Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Police Department released body camera footage on Friday from an incident Tuesday in the city's East Side neighborhood that began with a domestic call and ended with an officer being shot in the line of duty.
According to Police Commissioner Erika Shields, officers responded to reports of a man who threatened to kill his wife and had locked her inside a room at a residence at 256 Sherman Street. When officers arrived, they entered the home through a side door that led into the residence. They were let into the house by a family member of the man, identified as 33-year-old Minhaz Siddiqui.
Once inside, officers encountered Siddiqui, who was described as agitated and not listening to commands from the officers. While the female victim’s status was unknown at the time, officers attempted to take the man into custody before Siddiqui became combative and resistant.
During the altercation, officials said the suspect managed to grab a gun that was concealed on him in his waistband and hidden under his shirt. Siddiqui was able to fire eight rounds at officers, striking Officer Marc Hurst a total of six times. Officers then returned fire, firing three shots and injuring Siddiqui.
Commissioner Shields says Buffalo Fire and AMR responded and transported both individuals to the hospital for treatment. Both remain hospitalized and recovering from their injuries.
Officials said the victim was located in a locked room in the home, and she was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to Shields, Hurst’s injuries are consistent with gunfire from the suspect’s weapon, ruling out any possibility of him being struck by friendly fire from officers.
Officials said HIPAA laws prevent them from discussing the suspect’s prior health history leading up to this incident.
Shields admits the incident could have been far worse.
“We are very fortunate that we do not have a line of duty death," she said during a Friday press briefing.
Shields also referenced 9-1-1 audio from the domestic call, describing it as unsettling and reflective of “true fear and true terror.” She described the circumstances as chaotic, and that domestic violence calls can escalate quickly.
She also said officials found a sizeable number of guns at another residence connected to the suspect. She adds those weapons, including the gun used in the shooting on Sherman Street, were legally owned.
Siddiqui has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, and other charges related to the domestic call are still anticipated.
