Rochester, N.Y. — Three police officers were shot while responding to a domestic call Friday night in the city’s 19th Ward, according to Chief David Smith of the Rochester Police Department.
Officers responded around 10:15 p.m. to a home on Chili Avenue for a report of a domestic incident, Smith said.
At least one suspect fired several gunshots toward the responding officers, and at least one of the officers returned fire, according to Captain Greg Bello.
Bello said the suspect fled the scene, and another shooting took place a short time later nearby on Thurston Road.
A total of three officers were struck by gunfire and all of them were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, Bello said.
RPD Saturday Morning Press Conference
In a press conference held Saturday morning, Smith said that one officer was shot multiple times and saved by his ballistic vest. His injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. Another underwent surgery and is in critical but stable condition, and the third who was shot on Arnett Boulevard and Thurston Road is in serious but stable condition.
A victim was shot multiple times and is in serious condition but their injuries are considered non-life-threatening at this time.
The suspect died at the scene, and there is no outstanding threat to the public, according to Smith.
Both the suspect and victim were in possession of weapons.
“This is always our biggest nightmare during this time of the year,” Mayor Malik Evans said during a media briefing at the scene. “Right now, I ask everyone to pray for these officers.”
Rochester Police Chief David Smith and Mayor Malik Evans brief members of the media after three officers were shot on the city’s north side, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (Video by Daniel Finkelstein/WHAM)
This remains and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
