ROCHESTER, NY — A man pleaded guilty Monday in connection with an interaction with a police officer last fall, according to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.

On September 25, 2023, a Rochester police officer was responding to reports of shots fired on Seventh Street when he saw a car speeding away with its lights off. The officer attempted to stop the car. According to police, 27-year-old Jamie James crashed into a pole on Hempel Street and ran from the officer.

When the officer caught up to James, James struck the officer and attempted to steal his gun. During the struggle, James was shot in the upper body. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. The officer was also hospitalized with injuries.

During their investigation, officers found two loaded weapons and narcotics at the scene. The Monroe County Attorney General’s Office says James will be sentenced for repeated violent offenses.

On Monday, August 26, James pleaded guilty to the following charges:

• Second degree assault
• Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree
• Two counts of attempted second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree

“I am pleased that Jamie James is admitting to his violent actions last September,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “This defendant recklessly fired illegally possessed firearms and led a Rochester Police Officer on a foot chase before physically assaulting him. This officer protected his community that night and continues to serve the citizens of Rochester to this day, even after this attack. Thank you to this officer and the entire Rochester Police Department for ridding our community of two more illegal weapons. The New York State Department of Corrections is the best place for this defendant.”

Sentencing against James is scheduled for November 6, 2024.

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