Man charged with stealing slain retired RPD officer’s gun as he lay dying
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A retired Rochester Police officer was robbed as he lay dying in his car, shot after he had been involved in a car crash.
That’s according to Rochester Police, who said William “Keith” Booker, 50, was killed following a crash on Jefferson Avenue around 2 a.m. Sept. 25.
More of our coverage:
- Retired officer Booker was laid to rest on Wednesday (Oct 11)
- SLIDESHOW: Family photos of retired RPD officer William Booker who was murdered (Sept 26)
- Mayor Evans, colleagues react to deadly shooting of former RPD officer (Sept 26)
After he was shot, police say people stole items from his vehicle and pockets, including his legally-owned handgun.
“The individual(s) responsible for stealing items from Booker as he lay there dying did not shoot Booker, nor was robbery the motive for the shooting. The theft was simply a crime of opportunity,” according to a press release from police.
Calvin Watkins, 64, has been charged with stealing Booker’s gun. He has been charged with second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree grand larceny.
The gun has not been recovered.
A reward leading to an arrest is being offered.
Investigators are asking anyone with information on the case to call 911, the Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-7157, Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.