Justice Served: Rochester Man Sentenced for Launching Firework at Police!
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — JohnMichael Santiago, a 25-year-old resident of Rochester, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for throwing a lit firework at officers from the Rochester Police Department (RPD) during protests that erupted following the death of Daniel Prude in 2020.
The incident occurred on September 5, 2020, when approximately 1,500 protesters gathered near RPD headquarters at Broad Street and Exchange Boulevard.
The demonstration quickly escalated, with some individuals throwing rocks, bottles, and other objects at police, while others aimed flashlights and lasers at officers.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Santiago threw an ignited mortar-style firework that detonated close to the police, creating a dangerous situation.
Although Santiago was not apprehended at the scene, he later confessed to police that he had attended the protest and had brought fireworks with the intent to disrupt law enforcement.
Following his arrest for civil disorder, Santiago was held at Livingston County Jail in Geneseo, where he assaulted two corrections officers.
Reports indicate that he threw a hard plastic cup at one officer and punched another in the face, resulting in injuries, including a concussion for one officer and back injuries for the other.
The protests were part of a larger movement sparked by the tragic death of Daniel Prude, who died in March 2020 after being restrained by RPD officers.
The events surrounding Prude’s death and the subsequent protests have raised significant concerns about police conduct and accountability in Rochester and beyond.
The case was investigated by the RPD, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service, reflecting a broader law enforcement effort to address violence during protests and maintain public safety.
Santiago’s sentencing highlights the serious consequences of violent actions during civil unrest, as authorities continue to navigate the complex landscape of protests in the wake of social justice movements.