Law enforcement’s quick response prevents burglary at Van Bortel Ford dealership, with Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deploying drone teams and K9 units to apprehend three suspects attempting a break-in

Monroe County, New York – In the early hours of March 11, 2025, a sharp response from the Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies thwarted a burglary attempt at the Van Bortel Ford dealership located on Marsh Road in the Town of Perinton. The incident, which unfolded at around 3:20 a.m., quickly escalated into a full-fledged law enforcement operation involving multiple units and sophisticated technology.

The sequence of events began when deputies responded to an alert of a burglary in progress at the dealership. An employee at the scene provided the initial information, describing three male suspects involved in the intrusion. Acting swiftly, the deputies set up a perimeter to contain the situation and prevent any escape.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deployed their Drone Response Team and K9 Units to aid in the search for the suspects. The advanced technology and trained dogs played a crucial role in the operation. As the search intensified, deputies noticed a gold Chevrolet Malibu parked suspiciously behind a building down the road from Van Bortel Ford. The vehicle’s proximity and timing raised immediate concerns.

Upon further investigation, which included reviewing security footage from the dealership, the three men inside the Malibu were identified as the suspects involved in the burglary attempt. The individuals were detained and subsequently transported to the A Zone substation for questioning. Their capture was a direct result of coordinated ground efforts complemented by aerial surveillance and canine searching.

The suspects, identified as Rahjule B. Keeton, 20, Lancear T. Alexander, 20, and Hardy M. Porter Jr., 18, all from Rochester, faced serious charges following the incident. Each was charged with Burglary in the Third Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, both classified as Class D-Felonies. The arrest was marked by the collection of evidence by MCSO technicians who noted significant damage at the dealership, including pry marks on an exterior door and vandalized desks within the business premises.

While Keeton and Porter were issued appearance tickets and released in accordance with New York State law, Alexander’s situation was more complicated due to his prior legal troubles. With two open felony cases already against him, Alexander was arraigned in Perinton Town Court and remanded to Monroe County Jail. His bail was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond, reflecting the gravity of his alleged involvement and previous criminal record.

The successful apprehension of the suspects underscored the effectiveness of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office’s collaborative approach. The integration of drone technology and K9 units into their response strategy provided a significant edge in managing the situation efficiently. The Sheriff’s Office also extended its gratitude to the Fairport Police Department, whose assistance was invaluable in resolving the case.

This incident at Van Bortel Ford is a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the community’s reliance on the swift and coordinated actions of multiple police units to ensure public safety and security. The use of advanced technology and inter-agency cooperation were pivotal in thwarting what could have escalated into a more severe criminal episode.