Charter Commission chairman resigns following arrest

Vincent Barry, who faces felony charges for an incident involving a stolen car, has resigned from his position as chairman of the Charter Commission.

Barry informed the city of his decision via email, according to Rochester Deputy City Attorney Dave Goslee. In the note, Barry suggested it was in the best of interest of the commission for him to step aside.

The 41-year-old was arrested early Saturday after allegedly crashing a stolen car into a ditch on 11th Avenue Southwest. Police say Barry got into a running vehicle outside Fat Willy’s around bar close after the owner of the vehicle — who was warming the car up — declined to give him a ride.

Once police caught up with Barry, he began to speed up. Officers continued to follow Barry, reports say, but did not engage in a pursuit. Barry eventually crashed the vehicle and surrendered to authorities. He now faces felony charges of fleeing an officer and theft of a motor vehicle.

As chairman of the Charter Commission, Barry was responsible for leading a 15-member group that oversees the Rochester Home Rule Charter — essentially the city’s constitution. The Third Judicial District is in charge of appointing members to the commission.

Cover photo: Vincent Barry mugshot