Niagara Falls Police were engaged in routine patrol on July 30th around 5:30pm in the area of Home Depot when officers’ ALPR system alerted them to a vehicle with suspended registration in front of them.
Upon checking the status of the vehicle through EJustice, it was found to have a suspended NYS Registration due to no insurance (suspended since June 21st).
At this point, officers activated the patrol vehicle’s lights and initiated a traffic stop. Officers spoke to the male driver and sole occupant of the vehicle who tried saying that he had just “bought the vehicle from [his] cousin” a few days ago and that is why there was no insurance. That didn't fly with the officers.
When asked to hand over his driver’s license, registration and insurance, he was only able to hand over a license.
Officers then retreated to their patrol vehicle, wrote tickets and requested a tow. When the officer returned to the vehicle, the male stated that the vehicle did have insurance and showed him an email confirming it was purchased just minutes before. The male became dismissive to what officers were saying, stating that he had “corrected everything” and there was no need for all this bullshit.
Granto’s towing did arrive on scene, retrieved the vehicle’s keys and started to load it on the flatbed. Suddenly, the male reached his hands through the driver window and violently grabbed hold of the tow truck operator causing a physical altercation. Officers intervened immediately at which point the male stated he “just wanted more items out of the trunk.”
Due to the male placing his hands on him in a violent manner, the tow truck operator refused to allow him inside of the tow truck or assist in taking him anywhere. Officers asked the male if he would like a taxi or to call for another ride at which point he became hostile. Despite repeated efforts by law enforcement for him to calm down and stop, the male continued to act in an obscene way that became hazardous to drivers in the roadway.
The male was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. No further information is available - Suspect Buys Insurance for Vehicle During Traffic Stop, Becomes Violent When it Doesn't Work.