Two Rochester police officers have been suspended without pay and may be facing criminal charges for allegedly using excessive force in a case of mistaken identity.
The officers could lose their jobs depending on disciplinary proceedings that are part of the department’s internal investigation.
Both Mayor Lovely Warren and Police Chief Michael Ciminelli apologized on behalf of the city to 37-year-old Christopher Pate of Rochester. Pat was stopped on Fulton Avenue in May by officers who thought he looked like a wanted suspect. Although Pate gave his ID to the officers he was handcuffed, shot with a Taser and beaten.
Chief Ciminelli and the Mayor said in a news conference that after watching body camera video, they believe the officers’ conduct rises to the level of possible criminal charges.