Amherst Woman Injured in Officer-Involved Shooting Pleads Guilty to Menacing Charges

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Tonisha A. Green, 27, of Amherst, pleaded guilty on Tuesday before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to four counts of Menacing a Police Officer (Class D violent felonies) and one count of Menacing in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor). Green entered a guilty plea to all counts in the indictment.

On Monday, October 27, 2025, the defendant intentionally placed a civilian victim in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury, or death by displaying a knife at an apartment complex on Durham Drive in the Town of Amherst.

The next day, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Amherst Police returned to Durham Drive to follow up on the incident that occurred the day prior. An Amherst Police officer arrived on scene and was confronted by the defendant who was outside of her apartment armed with a knife. The defendant ignored commands by police to put down the knife and made repeated threats to kill the officers.

Over the course of several hours, the defendant continued to threaten the officers and refused numerous commands to drop the knife as officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. The defendant intentionally placed four police officers, who were performing their official duties, in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury, or death by displaying a knife.

As the defendant continued to ignore the officers' commands to drop the knife, she advanced toward the officers. In response, an officer discharged his firearm, resulting in injuries to the defendant. The officers immediately rendered first aid to the defendant, who was subsequently transported to ECMC for medical treatment.

Our office previously announced that following a thorough review of the officer-involved critical incident, it was determined that the actions of the officer was legally justified. The members of the Amherst Police Department involved in this incident reasonably believed they were facing deadly physical force.

Green faces a maximum of 7 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. She continues to be released under the supervision of the Probation Department.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Samantha King of the Major Crimes Bureau.