Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault Charge for Stabbing Victim During Police Response

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Cynthia L. Gilbert, 38, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty on Monday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class C violent felony). Gilbert pleaded guilty to the charge in full satisfaction of the indictment.

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Buffalo Police responded to Donovan Drive after receiving a 911 call for an "unknown trouble" complaint. At the scene, the officers encountered the defendant and several other adults outside of an apartment complex. The defendant, who was armed with a large knife, refused multiple commands by the officers to drop the weapon as they attempted to de-escalate the situation. An officer deployed pepper spray when the defendant approached and pointed the knife at the group. The defendant continued to advance and refused police orders after the pepper spray was deployed. The defendant attempted to cause serious physical injuries to one person in the group by stabbing him with the kitchen knife.

An officer subsequently discharged his firearm, which resulted in an injury to the defendant. The police officers immediately rendered first aid to the defendant and the victim. The knife was recovered and placed into evidence. The victim, a 39-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to ECMC to be treated for a laceration to his head. The defendant was also taken by ambulance to ECMC where she was treated for an injury to her shoulder.

Our office previously announced that following a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting, the actions of the police officers were justified. The member of the Buffalo Police Department who fired the shot that resulted in injuries to the defendant was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

Gilbert faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when she is sentenced on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. She remains held without bail.

DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Ashley M. Morgan and Assistant District Attorney Meredith M. Mohun of the Major Crimes Bureau.