Officers Respond to Domestic Call
Three police officers in Rochester, New York, were shot and wounded on Friday night, December 19, 2025, after responding to a domestic violence incident. The event unfolded around 10:15 p.m. on Chili Avenue, following a 911 call from a man reporting his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend was attempting to break into her home and potentially armed. The caller also informed dispatchers he possessed a legal firearm permit and was carrying a pistol.
Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, identified as the ex-boyfriend, along the side of the house. According to Rochester Police Chief David Smith, the suspect 'immediately pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots from close range toward the officers and the victim, striking two officers.'
Exchange of Gunfire and Suspect's Death
During the initial confrontation, two officers were hit. One officer sustained multiple gunshots to the upper body but was protected from more severe injury by a ballistic vest. The second officer was shot in the upper body and was initially listed in critical but stable condition. The suspect also exchanged gunfire with the man who called 911, shooting him multiple times.
The suspect then fled the scene but was located within minutes by another officer near the intersection of Arnett Boulevard and Thurston Road. When ordered to stop, the suspect fired at this third officer, striking him once in the upper body. That officer and others on the scene returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times and killing him at the location.
Conditions of the Wounded and Ongoing Investigation
All three wounded officers received 'life-saving treatment' and were reported to be in stable condition. One officer underwent surgery and is in critical but stable condition, while the other two sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The man who made the initial 911 call was also hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds, described as serious but non-life-threatening. Police officials did not release the names of the officers involved, noting that each had fewer than 10 years on the force. The identity of the deceased suspect has also not been released.
Rochester Police Chief David Smith emphasized the dedication of the officers, stating, 'Actually going out and risking your life like our officers did last night is a completely different level of dedication.' Rochester Mayor Malik Evans also issued a statement, expressing gratitude for the officers' heroism and highlighting the public crisis of domestic violence.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, the New York State Attorney General's Office, and the Professional Standard Section. Body-worn camera footage related to the shooting will be released at a later date, 'when the investigation allows.'
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