Police: Parolee choked, hit woman in RGH parking garage before stealing her car, and crashed after chase

ROCHESTER, NY – A robbery at Rochester General Hospital led to a police chase Monday morning that ended in a crash – and the arrested suspect was released on parole just 10 days ago for other crimes related to car theft.

Police say a woman was in her Kia in the parking garage outside Rochester General Hospital when a man demanded she get out of her car, beating and choking her for several minutes until she got out of the car and ran.

Officers found the suspect in the car near Lake Avenue and Britton Street, but police say the driver failed to stop when officers tried to stop him. This led to a short chase, and officers say the suspect drove into New York State troopers on Lake Avenue who were trying to set up spike strips.

The car eventually crashed at River View Heights. Officers say the suspect then got out of the car and began running away until an RPD K9 officer found them in the backyard of a home.

RPD says the suspect is 34-year-old Isaiah Weathers and is charged with the following:

• Second-degree robbery
• Second degree assault
• Grand larceny in the third degree
• Reckless endangerment in the first degree
• Criminal obstruction of breathing

Weathers could face more charges as officers continue the investigation, and he is also on parole for first-degree theft and other crimes related to a 2013 car theft.