Tops Friendly Markets gets police substation two years after deadly shooting

Nearly two years after a mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, N.Y., that killed 10 people and wounded three, the grocery chain announced it is partnering with local police to install a police substation at a Tops store in nearby Niagara Falls. 

In a press release, the grocery chain did not mention the mass shooting that took place on May 14, 2022, at the Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, but the grocer did say the goal is to increase police visibility and outreach at the store at 1000 Portage Rd., which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Buffalo location. 

The shooter, Payton Gendron, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

Tops said a ribbon cutting on April 10 at 1 p.m. would mark the opening of the police substation.

“Last year we started discussions with Tops Markets management on how we could assist in enhancing the shopper experience at the Portage Road Tops,” Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said in a press release. “We suggested the placement of a police substation on site and after consideration, Tops agreed that it would be a great addition.”

Tops explained that the substation would not be occupied by police at all times, and the store will still have its own security. 

“Tops was proud to be able to support local law enforcement and the city in their efforts to provide their officers a location in which they can complete paper or computer work, recharge equipment, and engage with community members,” said regional vice president for Tops, Jim Gibson, in a statement.