Suspect Arrested in Olean Homicide

Police have released the identity of the shooter

OLEAN – Police have arrested the man they believe to have shot and killed 27 yr-old James Williams early yesterday morning at a South Second Street residence in Olean.

At 10 am this morning divers began searching the Allegheny River basin on a tip from a witness, and later found a ‘long gun’ that was used in the shooting.

Martez Terrell Johnson, 33, of Allegany, has been arrested and is accused of shooting Williams two times. Johnson was charged with second degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm.

Another man, Eric J. Blair, 33, of Buffalo, was visiting Williams and jumped out of a second story window to escape the shooter, and in doing so shattered one of his elbows and an ankle. He was transported by emergency personnel to ECMC where he underwent surgery.

Police did say that the two men knew each other, but did not provide details as far as a motive.