Monroe County announced increased security for the Civic Center Garage in downtown Rochester, after a 52-year-old man was attacked by a homeless man in front of his wife and nine-year-old son.
The victim and his family were walking back to their car from the Blue Cross Arena when they were approached by 24-year-old Tyrone Oliver, who became aggressive and shouted repeatedly as the family tried to walk away. A good Samaritan stopped his car and tried to give the family a lift away from Oliver, who then attacked and beat the father with a hockey stick he snatched from the open car. The family was able to escape in the good Samaritan’s car and call 911. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Police arrested Oliver, who was arraigned Monday in City Court and pleaded not guilty. According to the Rochester police union, the Locust Club, Oliver has some 30 prior arrests.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said the county will provide 24/7 security in the garage from now on. More and brighter lighting has been installed, more security cameras have been put up and coordination with the Blue Cross arena on security for events will be stepped up.
The plan does not bar the homeless from the garage. They sleep there in the winter because it’s heated. But the county says it will continue outreach to them and expand support systems and treatment to get them into better shelter.
The head of Monroe County Public Safety, Rich Tantalo, said the county won’t force anyone out of the garage, but will come up with a sustainable plan to get them treatment with some sustainability and humanity.