Buffalo Woman Arrested in Niagara Falls on Gun Charges Following Domestic Incident

A woman from Buffalo has been arrested on weapons charges after Niagara Falls police discovered two firearms during an investigation related to a domestic dispute on Niagara Falls Boulevard.

Melina Ortiz, 32, faces two felony counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

According to police, officers responded to a call at 1:18pm on Wednesday regarding a report that the son of a woman's boyfriend was attempting to take her vehicle. During their investigation, officers observed Ortiz leaving the area only to return a few minutes later.

Police noted that Ortiz appeared anxious and was unable to provide a clear explanation for her whereabouts. Officers conducted searches of several nearby locations and called in a K-9 unit from the New York State Park Police for assistance.

The K-9 indicated the presence of firearms and/or ammunition near a local motel and restaurant. Security footage from a nearby coffee shop showed Ortiz walking toward the area where the K-9 had alerted.

Upon searching the vicinity, officers found a Smith & Wesson revolver and a Glock pistol, along with a magazine and ammunition, hidden inside an overturned garbage tote.

No further information is available at this time.

Buffalo Woman Arrested in Niagara Falls on Gun Charges Following Domestic Incident