Rochester Police Union Speaks Out After Officers Injured

Two Rochester police officers were injured while attempting to break up a brawl over the weekend. Rochester Police Union President speaks out about the community’s increasing aggression and antagonism towards the RPD.

Around 9 p.m. on Saturday night more than 50 Rochester police officers were called to the scene of a brawl at the Danforth Community Center on West avenue. The original call made to police was regarding a large party consisting of nearly 200 teens and young adults. By the time officers arrived to the scene not only had a brawl begun, but there was an unconscious woman on the ground and there were reports of a man with a gun.

In the midst of the chaos two officers were injured, one was struck in the face by a rock that was thrown by a minor, and the cause of the other officer’s injuries are still unknown. The minor was taken into custody and both officers were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Chief of Police, Mark Simmons, and the Union President, Mike Mazzeo, both stated that the crowd was disrespectful, combative, and aggressive toward responding officers.