RPD confirms early morning shooting at MLK Park

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Six people were shot and a police officer was injured after an argument broke out at MLK Park early Sunday morning.

Around 2:45 a.m., officers near the park heard what sounded like gunshots as the 911 center received calls about a person who may have been shot. RPD said they found a 33-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his lower body. A tourniquet was placed on the victim and he was taken to hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening.

Police said they learned five other victims were found and treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. They include a 17-year-old man, an 18-year-old man, a 21-year-old man, a 25-year-old woman and a 20-year-old woman. The final victim went to a private home before being taken to hospital.

Investigators said a group of people were standing in the park after hours when an argument broke out. It appears at least one person pulled out a gun and fired into the crowd.

As officers worked to disperse the crowd, Joshua Sanchez, 38, blocked the officers and began fighting them. They said a police officer was injured while trying to arrest Sanchez. This officer was treated at a local hospital.

Sanchez was taken to the Monroe County Jail and charged with second-degree assault, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and second-degree harassment.

It is not clear who fired this weapon or any other circumstances behind the shooting. The RPD Non-Fatal Shooting Unit is investigating the incident.