Police sort through 'tons of leads' in parking lot beating

An early frame in the video shows the suspect about to approach the victim. (Surveillance image)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police on Thursday said that despite the randomness of a violent nighttime beating of a teenage woman in a Rochester gym's parking lot earlier this month, there is no reason for the public to be fearful.

"The public is not at risk," Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas said. "The strong leads we are working suggest the public should have no fears."

Thomas said two detectives and a detective sergeant are poring over "tons of tips" received by the public, adding there are "a couple of strong leads" that officers are working on.

Eighteen-year-old Erin McCarthy of Rochester has posted numerous statements on Facebook regarding the beating she suffered on June 12 as she left the North Main Street Planet Fitness around 10 p.m. after her shift was over.

Rochester Police first received a surveillance video of the beating on June 19, a day before they issued a formal press release on the assault and the investigation into it.

They are hoping someone from the public can help them identify the suspect in the vicious beating of McCarthy during which she was struck nearly 40 times during the minute and a half assault.

Facebook posts by McCarthy, a PF service rep, suggest the suspect waited for her in the parking lot for about eight hours, however Thomas on Thursday said he couldn't comment on that aspect as it is currently under investigation.

Staff questioned at Planet Fitness on Wednesday referred all inquiries to its corporate office, which replied to an inquiry by email, "The safety and well-being of our members and employees is our top priority, and we are currently working with the local authorities in their investigation on this incident. We are committed to assisting however we can in their search and hope the suspect is apprehended quickly."

Meanwhile, a female employee at H&R Block located inside the same strip mall as Planet Fitness said on Wednesday that after dark no one leaves the building alone, citing safety concerns.

The woman, who didn't want to give her name, said the policy is long-standing and applies to both men and women.

Thomas said on Thursday, however, that the parking lot is not considered an enhanced public safety risk.

During the June 12 attack a partial video released by police shows McCarthy being attacked from behind with a punch to the back of the head as the assault begins. Police released only a few seconds of the attack citing privacy issues.

A police press release indicates she was punched multiple times and thrown to the ground after which the male suspect got in his car and drove away.

The suspect was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, shorts, white sneakers, a baseball hat, and sunglasses. It is believed the vehicle he fled in was a light colored Ford Fusion or similar vehicle.

The Rochester Police are asking anyone who may have information that could assist with this investigation, to call Officer Porfido at the Rochester Police Department at 603-330-7128. You can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.