Invasion, dog attack, shots, chase: Gates man nabbed
Victoria E. Freile • March 6, 2009
A Gates man is facing numerous felony charges following a home-invasion robbery in northwest Rochester that involved startled pit bulls and a car pursuit through the city late yesterday.
Rochester Police Lt. Laura Grande said two young men armed with guns knocked on a door of a residence on Villa Street just after 11 p.m. yesterday. When a 19-year-old male answered the door, the two armed men pushed him into the building’s entryway and started going through his pockets. They took about $50 cash from the teen.
At the same time, the victim’s mother entered the room and released two pit bull dogs on the armed men, Grande said.
The victim, whose name was not released, attempted to grab one of the weapons — a sawed-off shotgun — which then discharged and hit a wall inside the home, she said. The noise apparently startled both dogs, which then “proceeded to bite just about everybody,” Grande said. Both the suspects and the 19-year-old victim were reportedly bitten.
The two suspects fled the house on foot. While leaving, one of the suspects fired at the pit bulls, but missed. The round, however, hit something in the area, which caused debris to strike the 19-year-old resident in the face, Grande said.
One suspect ran from the scene; the other entered a car and sped away, she said. Officers arrived at the house as the man was driving away and a pursuit followed. After about 15 minutes, the chase ended near the corner of North and St. Jacob streets in northeast Rochester, Grande said. No injuries were reported as a result of the pursuit, she added.
According to City Court records, officers had emergency lights and sirens activated as they followed Vazquez. During the pursuit, Vazquez is accused running several stop signs, running at least one red light and speeding. The pursuit reached speeds of 45 mph in a 30 mph zone, according City Court records.
Officers charged Daniel J. Vazquez, 18, of Gates with first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, second-degree assault and fourth-degree grand larceny, all felonies, Grande said. He was also charged with unlawfully fleeing a police officer and reckless endangerment, both misdemeanors, as well as several traffic infractions, accordoing City Court documents.
Vazquez pleaded not guilty in City Court this morning and was remanded to the Monroe County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $75,000 bond, according to City Court records. He is slated to return to court for a preliminary hearing at 11 a.m. Wednesday March 11.
Police did not locate either gun, Grande said. The teen victim was taken to Strong Memorial for treatment, she said. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.
it is not clear whether the others sought medical treatment.
Grande said the residents asked for the city’s Animal Control office to remove the dogs from the house.
Officers today are still searching for the second suspect. He was described at a white or Hispanic man who wears glasses and is 5 feet, 11 inches tall. At the time of the robbery, the man was wearing dark jeans and a black coat with fur on the hood and a face mask. He was reportedly carrying a shotgun.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
VFREILE@DemocratandChronicle.com
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Originally Posted by Janq
"The flock sleep peaceably in their pasture at night because Sheepdogs stand ready to do violence on their behalf." 
