01-03-2025
Buffalo woman faces gun charges after investigation
A Buffalo woman was taken into custody on a weapons charge after Niagara Falls police recovered two guns while investigating a domestic incident in the 6800 block of Niagara Falls Boulevard.
Melina Ortiz, 32, was charged with two felony counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Falls patrol officers said they had been called to the area at 1:18 p.m. Wednesday to investigate a complaint that the son of a boyfriend of a woman was trying to take her car. During the investigation, officers said they saw Ortiz leave the area and then return a few minutes later.
Police said Ortiz appeared nervous and could not explain where she had gone. The Falls officers said they checked several nearby locations and requested assistance from a New York State Park Police K-9.
Park Police K-9 'Arno' reportedly alerted to the presence of guns and/or ammunition in the area of a nearby motel and restaurant. Video captured by security cameras at a nearby coffee shop showed Ortiz had walked to the area where the K-9 had alerted.
Officers said they searched the area and located a Smith & Wesson revolver and a Glock pistol, along with a magazine and ammunition, in a tipped-over garbage tote.
