One suspect in custody after deadly shooting at plaza on Chili Avenue in Gates

Posted at: 08/31/2012 5:38 AM | Updated at: 08/31/2012 6:43 PM
By: Ray Levato | WHEC.com

It’s been an emotional day for the family of a 19-year-old boy who was shot and killed outside a shoe store in Gates. Just hours after learning about the 19-year-old’s death, the family was told that police had one of the suspects in custody. 

Officers made the arrest after a police chase Friday afternoon. Investigators say a group approached Montre Bradley as he waited in line outside a shoe store and shot him. People were lined up overnight to be among the first to buy a new Penny Hardaway sneaker. They apparently looked like good targets to rob and it cost 19-year-old Montre Bradley his life. 

The shooting happened about 4:00a.m. Bradley was among a group of people who camped out at the shoe store called “Street Game”, waiting for the release of the new Penny Hardaway sneaker. At some point, they were approached by two men apparently bent on robbery. 

Chief David DiCaro, Gates Police Department, said, “They were trying to steal his money. All he wanted to do was buy a new pair of shoes. It is a tragedy. It really is a tragedy and we’re going to do all we can to bring them to justice.” 

Bradley's mother lives in California. His cousin spoke for the family living in Rochester at their home on Maria Street. 

Keona Williams, Bradley's cousin, said, “He was real particular about his sense of style and he was very fashionable. So he worked hard for his money and spent it on whatever he wanted to spend it on. And he wanted those particular pair of sneakers. He got off work and said I'm going to go get these and go home and whatever I do.” 

Within about eight hours of the shooting, Gates Police located two suspects with the help of information from witnesses. There was a chase into the city. One suspect was caught on North Clinton Avenue after city police laid down spikes to deflate the car’s tires. The chief said the other man bailed out of the car at some point in the chase. 

Gates Police brought the one suspect back to their station. It appeared he had been treated at a local hospital after being tasered. 

Store manager James Poole said his cousin was standing in line with Bradley when he was shot. 

Poole said, “Right now he's distraught. He just lost a friend. And he witnessed that. That's something he's got to live with. That's terrible.” 

News10NBC also spoke with Pastor Richard Williams, the victim’s grandfather, who came to the scene to see where his grandson was shot. 

Pastor Richard Williams said, “It's bad because young men from 12, 13 and maybe younger, walking around with guns, weapons in their pocket. And it seems you can't do anything about it. Where are they getting the guns from? Who are they getting them from?” 

Montre Bradley graduated from high school and was set to enter MCC next week as a freshman. His family says he worked in food service at the University of Rochester and he someday wanted to become an engineer. 

His mother, Louis Bradley from California, posted on Montre’s Facebook page, “My one and only son. I’ve loved you from day one and I will love you until I take my last breath. It’s senseless, all this violence over nothing. Thank you to all of Montre’s friends and family. 

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