State Assemblyman David Gantt says he continues to recover from whiplash following a car crash last week.
- Assemblyman Gantt involved in car crash
- Police report says he was distracted and ran a stop sign
- Both drivers were ticketed
Gantt told Spectrum News on Thursday the media needs to show the whole picture, saying, “The police filled out a report, it was an accident and I don't know what more you guys want."
Since the Rochester Police Department released body cam video from the scene of last week’s crash involving Gantt, social media has lit up with comments and questions.
"Whether you agree, or disagree, everyone is entitled to a mistake. I mean we all have accidents from time to time," said Rochester resident Rosaline Waters.
According to the police report, Gantt became distracted and drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Central Park and First Street, striking a van.
Police also say he tested negative for alcohol. When asked about that distraction, Gantt said, "I never said that to anybody. It's shenanigans.”
In a phone conversation with Gantt, he said he can remember exactly what happened and said he was heading home from his brother's house and that he did stop at two stop signs.
"I think it's a very sad day in our city and in our community when people use this opportunity to try and discredit and try to demean and try to bring someone down," said Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, who was at the crash scene last Thursday evening.
The chaotic crash video was unsettling to see for a young mother who was concerned about the children injured in the crash. Their injuries were minor.
"It was a very messy, bad situation and we should just make sure something like that wouldn't happen again," said Victoria Okung, of Rochester.
Gantt said he will appear in court next week for the traffic violation. The driver of the van was ticketed for driving without a license.