ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- A man was shot at Wednesday by a Rochester Police Department investigator who was carrying out a search warrant at a home at 326 Scio Street.
Investigator John Fiorica was part of a group of officers carrying out the warrant, when around 2 p.m., they entered the home, according to Rochester Police Chief Michael Ciminelli. Police said the home has been on their radar since the fall after a rise in crime and complaints from neighbors about drug sales taking place at the home.
Ciminelli said Michael Coleman, 47, approached Fiorica holding a metal mop handle in what police said was a threatening manner. Fiorica then fired his shotgun toward Coleman.
Ciminelli said Coleman suffered a minor laceration his left ring finger and he said his officers are still looking into whether Coleman was actually injured by the buckshot or by a fall.
Coleman was taken to Rochester General Hospital for treatment.
Ciminelli said during a subsequent search of the location pursuant to the search warrant, a quantity of crack cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia was found.
The case is being turned over to the Monroe County District Attorney's Office for prosecution and additional charges are possible.
Coleman is currently being charged with criminal sale of controlled substance in the 3rd degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana.
Neighbors were uncomfortable going on camera, but they said this type of activity on the 300 block of Scio Street isn't surprising. They have their theories as to why police wanted to search this home.
Ciminelli said this is the 14th time a RPD officer has fired his weapon at a suspect in five years.