Two drug enforcement officers who returned fire during a mid-day raid on Rochester's northeast side were identified, with their names released by their respective agencies.
They were among a team of officers serving a warrant Monday, approaching an address on Burbank Street where police said Obed Torres got out of a sedan and fired first. He was one of two people shot. Jose Justiliano-Rodriguez, who police said was also in the car, was also treated at the hospital before his court appearance.
Torres and Justiliano-Rodriguez were among eight people arrested, accused of trafficking cocaine and other drugs between Puerto Rico and Rochester.
Investigator Justin Havill of the Rochester Police Department is an 18½-year department veteran, and was placed on administrative leave, as per protocol. Sgt. Paul Senko of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office also fired back. The 18-year veteran was along with Havill a member of GRANET, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Police initially said five officers from four different agencies returned fire. The investigation into which officers in fact shot the two suspects continues.
The Greece Police Department has initially decided to not release the names of its officers involved, stating that could compromise the safety of those undercover, and also stating that if one of its officers did fire a round that hit one of the two suspects, the department would reevaluate.