Buffalo Man Arrested After Accidental Girl Shooting

A 37-year-old man faces six criminal charges after an 11-year-old girl was wounded on East Lovejoy Street.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Accidents

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Buffalo police arrested 37-year-old Ernesto Ramos-Lopez following a shooting that wounded an 11-year-old girl on East Lovejoy Street. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Buffalo police have arrested 37-year-old Ernesto Ramos-Lopez following the accidental shooting of an 11-year-old girl on the 900 block of E. Lovejoy Street. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to her arm and chest but is expected to survive.

Why it matters

The incident highlights local concerns regarding firearm safety and the dangers posed by illegally possessed weapons within residential neighborhoods. Authorities are moving forward with multiple charges related to child endangerment and improper storage.

Ernesto Ramos-Lopez faces six charges including criminal possession of a weapon and child endangerment. The investigation involves the recovery of a defaced Luger 9x19mm Parabellum handgun and suspected crack cocaine.

The players

Ernesto Ramos-Lopez

He is the 37-year-old suspect arrested by Buffalo police in connection with the shooting.

ECMC

This is a major medical facility in Buffalo that provides trauma care to the community.

The details

The victim was transported to ECMC in a private vehicle after suffering wounds to her chest and arm. Police allege the suspect failed to safely store the illegally possessed firearm, leading to the shooting.

Timeline

  1. October 14, 2026: The shooting occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m.

Legal Context

This case follows a pattern of local enforcement regarding New York Safe Act firearm storage requirements. Such incidents demonstrate how authorities prioritize the prosecution of illegal weapon possession to deter further violence.

Residents in the area should remain aware of local safety advisories as the investigation into the weapon recovery continues. The incident highlights the critical importance of secure firearm storage for community safety.

The takeaway

Securing firearms is essential to preventing accidental injuries, particularly when children are present in a home. Gun owners are reminded to follow all state guidelines regarding the storage of weapons to avoid legal consequences and protect lives.

Further reading

For more information on local safety efforts, visit the Buffalo accidents news section.