Man found guilty of attempted murder for shooting East Rochester police officer in bullet-resistant vest

EAST ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A man has been found guilty of attempted aggravated murder for shooting an East Rochester Police officer in his bullet-resistant vest on January 14, 2024.

Raymond Noel, 52, was also found guilty of attempted aggravated assault and criminal possession of a weapon. He faces a maximum of 40 years to life in prison when he’s sentenced in January of 2025.

The shooting happened on Jan. 14 while East Rochester Police Officers, Brad Steve and Kyle Walsh, were responding to a domestic situation at 709 Garfield Street. According to police, Noel was ignoring officers’ commands and pointed a handgun at Officer Steve.

That’s when Officer Steve fired two rounds. Police say Noel responded by shooting at the officer six times, hitting him once in the chest. Officer Steve was treated at Strong Hospital.

Officer Steve encountered Noel in the driveway outside the home. Noel was carrying a firearm, and despite repeated verbal commands to stop, he went toward the home. As Noel entered the doorway, he continued to disregard police commands, pulling a handgun from his waistband and pointing it at Officer Steve. In response to a deadly threat, Officer Steve shot his gun, hitting Noel in the upper body. Noel then fired multiple shots at Officer Steve, one hit the officer in the upper stomach area of his ballistic vest. Officer Steve was not seriously hurt.

East Rochester Police Chief Michael Brandenburg issued a statement following the verdict: “I am grateful that the criminal justice system, which ensures accountability for one’s actions, has done so today. The guilty verdict we received reflects the consequences of the choices Raymond Noel made on that day. The East Rochester Police Department commends the professionalism and thoroughness of the jury, who performed their civic duty to ensure justice was served.” Chief Brandenburg concluded by saying, “This conviction serves as a reminder that officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their communities. We are grateful for the support of our legal system and the community that continues to stand with us.”