Kevin D. Carignan 
Posted on: Dec 21, 2021, 1:35 a.m.
Last update on: December 21, 2021, 01:47 a.m.
Security at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino responded last Friday to an unapproved filming of a video clip atop the resort parking lot. The incident occurred at around 4:45 p.m. local time after passers-by reported that one of the individuals brandished a gun.
Casino security at the Niagara Falls Tribal Casino in New York State called police after observing six people filming a video clip and one of the people holding a gun. Once police arrived, a suspect allegedly threw the gun off the roof of the garage, nearly hitting the security guards standing below. The weapon in question was confiscated by the police.
The Niagara Falls Police Department arrested Markiez A. Davis, 22, on three criminal charges. They include second and third degree criminal possession of a weapon, the two felonies, and a misdemeanor charge of reckless danger.
The New York law firm of Stephen Bilkis & Associates says a conviction for second degree criminal possession of a weapon carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree is a Class C felony. Because it is also classified as a violent crime, the minimum prison sentence is three and a half years ”, the law firm said.
No business interruption
Niagara Falls Police said the six people claimed they were just shooting a music video for Davis, who goes by the stage name “King Duke”. But as most players know, the casino is still filming too.
After reviewing the property surveillance video, police determined that the gun found on the sidewalk under the parking lot was thrown there by those involved in the filming of the rap video. Police said the vehicle belonging to the group also had “a large amount of cash hidden in the trunk.” An unspecified amount of marijuana was also seized from the vehicle.
The police did not say whether charges would be brought against the other five.
The incident occurred without disrupting the operations of the Seneca Niagara Casino within or elsewhere within the complex. The casino is the largest of the Seneca Nation gaming properties in upstate New York.
Seneca Niagara offers over 2,500 slot machines, 60 table games and a bookmaker. The resort overlooks Niagara Falls National Park and offers 604 guest rooms, eight restaurants, meeting and wedding venues, a spa, and shopping.
In local criminal news, a Niagara Falls man was sentenced this week to four years in prison for his involvement in a 2019 shooting outside the Seneca Niagara Casino. Julian Seright, 40, will spend the next four years in prison after pleading guilty to second degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Required licenses
Police said Davis or others around him were unable to provide a license for the gun. With limited exceptions, New York law requires people who own a handgun or pistol to obtain a state-issued license.
Only New York residents with valid residency documents can apply for such privileges. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have no previous felony or serious offense convictions, be of good character, and have a legally recognized reason for wanting to purchase and own a firearm.
