ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Brockport man is lucky to be alive after dodging a bullet fired by an off-duty Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy he engaged in a hand-to-hand scuffle Monday. 

The confrontation took place on Redmond Road in Hamlin at the home of the estranged wife of Michael Denning. Denning broke a court order of protection for his estranged wife when he arrived at the property. Denning then broke down a door and entered the home to confront James Atkins, an off-duty county jail deputy. Atkins was visiting Denning’s wife. 

Chief Deputy Michael Fowler reported Denning pushes wife aside as he entered, causing bruises to her arms. Denning left the home then returned moments later and confronted Atkins with scissors. 

Atkins drew his personal firearm and, according to Fowler, as it appeared Dennis was going to attempt to stab him, raised the gun. 

“It was an active hand to hand struggle. So Mr. Denning leaned forward ducked down. As Akins’ hand is coming forward the firearm skinned the forehead with the muzzle of the handgun,” Fowler said “The trigger is then pulled and slides up. When a gun goes forward the edges on the bottom of that are very sharp it’s like a track and very sharp. We believe that causes a laceration to the top of the forehead. The Round was immediately discharged over the top of his (Denning’s) head. “

Denning was arraigned in Hamlin town court in felony aggravated criminal contempt and burglary as well as menacing.  

Denning at first claimed to have been shot but hospital staff ruled that out. He is free on bail but also faces orders of protection for both his wife and the deputy. Chief Deputy Fowler told us Denning has a history of conflict since the breakup of his family. 

As is protocol Atkins remains on administrative duty during both the criminal and internal investigations related to this case.