ROCHESTER, NY — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday evening at the Wegmans Distribution Center, located at 1500 Brooks Avenue. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and left employees and families shaken.
According to initial reports, emergency responders were called to the scene shortly before 5:00 p.m., after a person was shot inside the facility — specifically in the Produce section, known internally as “Surgical 500.” At the time of first response, the victim was still alive and transported in critical condition to a nearby hospital. However, officials have since confirmed that the victim has succumbed to their injuries, and the incident is now being investigated as a homicide.
Gates Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from Greece Police and other local law enforcement agencies. Officers quickly secured the facility, clearing employees from the area and establishing a perimeter to ensure the safety of remaining staff. The distribution center was placed on lockdown as a precaution, and operations were suspended for the evening.
Witness accounts and surveillance footage provided officers with an initial description of the suspect: a Black male wearing a gray hoodie, black clothing, and a face mask. He was seen fleeing the scene immediately following the shooting and was last observed leaving in a black sedan, believed to be a BMW.
Police swiftly mobilized in response to the developing situation and have since set up surveillance at a residence in Gates, believed to be linked to the suspect. SWAT teams, detectives, and tactical units are maintaining a presence near the location as they work to confirm whether the suspect is inside. At this time, no arrests have been made, and the suspect remains at large.
Law enforcement has not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin. Authorities also have not confirmed whether the suspect and victim were known to each other or if this was a targeted incident. Motive remains under investigation.
Employees who witnessed the shooting described a scene of panic and disbelief. “I heard a loud bang and people started running. It was chaos,” said one worker, who asked not to be identified. “We didn’t know what was happening — we just knew someone had been hurt.”
As the investigation unfolds, local officials are urging the public to remain calm and report any information related to the suspect or the incident. Law enforcement is also working closely with Wegmans corporate representatives to provide support for employees and families affected by the tragedy.
“This is a devastating and senseless act of violence,” said Gates Police Chief Rob Long. “We are doing everything we can to bring justice to the victim and to ensure the safety of the community. We will not rest until the person responsible is apprehended.”
The Wegmans Distribution Center is a vital part of the regional supply chain, employing hundreds of individuals in the Rochester area. Friday’s shooting has cast a heavy shadow over the workforce, and grief counselors are expected to be made available in the coming days.
This is a developing story. Police are expected to provide further updates as more details become available.
If you have any information about the shooting or the suspect’s whereabouts, you are urged to contact the Gates Police Department immediately or call 911. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300.
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