Buffalo woman charged with attempted murder after being shot by police

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Buffalo woman has been arraigned on an indictment charging her with attempted murder after she was shot by police during a response to a 911 call.

Cynthia Gilbert, 38, was allegedly armed with a large knife and refused to drop it in the early morning hours of Sept. 27. Police had responded to an “unknown trouble” complaint on Donovan Drive where Gilbert was surrounded by several other adults outside an apartment complex.

It is alleged that Gilbert was pepper sprayed after pointing the knife at the group, but continued to advance and refuse orders to drop the weapon.

Gilbert attempted to cause the death of another person by attempting to stab him, police said. An officer shot Gilbert in the shoulder, rendered first aid to her, and placed the knife into evidence.

A 39-year-old man was taken to the hospital with a laceration to the head. Both he and Gilbert were treated and released from ECMC. Gilbert was arrested Oct. 2.

“My office conducted a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting,” said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. “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.”

Involved officers were previously placed on paid administrative leave following the incident.

In regards to body camera footage, Keane said it may be used as evidence in the case and therefore, cannot be released pending prosecution.

Gilbert faces charges of second-degree attempted murder and first-degree attempted assault. If convicted, she faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.