Rochester, N.Y. - Rochester police released new details Tuesday about an officer-involved shooting downtown.
The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at a Volunteers of America housing facility, the Cooper Union building, at 119 State Street. The facility contains 44 apartments occupied by the previously homeless.
Rochester Police say four officers were assisting a court marshal with an eviction from the housing facility when a conflict arose with the suspect.
Chief James Sheppard confirmed the suspect threw bleach at the officers.
We’re told the officers fired multiple shots, striking the suspect at least once. We’re told his injuries are not life-threatening.
When asked if this tenant had been a problem, Doug Stark of Volunteers of America replied “Not troubled, per say, other than he’s being evicted and didn’t want to be.” Stark went on to clarify that the tenant had not paid his rent.
Meanwhile, those near by wondered what was happening. “It was like nothing I've ever seen,” said Jim Staffieri, owner of the Pizza Stop, in reference to the number of officers at the scene.
The four officers assisting the court marshal also suffered minor injuries. No word yet how they were hurt. They were all transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.
Criminal and internal investigations are underway.
