Updated: Neighbor heard gunshot, then yelling

The house at 18 King St., where the attack occurred. (Harrison Thorp photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police are continuing their search today for two suspects who broke into a King Street home late Sunday and shot a city man during a home invasion there.

Meanwhile, police are assuring the public this Christmas Eve that local residents need not be overly concerned for their safety, and that the home invasion was not random, but targeted.

A neighborhood resident on Monday afternoon said she did not waken during the disturbance at 18 King St., but that a family member did. She said the family member reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot followed by angry voices and shouting. The resident, who asked not to be identified, said a couple of Rochester Police squad cars were at the scene for several hours early Monday morning, and that police taped off the block as they investigated the shooting.

A preliminary investigation revealed that shortly before midnight on Sunday two masked suspects entered the King Street residence and bedroom where the victim and his girlfriend were located and demanded money from him at gunpoint.

When the victim did not provide any money one suspect shot the male victim in the left lower leg with a handgun.

According to police, the suspects remained in the victim's bedroom striking the victim with an unknown object before leaving.

As they left the residence, however, they were reportedly confronted at the front door by another roommate, a woman who had just arrived home.

The woman reportedly chased the suspects down the street until the suspect with the gun turned on her and told her to back off as he pointed the gun at her.

The victim was transported to the hospital by private vehicle and was treated for his gunshot wound, which is considered to be nonlife-threatening.

The man who fired the shots is described as being a white male, 5-3 to 5-9, 120-150 pounds and between 16 and 25 years old. He is said to have blond hair, and was wearing a light-colored bandanna covering his face and a hooded sweatshirt.

The other suspect is described as being taller than the other, with a thin build, who was wearing dark clothing and a ski mask. His race and age are unknown.

Both suspects fled down Court Street.

Despite the violent nature of the attack, the public should not be unduly alarmed, said Rochester Police Captain Paul Toussaint today, adding the victims had apparently “been targeted.”

Toussaint said there is no indication so far that the victim knew his attackers. He also said he would not reveal the type of handgun used in the attack at this stage of the investigation.

The Rochester Police are asking anyone who has information on this crime to call Det. Jeremiah Murphy at 330-7140.