LPD frustrated by shooting probe

Local News

August 28, 2010

Detectives said prime suspect is not cooperative with authorities

By Britney Milazzo Lockport Union-Sun & Journal The Lockport Union-Sun %26 Journal Sat Aug 28, 2010, 01:49 AM EDT

LOCKPORT — Skepticism about a possible shooting suspect — a security guard at Casa Montego Club — are flying high with Lockport police, Capt. Rick Podgers said Friday.

“We’re not even sure what to call his job title. I’m not even sure what this guy is,” Podgers said. “The owner hardly knew him. No one even knew his name initially; only that he would guard the front door on an occasional Friday.”

Podgers said investigators are looking to question the security guard, from Buffalo, identified as “Dave” who has been “less than forthcoming with information.”

“Right now though, he’s a person of interest,” Podgers said. “We just want to ask him a few questions.”

Earlier this month, an accidental gun shot went off from a stall in the men’s rest room of Casa Montego Club injuring two.

Podgers said after the incident, unless someone secretly brought a gun into the club, then the owner and the security guard are their only suspects.

“They have tight security there,” Podgers said after the incident. “Bouncers frisk all men, and women are put through metal detectors before they enter. It’s hard enough to bring in a pocketknife, let alone a gun.”

Podgers said the club owner, Al Davis, turned in his gun to police right after the shooting.

“His gun may not be ruled out,” Podgers said.

However Davis reportedly told police his gun was not the one accidentally fired. Ballistics on his gun are currently being tested.

Podgers said the one bullet retrieved by police went through a wall, which struck one female and one male victim standing near each other in a small hallway near the bar rest rooms around 2:45 a.m. Police said the bullet entered and exited the male victim’s arm, then struck the woman next to him.

The unidentified female victim was transported to Eastern Niagara Hospital-Lockport by Lockport Fire Department ambulance. From there, she was taken to Erie County Medical Center, where she was treated and released. The male victim was also transported to Eastern Niagara Hospital-Lockport for treatment of the arm wound.

Police said once the suspect is identified, the suspect could be charged with reckless endangerment, and the suspect’s pistol permit could be revoked, upon other charges for lack of cooperation.

Bail hiked for man charged for disrupting investigation

One man arrested after the shooting for disrupting Lockport police’s investigation was remanded to the Niagara County Jail on $10,000 bail after a Niagara County Court judge said Thursday the man had two previous felony convictions.

Steven R. Martin, 41, 325 Michigan Court, Apt. B, was charged with obstruction of governmental administration, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, third- and fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.

While police were investigating the shooting at Casa Montego Club, Martin — who is not a suspect in the shooting — allegedly began to yell obscenities at officers. Martin was told to “move along,” but continued to use vulgar language. As an officer was interviewing a witness, Martin allegedly grabbed the witness by the arm and said: “He don’t gotta say (expletive) to you.”

According to a report, Martin faced the officer in an aggressive stance and refused to be handcuffed, and was then secured to the ground by police.

A clear plastic baggy with cocaine was found where Martin was on the ground. A hand-rolled cigarette containing marijuana was also found, police said.

In addition, Lashondra M. Sanders, 25, 830 17th St., Niagara Falls, was charged with obstruction of governmental administration.

According to a report, Sanders attempted to start a fight with other patrons in the parking lot as officers were attempting to interview them. Sanders was taken into custody with the use of pepper spray.

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