Rochester Police say they made two arrests for driving without a license and detained a person with a gun after a foot chase as young people moved into Northeast Rochester streets after the annual Puerto Rican festival. Police say there were no major incidents.
A police spokeswoman says there were no incidents at the festival itself, where organizers had worked closely with police. But as in past years, young revelers formed impromptu parades, street dances and large car caravans on the way home.
A State Police Helicopter helped Rochester Police track large crowds. Police used the pepper balls, which are similar to pepper spray, to break them up in at least two locations. They also used an LRAD, a “long range acoustic device” also known as a “sound cannon” that produces piercing tones to disperse the crowds.
Police donned helmets later at night as eggs, rocks and bottles were thrown. Some officers reported being hit by paintballs. Nobody was hurt and no police equipment was damaged.