Stolen Vehicle Traffic Stop and Drug Arrest Leads to In-Custody Escape, Resulting in Large-Scale Search; Fugitive Captured After Coordinated Multi-Disciplinary Response

On May 2, 2026, at 3:05 a.m., deputies were on patrol when they received an LPR hit for a stolen vehicle. Deputies made contact with the operator who lied several times about his identity in an attempt to evade police. Deputies continued their investigation and identified the operator as Eric Fountain, and also located a large quantity of illicit and prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia, in the vehicle.  

Fountain was taken into custody and transported to MCSO C-Zone to complete the investigation. During that time, Fountain complained of shoulder pain and he was brought to a local hospital for treatment.

After being released from the hospital, a deputy transported Fountain to the Public Safety Building. During processing, Fountain escaped and the deputy immediately gave chase. The deputy was able to catch Fountain and while in the process of taking him into custody; the deputy was injured. Fountain continued to run toward Court Street by the Genesee River.

Monroe County Jail deputies observed the injured deputy and immediately called for resources. The deputy was able to provide crucial information, which was quickly relayed and resulted in a large-scale response of resources from throughout the county to establish a perimeter and contain Fountain to the immediate area.

With the assistance of our first responder partners, the search continued in a systematic and detailed order to include buildings and the Genesee River. Camera footage from businesses and public authorities was being used to monitor for signs of Fountain.

At 1:45 p.m. Fountain was discovered hiding in a large drainage pipe underneath the Court Street bridge. This development was due to the collective efforts of Monroe County Water Authority’s cameras, along with assistance from the Greece Police Department's Tactical Robot.

Fountain was taken into custody with help of the Rochester Fire Department because of the location of the drainage pipe.

As a result of the initial traffic stop, Eric J. Fountain, 37, of Scottsville, is charged with:

• Criminal Possession of Narcotic Drugs in the Third Degree (Class B-Felony)
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class B-Felony)
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class D-Felony)
• Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, 2 counts (Class A-Misdemeanor)
• Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A-Misdemeanor)
• Resisting Arrest (Class A-Misdemeanor)
• False Personation (Class B-Misdemeanor)  

In addition to the above charges, Fountain was wanted by the U.S. Marshals on a Federal Violation of Probation warrant.

Fountain now faces the following additional charges:

• Escape in the First Degree (Class D-Felony)
• Assault in the Second Degree (Class D-Felony)

In no particular order, we would like to extend our gratitude to the following agencies for their swift response and teamwork during today’s incident:

U.S. Marshals Task Force

Rochester Police Department

New York State Police and their Aviation Unit

Town of Greece Police Department and their SWAT

Town of Brighton Police Department

Village of Fairport Police Department

MCSO K9, Drone Response Team, Marine Unit, SCUBA and SWAT

Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC) 

Rochester Fire Department

AMR Ambulance Services

Monroe County Water Authority

Rochester Gas & Electric

Local businesses and community members for video footage and information 

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Deputy David Marcucci
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840