Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of Assault Charges for Stabbing Responding Amherst Police Officer

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that a jury found Rayquell M. Grant, 27, of Buffalo, guilty of one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class C violent felony) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class D violent felony). Grant was acquitted of the top count of the indictment. Jurors rendered their decision this afternoon after approximately three hours of deliberation following a two- day trial.

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, at approximately 4:55 p.m., Amherst Police responded to a residence on the 4800 block of North Bailey Avenue after receiving a 911 call for a domestic violence-related complaint. The responding officers saw the defendant, who was armed with two large knives, climb out of a rear window. The defendant immediately ran towards one of the officers and began to stab him with the knives, knocking the officer to the ground.

The injured officer and another officer subsequently discharged their firearms, which resulted in injuries to the defendant. The officer was treated for two stab wounds to his arm. Grant was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he received treatment for gunshot wounds to his chest and arm. Our office conducted a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting and determined that the actions of the police officers were justified.

Grant faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. He remains held without bail.

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

The case was prosecuted by Chief Ashley M. Morgan of the Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Taylor L. Yensan of the Raise the Age/Motor Vehicle Theft Insurance Fraud Unit.

If you or someone you know is a victim or may be at-risk of domestic violence, help is available through the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program. While our staff specialize in trauma-informed support and victim advocacy following the arrest of an offender, you do not need to have a pending criminal case to speak with an advocate and access services. For more information on BE SAFE, call 716-858-4630 or visit www.erie.gov/besafe.