On the evening of June 28, 2022, a 19-year-old male from Buffalo, New York, named Alexy Ortiz, was riding his dirt bike on the Scajaquada Expressway when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred in the westbound lanes near Delaware Avenue, a bustling area that caught the attention of many due to the public nature of the crime. Alongside Ortiz was another man, 21-year-old Luis Mercado, who was also on a dirt bike and was injured in the attack.
According to Buffalo Police, the shooting
did not appear to be a random act of violence; investigators believe that either one or both of the men were targeted. Dashcam footage from a nearby vehicle showed a black vehicle pulling up next to the two dirt bike riders, from which multiple shots were fired. A stray bullet from the incident struck a house on Lincoln Parkway, but fortunately, no one inside was injured. The vehicle carrying the shooter or shooters was last seen exiting the expressway at the Noddingham exit.
While Luis Mercado was treated for his injuries and subsequently released from the hospital, Alexy Ortiz tragically died from his wounds. Following his death, funeral services were held, and he was interred at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The investigation into his death remains active, but as of now, the person or persons responsible for the shooting are still at large, and no arrests have been made.
In an effort to bring the perpetrators to justice, Crime Stoppers Western New York has offered a reward of up to $7,500 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of those responsible for the death of Alexy Ortiz. They have urged citizens with any information to come forward, providing several anonymous ways to submit tips, including a dedicated phone line and a mobile app. The case continues to be an open homicide investigation.
