Eric Davis Obituary, Death; – Authorities have identified a man who was shot and killed during a gunfire exchange with police after he allegedly attempted to break into his ex-girlfriend’s residence while armed on Friday night in the 19th Ward.
According to Chief David Smith of the Rochester Police Department, a man dialed 911 at approximately 10:15 p.m. to report that his girlfriend’s former partner was attempting to enter her home on Chili Avenue and may have been armed.
Smith stated that officers discovered Eric Davis, 38, beside the house, where he opened fire on them without warning, resulting in injuries to two officers. During the subsequent exchange of gunfire — which included shots fired between Davis and the 911 caller — the caller sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Davis reportedly fled the scene, as noted by Smith. When another officer located him a few blocks away on Thurston Road, Davis shot at him, but was subsequently killed in return fire from that officer and others.
In an update shared on Monday, Smith reported that one of the injured officers was released from Strong Memorial Hospital on Saturday. The other two officers underwent several surgeries and remain hospitalized. The 911 caller continues to be hospitalized with serious injuries.
A fourth officer, who was involved in the shooting of Davis, has been temporarily reassigned to administrative duties, according to Smith.
Smith revealed that Davis had an active arrest warrant for aggravated harassment related to an incident in October, during which he threatened to harm the female victim by calling her.
This incident followed a previous occurrence in July, where Davis allegedly threatened the victim by stating he would “put a bullet in her head,” prompting her to seek an order of protection.
Smith indicated that Davis, who was convicted of third-degree burglary in 2005, was unlawfully in possession of a .40-caliber Glock handgun on Friday, which had been discharged until it was out of ammunition.
Ballistic evidence suggested that Davis fired at least four shots on Chili Avenue, hitting two officers and the 911 caller, as per Smith. It is believed that Davis also fired at least three times on Thurston Road, striking the third officer and a tree.
Smith said the 911 caller was in legal possession of a .30-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun that he fired at least six times.
The incident remains under investigation.
