New Year's Night melee results in arrest on weapons charges

Justin Smith (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A Rochester man was arrested on criminal threatening and firearms charges after police responded to a fight involving a half dozen individuals on Lafayette Street early New Year's Day.

The fight broke out on the street around 12:45 a.m., with individuals yelling and screaming as they fought, Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said today.

"When we arrived the fight was broken up, but there were still people outside," Pinkham added.

During an investigation, police found Justin Smith, 31, of 20 Lafayette St., to be in possession of a firearm. It was also learned that he had the firearm out during the altercation and had pointed it at another person in a threatening manner, Pinkham said.

Smith was charged with being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon and criminal threatening, both felonies. He was held without bail pending an arraignment.