A 46-year-old man fired his legally owned firearm at a group of teens driving stolen vehicles after they attempted to run him down, injuring one teen. The incident is under investigation, and the man has not been charged.
ROCHESTER, NY (2-minute read) — A tense confrontation on Wednesday afternoon led to a 46-year-old man opening fire on a group of teens after they allegedly drove their vehicles toward him in a threatening manner.
According to police, the man initially approached the teens, who were occupying a Kia and a Hyundai, both later identified as stolen, on Norton Village Lane. The man reportedly inquired about their presence in the area, likely concerned about suspicious activity.
The situation escalated when the teens, who had momentarily left the scene, returned and drove their vehicles directly at the man. Fearing for his safety, the man drew his legally registered .45-caliber handgun and fired multiple rounds at the oncoming vehicles, causing them to flee the scene.
The aftermath of the incident unfolded when police received a call around 3:30 p.m. reporting a 17-year-old boy who had been shot on South Union Street. Officers determined that the teen was struck by the gunfire during the earlier incident on Norton Village Lane. The injured teen was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, though they were not considered life-threatening.
Further investigation led officers to recover both the stolen Kia and Hyundai near the South Union Street location. A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody in connection with the stolen vehicles. He now faces multiple charges, including grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The teen has been placed in the Monroe County Children’s Detention Center.
As of now, the 46-year-old man involved in the shooting has not been charged. The incident remains under investigation, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
This event highlights the importance of responsible firearm ownership and the complex situations where self-defense may be necessary. While the right to protect oneself is paramount, it is crucial to act within the boundaries of the law and ensure that any use of force is justified and proportionate to the threat faced.
Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid confronting suspicious individuals alone. If you feel threatened, retreat to a safe place and contact law enforcement.
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