Weekend Party Turns Violent: Fireworks Fired at First Responders, Two Stabbed

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A weekend party involving dozens of juveniles erupted into violence late Saturday night on the city’s East Side leaving two people stabbed and first responders dodging fireworks and pepper spray.

Buffalo Police said they were called to the area of Grider Street and East Delavan Avenue around 11:48pm after reports of a large, out-of-control gathering.

Officers arrived to find what they described as a “large disturbance” with multiple groups of juveniles fighting, partying, and launching fireworks.

"During the incident, fireworks were shot at responding police officers and ambulance crews," a Buffalo Police spokesperson said Sunday night, adding that the situation quickly escalated. “

Additionally, several officers experienced side effects from exposure to pepper spray.”

Two stabbing victims - one male and one female - were located at the scene. While both sustained injuries, police said the wounds were not considered life-threatening.

Authorities did not release their ages and no arrests had been announced as of Monday.

The violent confrontation marked the second serious incident at this location in as many days.

Just a night earlier, officers responded to a shooting nearby around 2am on the 700 block of East Delavan where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the ankle.

Buffalo Common Council member Zeneta Everhart, who represents the Masten District where the disturbances occurred, responded to the weekend violence with concern and frustration.

“I’m in contact with law enforcement and community leaders about the incidents that occurred on East Delavan Avenue last night and on the Fourth,” Everhart said in a statement issued Sunday night.

“As always, my heart goes out to the victims of these senseless acts of violence. We should not see this violence, criminality, and disorder tarnish what should have been a joyous, celebratory summer weekend in our community.”

She also urged parents and families to take a more active role in guiding youth.

“This incident underscores the importance of creating positive spaces for young people, as well as parents being aware of their role in preventing this unacceptable behavior,” Everhart said.

“We must live by the mindset that it takes a village to raise a child… My office stands ready to help connect folks to organizations that help keep our kids safe and positively engaged.”

Police said the investigation into the Saturday night incident remains ongoing.

Weekend Party Turns Violent: Fireworks Fired at First Responders, Two Stabbed