Amherst Police Release Body Cam Footage of Shooting Incident

UPDATE: Amherst police have just released body camera footage from an incident where officers shot a woman armed with a knife last week. The Erie County District Attorney’s office has confirmed that the officers acted within their rights, deeming their use of force justified.

The confrontation occurred on October 28, 2023, at an apartment complex on Durham Drive. Officers responded to a menacing complaint that had been reported the previous day. Upon arrival, they encountered Tonisha Green, a 26-year-old resident of Amherst, who was outside her apartment holding a knife.

According to the DA’s office, Green refused multiple commands to drop the weapon over several hours. The tense standoff escalated when an officer discharged their weapon, injuring Green and bringing the situation to a close. Officers immediately rendered first aid and secured the knife, according to the official statement.

Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane emphasized the difficult nature of such incidents, stating,

“Officers try to do their best to de-escalate these situations and unfortunately, it didn’t work in this case.”

Green is now facing serious legal consequences, with charges including four counts of menacing a police officer and one count of second-degree menacing.

Currently, Green is hospitalized at Erie County Medical Center as she receives treatment for her injuries. Notably, the state attorney general’s office only investigates cases involving police-related fatalities, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

This developing story sheds light on the complexities of police encounters and the challenges law enforcement faces when responding to such volatile situations. As the investigation continues, authorities urge the community to remain informed about the ongoing proceedings.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation as it unfolds.