Niagara Falls man arrested on Thruway for DWI and weapon possession

On November 7, 2026, members of State Police Troop T, SP Buffalo and Troop A Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Rudolph I. Franklin, 41, of Niagara Falls, New York for driving while intoxicated and a felony weapon charge.

At approximately 4:15 a.m. on November 7, troopers from SP Buffalo responded to a one-vehicle crash on the New York State Thruway (I-190) northbound in the town of Tonawanda. Upon arrival, troopers observed signs of impairment in the operator, identified as Franklin. Troopers located a loaded five-shot revolver and 80 rounds of ammunition at the scene. Further investigation revealed that Franklin is a current parolee on a felony conviction.

Franklin was processed at SP Buffalo and charged with the following:

• Criminal possession of a weapon, 2^nd degree – loaded firearm (felony) 

• Driving while intoxicated, 1^st offense (misdemeanor)

• Drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle on a highway (misdemeanor)

• Obstructing governmental administration, 2^nd degree (misdemeanor)

• Vehicle and traffic law violations 

Franklin was arraigned in Tonawanda Town Court and remanded to the Erie County Holding Center pending a return court date of November 12. 

https://troopers.ny.gov/news/niagara-falls-man-arrested-thruway-dwi-and-weapon-possession