State Police released more information Tuesday on the vehicle pursuit that ended with an officer-involved shooting Sunday night in the city of Rochester.
Trooper Dominck Caito attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a 1995 Cadillac for vehicle and traffic violations on Interstate 490 westbound near Innovative Field. The driver of the Cadillac, 25-year-old Daniel Legler, of Chili, NY, allegedly failed to comply and a pursuit ensued, continuing west on I-490 to State Route 531 in the town of Gates. That’s where Legler exited at Rochester Tech Park, struck a guide rail, jumped a curb, and drove into a field.
After he exited the vehicle, Legler is accused of failing to obey several verbal commands from the trooper. As he was being placed into custody, Legler allegedly shot one round from his handgun near the trooper. A 9-year veteran of the New York State Police, Trooper Caito then shot his issued firearm, striking and fatally injuring Legler, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. Trooper Caito was medically treated and released from the scene.
Pursuant to Executive Law Section 70-b, the New York State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident in conjunction with the New York State Police.
