RPD asks for help in locating man suspected of firing gun during Maplewood Park mass shooting

ROCHESTER, NY – Rochester police are asking for the public's help in locating a man who allegedly fired a gun during the July mass shooting in Maplewood Park.

Niger Johnson, 20, is wanted for reckless endangerment and illegal possession of a firearm. The RPD released a photo of him during a press conference on Wednesday.

RPD Captain Frank Umbrino says they are not claiming Johnson's bullets hit anyone. He said there is a reward for any information leading to Johnson's arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

“We need to grab Mr. Johnson, handcuff him and put him in jail,” Umbrino said.

Two people, 25-year-old Tyasia Manning and 33-year-old Phylicia Council, died and several others were injured in the mass shooting. The shooting broke out as hundreds of people had gathered for a community picnic on Sunday, July 28.

According to RPD, nine different weapons were fired during the shooting and at least 16 people were identified who were in the park with weapons that evening.

Manning's mother spoke to News10NBC and described her as an artistic person who was always good with children. Manning worked with youth at city R-Centers. Her mother is asking the community to come forward with any information that could help catch the shooter or shooters.

“I need you to come out and say something. People don't have to be ashamed. There were a thousand people out there,” she said.

News10NBC also spoke with Phylicia Council's father, who remembers her as a loving person who worked with special needs children at a Hillside residential home for 10 years.

“That's my little girl. I'm not supposed to bury her. She's supposed to bury me,” he said.

You can watch the complete press conference here:

Profile for Niger Johnson: