May 11, 2022- 11:14 a.m.
On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at approximately 2:13 PM, the Rome Police Department again returned to the 900 block of West Dominick Street for a report of “shots fired”.
Upon arrival it was learned that following a physical altercation in the 900 block of West Dominick Street Ernest H. Fancher Jr., 19 years old of Rome, returned to the 1000 block of West Dominick Street and fired multiple rounds from a hand gun into the air.
Fancher was taken into custody while attempting to flee the area. Fancher was transported to Rome Police Headquarters.
Following our investigation, Fancher was subsequently charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree.
Fancher was processed, and is being held for arraignment.
During his stay at the police department in holding facility, Fancher intentionally flooded his cell by purposefully blocking the toilet water intake, causing the toilet water to overflow into the cell blocks.
Therefore, Fancher was additionally charged with Criminal Tampering in the 2nd degree. While officers were addressing the flooding Fancher threatened to shoot one of the officers. He was additionally charged with Making a Terroristic Threat.
In addition to these charges Fancher had been arrested on Monday, May 9, 2022 for Disorderly Conduct, Harassment 2nd, and Assault 3rd.
During this event patrol officers responded to 924 West Dominick Street to investigate a threat made on social media.
Upon their arrival officers encountered Ernest Fancher Jr. who was approaching the residence on foot. Fancher is not a resident there.
He began yelling at the residents and behaving disorderly despite the presence of uniformed police officers.
Fancher approached the residence and a verbal argument ensued with the residents of 924 West Dominick Street.
Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation when Fancher attempted to strike one of the residents with a closed fist, missing his target and striking the officer causing injury.
Fancher was transported to Rome Police Headquarters, processed, and transported to CAP for arraignment where he was released as these charges do not qualify for bail.
We believe all three incidents were a targeted attack against a resident of 924 West Dominick Street.
There is no immediate threat to the public.
If you should have any information about this case please contact the Rome Police Departments TIP line at (315) 339-7744, or Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at 1(866)730-8477 or www.p3tips.com.
