Three-year-old boy is recovering from life-saving surgery after being shot

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A 3-year-old boy is recovering from life-saving surgery after he was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight on North Clinton Avenue.

All are reacting with horror to this string of violence from police to politicians. Thursday, one of the suspected shooters was arraigned in Rochester City Court. He’s identified as 34-year-old Travis Lewis III. The other suspect is just 16 years old. He was arraigned Wednesday night and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

More of our coverage:

• Community members call for extra law enforcement to police Rochester streets
• Two people charged with shooting of 3-year-old boy on North Clinton Avenue
• ‘I’m moving because I feel scared’: Violence pushing some to leave city’s North Side

Lewis made his first appearance in front of the judge to face new charges stemming from Wednesday night’s shootout on North Clinton Avenue. Police tell News10NBC officers first arrested a 16-year-old near the scene following a foot chase.

“He was found to be wearing body armor while in possession of a loaded 40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun and a quantity of suspected fentanyl,” said Chief David Smith.

Police say Lewis, who has a lengthy criminal history, was charged with both assault and weapons charges. He was chased to a home on Sullivan Street.

“During which time he discarded a Smith and Wesson 9-millimeter handgun while running into a house,” said Smith. “The officers surrounded the house, and eventually Lewis was taken into custody.”

A 3-year-old child now identified as Marlo Joseph was sitting in a car. He initially suffered a life-threatening injury after being shot in the head.

“I can tell you the parties in the car, and obviously the 3-year-old was not involved, and yes this was 2 groups,” said Smith. “Again I’m going to define the groups as more than one person, and this child was caught in the crossfire.”

Thursday morning, Smith gave an update on the child’s condition.

“I’m told today he is in stable but critical condition as of this morning,” said Smith.

Geoffrey Rodgers, family spokesperson and cousin of Marlo, released this statement.

“We want justice for Marlo. He didn’t deserve this. This is my baby. My sweetheart. My innocent little boy. The coolest little boy you’ll ever meet. Justice needs to be served.”

Police tell us the 16-year-old was arraigned in Monroe County Family Court on drugs and weapons charges. He was taken to the Monroe County Children’s Detention Center. He’s being held on $50K bail. Lewis is being held on no bail, no release.