PERRYSBURG — A shooting on Cattaraugus Indian Territory left two men dead and one injured Sunday night following an earlier argument between the individuals involved.
New York State Police responded to Whites Drive in Perrysburg at approximately 11:27 p.m. Aug. 4 for reports of a shooting.
Tylin O. Thomas Jr., 18, of Perrysburg, shot at a 2012 Buick Verano with an AK-47 style weapon while standing on Whites Drive, according to investigators.
The vehicle was occupied by Ryan A. Mohawk, 23, of Perrysburg, who was driving, and passenger Caleb H. Stafford, 23, of Perrysburg.
Thomas fatally struck Mohawk and injured Stafford in the shooting.
Thomas then took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Stafford drove the vehicle to a nearby residence to contact law enforcement.
The investigation revealed the individuals had argued earlier in the day and all had consumed alcohol when the incident occurred.
Autopsies conducted at Olean General Hospital ruled Mohawk’s death a homicide and Thomas’ death a suicide.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the investigation, including the NYSP Forensic Identification Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Seneca Nation Marshal’s Office, Gowanda Police Department and Cattaraugus County District Attorney’s Office.
