RPD: 17-year-old shot and killed on Otis Street shortly after exiting school bus

Alexandra Weaver

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A 17-year-old is dead after being shot on Otis Street Friday afternoon.

Police say the call came in at around 3 p.m. and when they arrived, they found Bryson Simpson dead on Otis and Warner Street, with a group of people gathered around him. Police say he and three of his friends had just stepped off the school bus and were walking down the street when a suspect turned and fired, striking Simpson in the upper body. His friends were not hit.

The suspect ran away and is still at large. Investigators say they do not know the motive yet.

”[It’s] still very early on," Capt. Steven Swetman. "We’re still trying to determine what exactly happened. What led up to this, and at this time we can’t release much information regarding the investigation.”

This is the 10th homicide in Rochester of 2022 according to the Rochester Police Department’s Open Data Portal. At this time in 2021, there had been eight homicides.

A spokesperson for the Rochester Central School District sent the following statement Friday night:

"We are devastated by the death of our student Bryson Simpson and are extremely concerned about the violence that is impacting so many of our students. Our Trauma, Illness, and Grief team will be present on Monday to counsel his friends, classmates, and staff.

"We ask that our community come together and provide support to our scholars who are experiencing traumatic events every day. A smile, a hug, and a positive interaction will go a long way in letting them know they are loved."

[News10NBC]

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans released the following statement:

"Today’s fatal shooting of a 17-year-old is yet another example of the senseless violence that continues to plague our city and should be a call to action to our entire community. Too many young people resort to violence to resolve conflicts. Too many young people have ready access to guns.

"This behavior cannot be normalized. I am calling on our community to join our efforts to give our children alternatives to making bad choices, picking up a gun, joining a gang, or retaliating for perceived slights.

"My heart aches for the friends and family of this young man and I ask the entire city to join me as we keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

"We will do all we can to bring those responsible for this heinous crime to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at 585-423-9300.