individual was injured during the altercation, though the extent of the injuries has not yet been publicly disclosed. Witnesses in the neighborhood described a chaotic and deeply unsettling scene, with residents rushing to shelter and law enforcement arriving within minutes of the first calls. Several police cruisers, crime scene units, and emergency medical personnel could be seen lining Lackawanna Avenue and adjacent streets throughout the morning.
A nearby resident, Margaret Alston, said she was just getting her grandchildren ready for breakfast when she heard “four loud pops” that sounded like gunshots. “At first, I thought it might be fireworks left over from the Fourth [of July], but then I saw officers swarming the street. That’s when I knew it was serious,” she said. “We’re not used to this kind of violence around here.”
The Cheektowaga Police Department quickly cordoned off the area and issued a statement advising residents to remain indoors while officers conducted a thorough search of the vicinity. Drone surveillance and K-9 units were deployed to canvass the neighborhood as authorities sought to locate any suspects or additional victims. Officers also went door-to-door in the immediate area to check on residents and gather potential witness statements.
Although the exact motive behind the shooting remains unclear, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of the incident being targeted rather than random. As of now, no arrests have been officially announced, and authorities have urged anyone with information — including surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses — to come forward.
“We understand the fear and concern this has caused in the community,” said Cheektowaga Police spokesperson Sgt. Michelle Tomkins during a brief press conference held near the scene. “At this time, we are doing everything in our power to piece together what happened, identify those responsible, and ensure the safety of our residents.”
Local schools, though not in session for summer break, have been notified, and youth programs operating nearby temporarily suspended activities until law enforcement gave the all-clear.
By late morning, crime scene tape still surrounded the affected portion of Lackawanna Avenue. Investigators remained on-site collecting evidence, taking photographs, and speaking with neighbors. While traffic has since resumed in surrounding areas, a portion of the street remains closed to the public as the investigation continues.
The village of Sloan, a small community nestled just east of Buffalo, is no stranger to tight-knit bonds and neighborly trust — making today’s violence all the more jarring. Community leaders and clergy have already begun organizing a prayer vigil to be held later this week to show solidarity and support for those impacted.
The Cheektowaga Police Department is expected to release further updates later today as more information becomes available. For now, the community waits — anxious for answers, hopeful for justice, and united in its resilience in the face of violence.
Anyone with information about this morning’s shooting is encouraged to contact the Cheektowaga Police Department tip line at (716) XXX-XXXX. All calls will be kept confidential
Leave a Reply