Gunman Wounds Three Rochester Police Officers in Late-Night Shootout, Dies After Exchange of Fire

|By Adekunle Adejumo

Three Rochester police officers were shot and wounded late Friday night after a gunman opened fire as officers responded to a reported attempted break-in at a private residence on Chili Avenue.

Officers from the Rochester Police Department’s Genesee Division rushed to the 600 block of Chili Avenue at about 10:15 p.m. following a 911 call reporting that a man was trying to force his way into his former girlfriend’s home. Police said the caller warned dispatchers that the suspect was a licensed handgun owner and could be armed.

Rochester Police Chief David Smith told reporters on Saturday that officers encountered the suspect outside the residence on arrival. As they moved in, the man allegedly fired at close range without warning, striking two officers.

A gun battle erupted, during which the 911 caller—who police said was armed—was also hit several times after discharging his weapon. The suspect fled the scene but was tracked a few blocks away, where he shot a third responding officer, Smith said.

Additional officers confronted the suspect and returned fire, striking him multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released his identity.

Providing an update on the injured officers, Smith said one officer sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and is in stable condition. A second officer, also shot in the upper body, underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical but stable condition. The third officer suffered serious injuries and is listed as stable.

The 911 caller remains hospitalized in serious but non-life-threatening condition, police said.

Authorities have withheld the identities of the officers involved as investigations into the incident continue.