Amherst Police Release Body Cam Footage of Officer-Involved Shooting

UPDATE: Amherst police have just released body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting that left a woman injured last week. The Erie County district attorney confirmed that the officers acted within their rights when they used force during the incident involving 26-year-old Tonisha Green.

On October 28, 2023, officers responded to a menacing complaint at an apartment complex on Durham Drive. Upon arrival, they encountered Green outside her residence, brandishing a knife. Despite several hours of attempts by the police to de-escalate the situation and commands for her to drop the weapon, Green refused to comply.

As tensions rose, an officer fired shots, striking Green and effectively ending the standoff. Following the shooting, authorities reported that officers provided immediate first aid to Green before recovering the knife from the scene. She was subsequently transported to Erie County Medical Center for treatment.

In an official statement, Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane emphasized the challenges faced by officers in these high-stakes situations. “Officers try to do their best to de-escalate these situations and unfortunately, it didn’t work in this case,” he stated.

Green now faces serious charges, including four counts of menacing a police officer and one count of second-degree menacing. The investigation is ongoing, with the state attorney general’s office involved, although they typically only handle cases resulting in fatalities.

This incident has sparked discussions about police use of force and public safety, highlighting a crucial moment in Amherst’s community dynamics. As investigations continue, local residents await further details on the outcomes of the legal proceedings against Green.

The latest developments in this case are crucial, not only for the individuals involved but for broader implications on law enforcement practices. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this situation for updates.