Gates, N.Y. - Travaris Johnson, who turns 27 on Thursday, hid his face from 13WHAM News cameras as he entered Gates Town Court Wednesday afternoon.
Johnson was apprehended on Friday following a police chase that began at a home in Gates and ended on North Clinton Avenue in the City of Rochester. 13WHAM News cameras were in a position to capture exclusive video of his arrest as the chase ended.
Johnson was charged with reckless endangerment and a multitude of traffic crimes for his alleged role in that chase.
At the scene of his capture Gates Police told the media that Johnson was one of two suspects they were seeking in an early morning robbery and homicide on Chili Avenue. A press release a day later called Johnson a “suspect in this investigation,” but noted that two other suspects were still being sought.
The robbery and shooting happened outside a sneaker shop on Chili Avenue where the victim, Montre Bradley, 19, was waiting with others for the release of a new pair of expensive Nike sneakers. Witnesses and police said two suspects were seen approaching those in line waiting and robbing them of cash or valuables.
Bradley was shot in the stomach during an altercation, and died hours later at the hospital according to relatives and police.
Johnson’s suspected role in Bradley’s death is still a mystery based on court documents and a lack of information flowing from the Gates Police Department at this time. Immediately following his capture, Gates Police told media outlets that a second suspect was in Johnson’s vehicle when the pursuit began, but somehow eluded capture and his whereabouts where unknown.
In court documents related to Johnson’s arrest on reckless endangerment charges there is no mention of any other persons in his vehicle, nor is there any indication of any link to the robbery and homicide earlier that day.
In court Johnson’s appearance was brief and the matter was waived to Grand Jury.
Johnson’s lawyer, James Brown, said his client has family support and is a very friendly person. Brown said he could not comment on the specifics of the case, given that he has just been retained in the matter.
