Rochester Police Officer Recovering After Shooting; Suspect Dies by Suicide

A Rochester police officer is recovering after being shot early Friday morning whereas responding to a call regarding a recent shooting. The suspect involved in the incident died by suicide after a brief manhunt, according to Rochester Police Department officials.

Details of the Incident

The officer was shot around 1 a.m. Near Lake and Driving Park avenues while attempting to speak with a man about a separate shooting that had recently occurred in the city [RochesterFirst]. As the officer exited a marked patrol vehicle, the man allegedly pulled a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the officer at least once in the lower body [USA Today], [Spectrum News].

Rapid Response and Medical Care

Demonstrating quick thinking, the injured officer applied a tourniquet to his own wound. A fellow officer then transported him to Rochester General Hospital [USA Today]. Dr. Keith Grams, executive medical director of emergency medicine for Rochester Regional Health, described the officer’s care as a “best-case scenario,” citing the rapid application of the tourniquet and swift transport to the hospital [USA Today].

Suspect Located and Outcome

A search for the suspect ensued, and approximately four hours after the shooting, a drone located him hiding behind a building roughly a quarter mile from the initial scene [Spectrum News]. Authorities reported that the suspect took his own life before he could be apprehended [Spectrum News].

Officer’s Condition and Recovery

As of Saturday morning, the officer had been discharged from Rochester General Hospital and expressed gratitude for the care he received [Rochester Regional Health]. Police Chief David Smith stated the officer is “stable” and expected to make a full recovery, and is currently with his family [USA Today]. The officer, who has been with the department for one year, will be on medical leave for the foreseeable future [RochesterFirst].

Pattern of Violence Against RPD Officers

Rochester Police Chief David Smith noted that this incident marks the fourth time an RPD officer has been shot in the line of duty in the last three months [Spectrum News].