ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — New York State Attorney General Letita James’ Office of Special Investigation released its report into the shooting death of Daniel Legler Tuesday. It determined no criminal charges should be pursued against the New York State Trooper who killed him.
Legler, 35, was shot by Trooper Dominick Caito in August 2023 after a police chase which started on I-490 West near Innovative Field ended in a crash near Rochester Tech Park.
Investigators said Legler did not stop when troopers tried to pull him over for an expired license plate. Police chased his car until he hit a rail, jumped a curb, and crashed into a field in Gates.
Body camera footage released last year shows Caito ordering Legler to stay in his car, saying, “I have K9. K9 will get you.” When Legler exits the car, Caito tells him to stay inside, saying he is at gunpoint.
Watch the full video ( contains explicit language and graphic images )
Caito demands to see Legler’s hands, warning him that he will be tased. Legler drops to the ground, at which point Caito tells him to roll over onto his chest. When Legler begins to sit up, Caito pushes him back, again commanding him to roll over and warning him that he will be tased.