“Too much trouble, too many fights”: Heavy police response near Durand Eastman Beach

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A man, 21, was injured in a fight on Sunday night, prompting a police response in the parking lot near Durand Eastman Beach. Tim Kuhn, a frequent beachgoer, said, “It’s great during the day. It’s just sad that at night it doesn’t seem to be a place that families want to come.”

Rochester Police say the man was hit in the head with an object, possibly a glass bottle. Officers originally responded to a 911 call for a gunshot victim in the parking lot off Lakeshore Boulevard around 8:45 p.m. Officers who were on patrol in the area determined that no one was shot and found no evidence of gunfire, but did learn that a group was fighting. The man was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. He is expected to recover. RPD is still investigating and no suspects have been arrested. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Tim and Karen Kuhn, who often visit the beach, expressed their concerns. “Too much trouble, too many fights. As we were picking up seaglass, I found two bullets on the beach,” they said. “We actually went out for a drive last night on Lakeshore Boulevard, and the crowd was insane. I actually said to my husband, I bet you I think there’s going to be fights tonight. And sure enough, 30 minutes later the news said there was a fight.”

A month ago, News10NBC obtained video of a large fight breaking out at a different beach area, Ontario Beach Park. Since that fight, RPD officers, state troopers, sheriff’s deputies, and other agencies have increased their patrols at the beach. Lawmakers have also approved automated gates for increased security.

Rich Plumeri, another beachgoer, shared his thoughts. “I feel pretty secure. Always be aware of your surroundings. That’s all,” he said. “When you’re walking around, you’re going everywhere. Not just here. Any place. That’s always a good thing to do.”

Tim Kuhn advised, “People just need to be respectful and calm down and not fight over stupid stuff. You know it’s a public beach. It’s a great place for people to come. Why do a few people feel they want to ruin it for everybody? Just calm down, don’t fight, walk away.”

News10NBC hasn’t gotten any reports of fights at that beach since those security measures went into effect.