New York State Police investigators are still trying to figure out who fired gunshots at a former Niagara County Legislature candidate earlier this month while he was driving his vehicle on the Niagara Section of the I-190 near Buffalo.
In a statement issued in response to questions from the newspaper, New York State Police Sgt. Jack Keller said investigators have made progress in identifying the vehicle involved in the shooting of Dante Richardson, a Republican who lost last year’s race in the legislature’s Sixth District to Niagara Falls firefighter and endorsed Democrat Sam Faruggia.
Keller described the investigation of the incident as “ongoing and open,” adding that state police do not believe, at this stage, that it was drug-related. Keller also said investigators have experienced what he described as “limited cooperation” as they have worked to establish the facts in the case.
“Based on the information currently available, there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public,” Keller said. “Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and will pursue appropriate enforcement action as the investigation develops.”
Richardson suffered three gunshot wounds during the drive-by shooting, which occurred at around 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 12. Reports indicated that a Chevy Impala, driven by Richardson and with a female passenger who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was traveling north on the I-190 between the Ontario Street exit (14) and Sheridan Drive exit (15) of the thruway when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up alongside and a gunman fired multiple rounds into the driver’s side of the car.
Two rounds penetrated the driver’s side door, just below the door handle, and a third entered the car by the front edge of the rear driver’s side door. Multiple shots hit Richardson, but he was able to keep control of his vehicle.
Police said when Richardson complained of losing feeling in his legs, his passenger was able to climb on top of him and continue to drive the Impala toward the Falls. The passenger also called Falls police 911 operators to alert them to the shooting.
The passenger reportedly told dispatchers she was unfamiliar with the area where the shooting took place and was driving to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center because it was the only facility she knew how to locate. When Richardson and the passenger arrived at NFMMC, Falls police and investigators were waiting for them. Falls investigators secured Richardson’s car and turned evidence from inside the vehicle over to the state police.
Keller said state police have not released any photos or license plate information about any suspected vehicle or other details publicly, a move he described as “intentional” based on “investigative considerations,” including the need to locate and interview involved individuals without compromising the integrity of the case.
“While we are aware of reporting and speculation from various outlets citing unnamed sources, we caution against relying on unverified claims. The investigation is being taken seriously and continues to be actively worked in coordination with state police resources in Western New York and beyond,” Keller said.
“As with any active investigation, additional information will be released when it is appropriate and will not jeopardize ongoing efforts,” he added.
The Niagara Gazette previously reported that law enforcement sources described Richardson as being uncooperative when police arrived at NFMMC on the day of the incident. Richardson denies the assertion.
In an interview with the newspaper on Wednesday, he said he told investigators he believes the people who shot him may be connected to a previous place of employment. Law enforcement officials have not substantiated his claim.
Richardson also denies reports published by the local website Niagara Action, which, citing a “source familiar with the investigation,” referred to the main suspect in the case as a “known drug dealer.”
“I’m not involved in any wrongdoing,” he said. “I don’t sell drugs. I literally was at the bar with my girlfriend and her friend. I was at a bar with two females and we were driving back home and I was targeted and I was shot.”
Richardson said one of the bullets went through his hip and traveled near his spine, causing nerve damage in his left leg, which he said he “can’t use” right now. He said another bullet entered his abdomen and a third went through his elbow, breaking his left arm.
Richardson said he expects to remain hospitalized for at least another six weeks while he continues rehabilitation for his leg and other injuries. He said he’s hopeful he will regain use of his leg and the ability to walk again in time.
He described the immediate aftermath of the shooting as chaotic, adding that he and the passengers in the vehicle called 911 seven times and, in a couple of instances, lost connection or were told by police they were unable to help. He said he’s not sure what would have happened had one of the female passengers not taken the wheel when she did.
“I’m lucky to be alive,” he said.