New York State Police say the heavy police presence last night in the area of Monroe Avenue and Woodlawn Street was because a trooper fired his weapon during a pursuit.
Troopers said at a news conference that RPD officers tried to pull over 38-year-old Jerry Ferguson because his headlights were out. Ferguson drove off and the Rochester officers decided not to pursue. But they broadcast what was going on, and State Police who were nearby spotted the fleeing car and gave chase.
Ferguson abandoned his car near Monroe and Woodlawn after cutting through a parking lot and ran away. A trooper’s K-9 partner ran him down and allegedly bit him when Ferguson resisted the dog. A trooper fired a shot which didn’t hit anyone.
Ferguson has been charged with unlawful flight, resisting arrest and driving without a license.
The entire incident is under investigation.