Woman Injured in Officer-Involved Shooting Indicted for Attempted Murder

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Cynthia Gilbert, 38, of Buffalo, was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on an indictment charging her with one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class B violent felony) and one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class C violent felony).

It is alleged that on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Buffalo Police responded to Donovan Drive after receiving a 911 call for an "unknown trouble" complaint.

At the scene, the responding officers encountered the defendant and several other adults outside of an apartment complex. It is alleged that the defendant, who was armed with a large knife, refused multiple commands by the officers to drop the weapon as they attempted to de-escalate the situation. An officer deployed pepper spray when the defendant allegedly approached and pointed the knife at the group. The defendant allegedly continued to advance and refused police orders after the pepper spray was deployed.

It is further alleged that the defendant, with the intent to cause the death to another person, injured one individual in the group by attempting to stab him with the knife. An officer subsequently discharged his firearm, which resulted in an injury to the defendant. The officers immediately rendered first aid to the defendant and the victim. The knife was recovered and placed into evidence.

The victim, a 39-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was treated for a laceration to his head. The defendant was also taken by ambulance to ECMC where she was treated for an injury to her shoulder. Both the victim and defendant have been released from the hospital.

"My office conducted a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting. We have determined that the actions of the police officers were justified. The member of the Buffalo Police Department who fired the shot that resulted in injuries to the defendant has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing," said Erie County DA Mike Keane.

Gilbert was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time. If convicted of the highest count, Gilbert faces a maximum sentence of 25 years prison.

DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Ashley M. Morgan of the Major Crimes Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.