Two Rochester police officers fight each other; internal investigation opened

Police Chief Michael Ciminelli used words like "embarrassing" and "unacceptable" Friday to describe an incident earlier in the week in which two officers got into a fight with each other.

Officers Brad Pike and Jordan Bracey were at the intersection of Avenue A and Conkey Avenue around 9 a.m. Monday, when they started fighting, police said. Ciminelli said he was unaware of any issue between the officers.

Pike has been with the department for 11 years, while Bracey has been on the force for nine years. Neither officer has been suspended, Rochester Police Investigator Jackie Shuman said. They are both working normal duties.

"RPD command is aware of the incident and an internal investigation was initiated immediately when it was brought to the chief’s attention," police announced in a release Thursday. "Part of the internal investigation will be to determine what led up to the altercation between the two officers."

Police didn't reveal why the officers were at the intersection or what section of the department they are assigned to. Their body-worn cameras were not activated, he said, explaining that protocol is to turn the cameras on during calls involving the public. A fight between two officers "wasn't a contingency we took into account."

Once an internal investigation is completed, "discipline can range from a letter of reprimand, to suspension, and up to termination. The internal investigation in this matter is still ongoing," Shuman said.

"The incident that occurred is unfortunate and is not a reflection on the rest of the men and women of the Rochester Police Department," Ciminelli said. "We view this as an isolated incident between these two officers."

Includes reporting by staff writer Brian Sharp.

WCLEVELAND@Gannett.com

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