Update from University Police on Friday’s tragic incident on North Campus

BUFFALO, N.Y. - University at Buffalo Police continue to investigate the fatal stabbing that occurred at Moody Terrace roadway near Richmond Quad (Ellicott Complex) on North Campus Friday evening.

(Read President Satish K. Tripathi's message to campus.)

University Police investigators have made significant progress in the investigation and believe this was a targeted act of violence, stressing there is no ongoing danger to the university community. Initial accounts provided by witnesses indicate this incident likely stemmed from a physical altercation between several individuals who most likely knew each other.

Police have identified the victim as Tyler Lewis, a 19-year-old male from Baldwin, N.Y., and a student at Buffalo State College, a sister SUNY institution.

Police have also identified a person of interest in the case and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating and identifying the individual.

Witnesses report the person of interest had significant facial injuries and was in the area at the time this incident occurred, but left the area driving a black 4-door sedan.

He is described as a white male, between 19 and 22 years of age, light brown hair, medium build, and approximately 5’5” to 5’9” in height.  Subject was wearing a mustard-colored shirt that was covered in blood. The subject had several cuts on his face, including a large diagonal laceration across his forehead.

Anyone with information about the incident or the person of interest is urged to contact University Police immediately at 716-645-2222.

“I understand news of last night’s incident is very upsetting, but I want to reassure our community that our campuses are extremely safe,” UB Police Chief Chris Bartolomei said. “To be clear, this does not appear to be a random act of violence, but rather a targeted incident between known individuals. Our officers and investigators are working around the clock with local law enforcement partners to bring the individuals involved to justice. We appreciate the UB students and community members who have already come forward with information helpful to the investigation.”

As a precaution, University Police have increased patrolling on campus.