A public art display of some 19 murals on exterior walls of buildings on an alley between the 400 block of Third Street and Ferry Avenue has been renamed “Art Alley”.
As an unfortunate coincidence of the unveiling of this new and artistic alley – and in keeping with Niagara Falls‘ designation as the most violent crime riddled city in New York State – at around 6:30 p.m., on Saturday October 22, while covering the event, a News 4 photographer and a reporter were assaulted by four men who demanded money and the expensive TV 4 camera.
While they resisted giving up the camera, the photographer was taken to the hospital with injuries: a black eye, cuts and bruises, a facial fracture and he needed stitches inside of his mouth. The reporter, Nick Quattrini, suffered minor injuries after they were cornered in the alley by the four men who threatened them with a gun.
The photographer captured at least one of the assh*les on camera and shortly afterward the Niagara Falls Police arrested Evan Stafford, 26, charging him with assault and attempted robbery in connection with the incident.
Quattrini posted a video on his Facebook page. And identifies Stafford as the one shown being arrested by police.
Enjoy the artwork in the alley.
