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BPD Place Charges in Overnight Fatal Shooting

February-2-2012 — A 39 year old man was shot on the front porch of his residence in the 300 block of Guilford Street just before 5:00 this morning. He was rushed to Erie County Medical Center, but died as a result of his injuries. The victim has been identified as Brian G. Chapman Jr., who was apparently on his own porch awaiting a ride to work.

"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.
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. A .38 caliber revolver was recovered by Officer Jeremy W. Connolly.

Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant James P. Lonergan and Detective James A. Lema are continuing the investigation into the city's third homicide of the year. Police will have the recovered weapon examined, and believe it to be the murder weapon. Additional charges may be filed against the defendant, as the investigation continues.

Mitchell was taken to the Erie County Holding Center, awaiting a court appearance in Buffalo City Court.