Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo woman has been charged with attempted murder after an officer-involved shooting last weekend.
Buffalo police responded to an "unknown trouble" call on Donovan Drive early Saturday morning, where prosecutors at the Erie County District Attorney's Office say officers encountered 38-year-old Cynthia Gilbert and several other adults outside of an apartment complex.
According to officials, Gilbert was armed with a large knife and refused multiple commands by the responding officers to drop the weapon as they attempted to de-escalate the situation. An officer deployed pepper spray when she approached and pointed the knife at the group.
Police say Gilbert continued to advance and refused police orders after the pepper spray was deployed. Gilbert then tried to stab one man in the group with the knife.
An officer subsequently discharged his firearm, which resulted in an injury to Gilbert .The officers immediately rendered first aid to both Gilbert and the victim.
The knife was recovered and placed into evidence.
The victim, a 39-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center, where he was treated for a laceration to his head. Gilbert 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.
Gilbert is formally facing 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)
"My office conducted a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting. We have determined that the actions of the police officers were justified," said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane in a statement. "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."
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.