Seneca Avenue Shots Fired Arrest

Rochester, NY - Around 1pm, yesterday, Officers responded to the 200 block of Seneca Avenue for the report of shots fired. Upon arrival, Officers located a house that had been struck by gunfire. Additional information was obtained indicating that the shooter, who was known to the victim, had fled in a black Ford Explorer. Members of the New York State Police Troop E Community Stabilization Unit observed the vehicle on Hudson Avenue and a traffic stop was conducted on Herald Street. During the stop, the suspect was safely taken into custody and a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun was recovered from the vehicle.

The preliminary investigation found that the suspect had come over to the victim’s house and broke out multiple windows and then fired at least one shot into the house, which was occupied by two adults. Thankfully, no one was injured.

The suspect, 38-year old Damien Sawyer, was transported to the Monroe County Jail and is expected to be arraigned this morning in Rochester City Court.

Damien Sawyer, age 38, is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd and 3rd Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree, and Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree. The Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree is based upon Sawyer being in possession of a firearm while having previous criminal conviction(s). Those include a 2016 conviction for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, a 2007 Conviction for Burglary in the 3rd Degree, and a 2007 conviction for Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm in the 3rd Degree.