WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-3-24

The Rochester Police Department identified the two victims of a crash initiated by Michael Avery of Syracuse, as 28-year-old Justina Hughes of Geneva and 29-year-old Joshua Orr of Webster. Police stated that Avery bought gasoline several gasoline containers and crashed rental car in outside the Kodak Center parking lot in Rochester, Avery died at an area hospital, 9 people were injured Police working traffic detail said that Avery appeared to be speeding toward a crowd of people in a crosswalk before he hit the ride share vehicle containing Hughes and Orr. The investigation is continuing.

Rochester Police Chief David Smith gave updates today regarding the January 1st 12:50 AM crash & explosion of 2 SUV's outside the Kodak Center Parking lot. Rochester Police & the FBI investigated the possibility of a terrorist act as there were numerous gas cans in the suspects rented vehicle. The suspect, Michael Avery of Syracuse may have suffered from undiagnosed mental health problems, he died Monday night in an area hospital, 2 other people died in the incident. The investigation revealed that Avery drove to Rochester on Wednesday, checked into a hotel, renting the SUV at the local airport, bought several gas cans & gasoline, Police on the scene said that he sped up as Police were guiding motorists out of the concert venue parking lot. Avery did not leave behind any terrorist manifesto, but the investigation is continuing.