20-Year-Old Suspect Arrested in Jets’ Boyd Shooting
An intensive manhunt concluded with the arrest of a 20-year-old male suspect linked to the shooting of New York Jets player Kris Boyd. This development was confirmed by law enforcement agencies on Tuesday. The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed as he was taken into custody near the University of Buffalo North Campus in Amherst, New York, on Monday morning.
Incident Overview
Kris Boyd, 29, was shot in the abdomen during an altercation outside a restaurant in Manhattan on November 16 at approximately 2 a.m. Initially in critical but stable condition, Boyd had a bullet lodged in his lung. He was released from the hospital and made a surprise visit to the Jets’ facility last Wednesday, making a positive impression on his teammates.
Suspect’s Capture
According to the U.S. Marshals, the suspect tried to evade capture by leaving the New York City area. Authorities tracked him down in the Buffalo region, leading to a tense standoff at a local apartment complex. Early on Monday morning, the U.S. Marshals Service and the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force identified the suspect in a second-floor apartment.
- The suspect was seen looking for an escape route.
- He retreated inside upon spotting authorities and a canine officer.
- After a brief standoff, he exited the apartment with his hands raised.
Physical Changes and Investigation
Authorities reported that the suspect altered his physical appearance, likely to avoid identification. The investigation is still ongoing, particularly regarding the firearm used in the shooting, which has yet to be recovered.
Kris Boyd’s Journey
Boyd joined the Jets on a one-year, $1.6 million contract after stints with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during training camp. Known for his special teams contributions, Boyd participated in a special teams meeting last week, where he engaged with teammates, despite using a walker for assistance.
Boyd had previously shared on social media about returning to the hospital due to ongoing health issues. His recovery and return to the team have been met with enthusiasm from both teammates and coaching staff as they rally around him during this difficult time.
