Chaos at Closed Lyell Ave Family Dollar After Break-In and Fight Over Discarded Goods

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A chaotic scene unfolded this morning at the permanently closed Family Dollar at 569 Lyell Avenue, drawing a massive crowd and a heavy police response after the building was broken into and fights broke out over discarded merchandise.

The discount store permanently shut its doors earlier this week following a severe rat infestation.

Because of the unsanitary conditions, corporate management ordered thousands of dollars worth of inventory to be cleared out and thrown away. Inside the store, employees were actively cleaning the property and initially began giving away some of the items for free to neighbors outside.

However, word quickly spread, and the crowd rapidly grew too large for the workers to handle. For their safety, employees shut the doors to stop the influx of people. In response, outsiders began breaking into the back of the building, forcing their way inside the store to grab the remaining stock. Tensions boiled over both inside and in the back, and fights broke out over the boxes of merchandise per the Rochester Police Department.

The Rochester Police Department responded with multiple units to disperse the crowd and restore order. Despite the forced entry, physical altercations, and the chaotic nature of the gathering, police confirmed that no one was taken into custody. Because the items had already been designated for disposal due to the infestation, authorities announced that no charges will be issued. By midday, the crowd had dispersed, leaving the property vacant.