On a cold January evening in Rochester, New York, the life of 26-year-old Bradley Michael Thomas came to an abrupt and violent end. On January 8, 2019, at the Cedarwood Towers Apartment complex where he was a tenant, a confrontation with an on-duty security guard escalated with fatal consequences. Thomas was born in Rochester and had been raised in the Charlotte community, where he attended local schools.
The events that led to his death began in the lobby of the apartment building.
Reports indicate that Thomas was threatening other residents, which prompted the security guard to intervene. The altercation then moved to the parking lot and became physical. It was during this struggle that the security guard discharged his legally-registered firearm a single time, striking Thomas in the upper body. He was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Rochester Police Department launched an investigation into the shooting. This included interviewing witnesses, reviewing video surveillance from the apartment complex, and consulting with the Monroe County District Attorney's Office. Following the police investigation, the case was presented to a Monroe County grand jury. After a thorough review of the evidence, the grand jury determined that the security guard's actions were justified. They concluded that Thomas had been acting in a manic state and posed a threat to the guard and other residents. Consequently, no criminal charges were filed against the security guard in connection with the death of Bradley Michael Thomas.
