Woman Indicted on Attempted Murder After Police Shot Her

A Buffalo woman has been charged with attempted murder following a confrontation with police that ended with her being shot and hospitalized.

Cynthia Gilbert, 38, was arraigned this week on an indictment alleging she attempted to kill another individual during an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of September 27th on Donovan Drive.

According to investigators, Buffalo Police officers were responding to a 911 call for “unknown trouble” outside an apartment complex when they encountered Gilbert. She was allegedly armed with a large knife and surrounded by several other adults. Officers reported that Gilbert refused repeated commands to drop the weapon and pointed it at members of the group.

Authorities say officers deployed pepper spray, but Gilbert continued to advance while still holding the knife. She then attempted to stab another person. At that point, one officer discharged his firearm and struck Gilbert in the shoulder. Officers immediately rendered aid and secured the knife as evidence.

Police reported that a 39-year-old man sustained a head laceration during the incident and was transported to Erie County Medical Center along with Gilbert. Both were treated and released. Gilbert was arrested on October 2nd.

“My office conducted a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting,” Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said in a statement. “We have determined that the actions of the police officers were justified. The member of the Buffalo Police Department who fired the shot … has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.” The officers involved were initially placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.

Keane also noted that body-worn camera footage exists but cannot be released publicly at this stage.

 “It may be used as evidence in the case and therefore, cannot be released pending prosecution,” he said.

Gilbert has been charged with second-degree attempted murder and first-degree attempted assault. If convicted, she faces a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Woman Indicted on Attempted Murder After Police Shot Her