Niagara Falls Man Arrested on Multiple Charges Following Traffic Stop and Foot Pursuit

A 20-year-old Niagara Falls man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop on February 8, 2025, led to a foot pursuit and the discovery of a stolen firearm.

According to New York State Police, Troopers arrested Isaiah B. Hunter on charges of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 5th Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree (loaded firearm), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing Governmental Administration.

The incident unfolded when Troopers were assisting the Niagara Falls Police Department (NFPD) with saturation patrols and attempted to stop a vehicle for Vehicle and Traffic Law violations on Pine Avenue. Before the vehicle could come to a complete stop, the front seat passenger, later identified as Hunter, fled on foot.

After a brief foot pursuit, Troopers located Hunter and took him into custody. The three other occupants of the vehicle were detained without incident by Troopers and NFPD officers.

During the investigation, a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine was found on a nearby rooftop with the help of an NFPD drone. Police determined the firearm had been reported stolen in 2006.

While the arrest was underway, NFPD received a 911 call reporting a robbery involving a PlayStation 5 console in the same area as the traffic stop. Investigators determined that the description of the suspect and weapon matched Hunter. However, no robbery charges were filed, as the victim was familiar with the vehicle’s occupants and declined to pursue charges.

Hunter was transported to the New York State Police barracks in Niagara for processing. The investigation is ongoing.