Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo man is facing additional charges for his alleged role in a domestic dispute that eventually led to an officer-involved shooting at a residence on Sherman Street in the city's East Side neighborhood.
33-year-old Minhaz Siddiqui was arraigned Thursday morning at Erie County Medical Center before on an indictment charging him with the following offenses:
- One count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class A-I felony)
- One count of Predatory Sexual Assault (Class A-II felony)
- One count of Rape in the First Degree (Class B violent felony)
- Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class D violent felonies)
- One count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (Class D violent felony)
- One count of Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation (Class A misdemeanor)
Between on or about the morning of Monday, May 25, 2026, and the morning of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Siddiqui is accused of repeatedly causing physical injury to a female victim by repeatedly beating her with various objects. He allegedly forcibly engaged in sexual conduct with the victim, while threatening the immediate use of a firearm. He's also accused of sexually abusing the victim by forcible compulsion. He allegedly applied pressure to the neck of the victim with the intent to impede the normal breathing or blood circulation during the incident.
The alleged crime occurred inside of the residence on Sherman Street. Siddiqui and the victim were in an intimate partner relationship.
It is further alleged that on Tuesday, May 26 at approximately 2:07 p.m., Buffalo Police officers responded to a 9-1-1 call for a report of domestic violence at the residence on Sherman Street. Siddiqui is accused of intentionally firing multiple shots from a concealed pistol as he was being placed under arrest inside the home.
One of the police officers, Officer Marc Hurst, was injured by gunfire, while Siddiqui was subsequently shot by another police officer.
The police officers immediately performed life-saving measures until Siddiqui was transported by ambulance to ECMC. He remains hospitalized to receive treatment for gunshot wounds to his leg and torso.
Officer Hurst was also taken by ambulance to ECMC, where he was hospitalized for one week to receive treatment for injuries to his upper arm and both legs.
“My office conducted a thorough review of this officer-involved shooting. We have determined that the actions of the police officer were justified. The members of the Buffalo Police Department who fired the shots that resulted in injuries to the defendant were justified in their use of force,” said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.
Siddiqui is scheduled to return for a pre-trial conference on Tuesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. He continues to be held without bail, and a temporary order of protection, issued on behalf of the victim and witnesses, remains in effect.
If convicted of the highest count, Siddiqui faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
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.
