Lockport man charged in connection with shots fired

Kenneth W. Houghton, Jr., 31, 6 Walnut St., Apt. 2, Lockport was charged Wednesday with second-degree assault, fourth-degree conspiracy, third-degree criminal mischief, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree menacing, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree criminal use of a firearm.

Lockport Police responded to the area of Genesee Street for a report of shots fired around 10 p.m. Dec. 25.

When patrol arrived, it was learned that the outside of 107 Genesee St., Apt. 3 had been struck with what appeared to be a large caliber shotgun slug.

The slug penetrated the exterior porch wall on the west side of the house and was recovered under the siding. The bullet traveled through the building and room at about nine feet.

Upon further investigation the round appeared to have been fired from the area of 119 Genesee St.

While checking the outside, three parties could be observed standing in the lower apartment.

Two of these parties were later identified as Houghton and Jerry Incorvaia.

Patrol established a perimeter outside of 119 Genesee St. Incorvaia was seen attempting to leave the rear of the residence. Upon seeing patrol the three parties allegedly refused to open the door and remained inside.

A loaded single shot 12-gage shotgun was found inside of the rear door of the residence in plain view. It was later learned the shot was fired for the recovered gun.

Patrol continued to hold the perimeter with the assistance of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department and New York State police.

Contact was made via cell phone with the three parties inside, whom eventually turned themselves over to patrol without incident.

According to police, motive is still being investigated but is believe to be drug use/dealing possibly in the form of a rip off.

Incorvaia, 37, 6 Walnut St., Apt. 2, Lockport was also charged with fourth-degree conspiracy and criminal possession.

No one was injured related to the gun shot, but $500 in damage was done to the building.

Detective Kevin Schrader suffered a broken thumb, which resulted from a struggle with Houghton.