In an update on Monday afternoon, police in Seneca falls say they’re asking for the public’s help after a shooting Sunday at the Tops Grocery store.
“The Town of Seneca Falls Police Department is asking any members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or who have information regarding the incident to contact the police department,” SFPD said in an update Monday.
Police also identified the victim in the shooting, who remained in critical condition as of Monday afternoon. Antonio Cavan Ortiz, 47, of Geneva suffered life-threatening after being shot in the face. He remained under sedation at Upstate Hospital, where he was airlifted from the scene.
A spokesperson for Tops said they are working collaboratively with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information about it to call (315) 568-4850 or email [email protected].
SFPD says Waterloo man arrested after shooting
The Seneca Falls Police Department provided an update late-Sunday after the shooting at a grocery store during the mid-afternoon hours.
Seneca Falls police say they responded to a shooting at the Tops store in Seneca Falls between 2:30 and 3 p.m. Officers found a person shot in the parking lot after an argument. The victim was treated at the scene and taken to Upstate Hospital.
Jose A. Garcia-Vellen, 35, of Waterloo, was arrested at the scene. He is charged with first-degree assault, a Class B felony, and is being held at the Seneca County Correctional Facility awaiting arraignment.
The investigation is ongoing, but there is no threat to public safety. The Seneca Falls Police Department thanked several agencies for their quick response, including Waterloo Village Police, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, North Seneca Ambulance, Seneca Falls Fire Department, Mercy Flight, and the Seneca County District Attorney’s Office.
From the scene Sunday: Victim airlifted, one arrested, others in custody
One person was airlifted to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse after a shooting in the Tops supermarket parking lot in Seneca Falls.
Shoppers reported hearing a gunshot in the parking lot, then they were instructed to stay inside as the store went into lockdown.
The victim was shot in the face, according to first responders, who noted the victim’s injuries were serious.
The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Seneca Falls Police Department, New York State Police, as well as Waterloo Police were all called to the scene. Mercy Flight transported the victim to the hospital after landing on the east side of the plaza parking lot.
The scene remained active after the incident itself, which saw four people taken into custody. One person was arrested and the others were detained for questioning, according to authorities.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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