WATERTOWN, NY — The Watertown Police Department released the following statement on Friday, Dec. 10, 2020:
On 11/13/2020, one of our uniformed patrol officers observed an open door at 306 Factory St. in our City. The owner was contacted and responded to the scene. The initial investigation showed someone had broken into the building and stole several items.
On 12/10/2020, on or about 10:42 AM, our police officers located 35-year-old Ross R. Pierce, who was wanted by our detectives for the Factory Street burglary. He was transported to station where he was charged with one count of NYS Penal Law 140.20 Burglary in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and 155.25 Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor.
He was processed for the arrest and was awaiting a video arraignment when he started to become lethargic. Mr. Pierce stated he had been assaulted the night before and had been shot. He allowed the officers to observe his injuries, which included bruises to his torso. He did have band aids covering areas where he claimed he had been shot but it appeared to have been caused by a BB or pellets. Mr. Pierce declined medical treatment; however, our officers requested Guilfoyle Ambulance to respond to our station to access his injuries. When the ambulance attendants arrived, they determined Mr. Pierce needed to be transported to a trauma center. He was transported by ambulance to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds where he was transported by helicopter to Upstate Medical Center.
He was treated for his injuries and released last evening.
Our detectives are investigating Mr. Pierce’s assault. At this time, the investigation shows Mr. Pierce was physically assaulted and shot with a pellet gun. If anyone has information on Mr. Pierce’s assault, we are asking you to call our department at (315)782-2233 and a detective will contact you.