Rochester, NY – Rochester’s latest murder has been felt by many in the Beechwood section of the city. Police have identified the shooting victim as his 29-year-old Earl Thomas. They say they were shot by 23-year-old Robert Bloomfield while they were arguing at the Sunoko gas station on Culver Road.
News10NBC spoke to a business owner who lives right next to the shooting scene.
Most people we spoke to on Saturday afternoon said that although Beechwood is a relatively quiet part of town, they weren’t surprised to see this type of gun violence in their neighborhood.
“When I saw the yellow tape coming out, I knew something was wrong,” said Wade Davis, owner of Wade’s Barber Shop.
When the shooting happened, he didn’t hear the gunshot, but saw the reaction a few minutes later.
“There were a lot of police cars coming up and zooming in,” Davis said.
Two men, whom police identified as Earl Thomas and Robert Bloomfield, got into an altercation at Sunoko’s gas station, about a block from his barber shop on Culver Road.
“I know one of my client’s wives works there, so I called there. I just wanted to make sure she was okay,” Davis said.
Police say Bloomfield shot Thomas multiple times. Thomas was taken by private vehicle to Rochester General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Bloomfield was arrested shortly thereafter. Davis says he feels sick after hearing the news of another gun-related murder in the city. 6th time this year.
“I know the argument couldn’t have been about anything. The story I heard was that they didn’t know each other and it was just a little altercation that happened in the store,” Davis said. .
He goes on to say that this is not the first time serious crime has taken place in the neighborhood.
“We have been here for 14 years and it can happen anywhere. I don’t care, it can happen anywhere and we’re used to it now,” said Davis.
He admits to being a little worried because he says violent crime in the city is getting a little out of hand.
“As a business owner, I might be a little worried because I don’t want my clients to feel that it’s not safe here. No,” Davis said.
Robert Bloomfield was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree possession of a weapon. He is due to be arraigned in Rochester City Court on Sunday morning.