Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard is seeking to identify a male subject who deployed a gas grenade during a vehicle pursuit.
On January 24 at approximately 6:15 p.m., a Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop along Route 438 on the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Cattaraugus Territories. The vehicle refused to pull over, and the operator tossed a non-lethal chemical grenade at the patrol vehicle. Powder residue from the gas grenade entered the vehicle’s cabin, causing a reaction. Due to Deputy’s discomfort and safety issues, they terminated the pursuit. The vehicle was last observed traveling westbound on Rte. 438, and Deputies believe the truck was heading west along the route before the attempted traffic stop.
Sheriff’s Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle, operator, and persons associated with the incident. The vehicle is described as an older model white pickup truck, possibly a Dodge, towing a trailer. The trailer is a black tandem-axle utility trailer with round tubing railings carrying an older model ATV and several tires. The trailer did not have a ramp or gate, and the rear passenger tail light was missing. Also, the trailer’s plate appeared to be from a different state.
Anyone with information about the truck, trailer, or operator is urged to call the Erie County Sheriff’s Office at 716.858.2903 and refer to CL 21-005921. The Sheriff’s Office is also asking area businesses and residents along the highway to review security footage and share any images showing a truck matching the description with Detectives.
Seneca Nation EMS transported the Deputy to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment. The Deputy was later released from the hospital.
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