BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Erie County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance locating a suspect who allegedly threw a gas grenade at a patrol vehicle.
According to the sheriff's office around 6:15 p.m. on January 24 a deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop along Route 438 on the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Cattaraugus Territories. The suspect refused to pull over and tossed a non-lethal chemical grenade at the patrol vehicle.
Officials say powder residue from the gas grenade entered the cabin of the patrol vehicle and caused a reaction, the pursuit was terminated. The vehicle was last observed traveling west on Route 438.
The sheriff's office released the following description of the suspects vehicle:
"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 is asked to contact the sheriff's office at (716) 858-2903 and refer to CL 21-005921.
The deputy was transported to an area hospital and later released.
