One Dead, Three Officers Injured in Rochester Domestic Violence Shooting

Fatal Shooting Follows Domestic Violence Call in Rochester

One man was killed and three Rochester police officers were injured after officers responded to a reported domestic violence incident on the 600 block of Chili Avenue in Rochester, New York, at about 10:15 p.m. on Friday, according to Rochester Police Department Chief David Smith.

Smith said at a Saturday briefing that officers were dispatched after a man called police and reported that his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend was attempting to break into her house. The caller told authorities that the ex-boyfriend might have a gun and stated that he was a legal pistol permit holder who was carrying his firearm.

Exchange of Gunfire at Chili Avenue Home

When officers arrived at the home on Chili Avenue, they quickly located the ex-boyfriend along the side of the residence, Smith said. According to Smith, the ex-boyfriend immediately drew a handgun and opened fire on both the officers and the caller.

Smith stated that the suspect, whom he referred to as the ex-boyfriend, fired multiple shots, striking two officers at close range. The caller and the suspect then exchanged gunfire. During that exchange, the caller was shot multiple times. The suspect fled the scene after the shooting, Smith said.

Suspect Killed at Nearby Intersection

Smith reported that another officer located the suspect within minutes at a nearby intersection. The officer ordered the suspect to stop. Smith said the suspect responded by shooting the officer. That officer and additional officers then returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times and killing him.

Injuries to Officers and Caller

According to Smith, one of the officers who was shot at the home sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. This officer was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, underwent surgery, and was listed in critical but stable condition.

Smith said the second officer injured at the home was wearing a ballistic vest and suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and he was reported to be in stable condition.

The officer shot at the nearby intersection was struck in the upper body and suffered serious injuries, Smith said. He was also listed in stable condition.

Smith stated that the caller, who had exchanged gunfire with the suspect, was shot multiple times. The caller was reported to be in serious but non-life-threatening condition.

Treatment and Ongoing Investigations

All three officers and the caller were treated at Strong Memorial Hospital, Smith said. He added that the three officers received life-saving treatment.

Smith noted that the names of those involved were not being released. He said each of the injured officers had fewer than 10 years of service with the Rochester Police Department.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the incident, according to Smith. He said the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, the New York State Attorney General's Office, and the Professional Standard Section are each conducting their own investigations. Smith added that additional information, including body-worn camera footage, will be released when the ongoing investigation allows.