Buffalo Man Indicted for Shooting Police Officer

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Minhaz Siddiqui, 33, of Buffalo, was arraigned this morning at ECMC before State Supreme Court Justice Judge Kelly Vacco on an indictment charging him with the following offenses:

• One count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class A-I felony)
• One count of Predatory Sexual Assault (Class A-II felony)
• One count of Rape in the First Degree (Class B violent felony)
• Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class D violent felonies)
• One count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (Class D violent felony)
• One count of Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation (Class A misdemeanor)

Between on or about the morning of Monday, May 25, 2026, and the morning of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the defendant repeatedly caused physical injury to the female victim by repeatedly beating her with various objects. The defendant allegedly forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim while threatening the immediate use of a firearm. The defendant is also accused of sexually abusing the victim by forcible compulsion. The defendant allegedly applied pressure to the neck of the victim with the intent to impede the normal breathing or blood circulation during the incident. The alleged crime occurred inside of a residence on Sherman Street in the City of Buffalo. The defendant and the victim were in an intimate partner relationship.

It is further alleged that on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 2:07 p.m., Buffalo Police officers responded to 911 call for a report of domestic violence at the residence on Sherman Street. The defendant is accused of intentionally firing multiple shots from a concealed pistol as he was being placed under arrest inside the home. One of the police officers was injured by gunfire. The defendant was subsequently shot by another police officer.

The police officers immediately performed life-saving measures until the defendant was transported by ambulance to ECMC. The defendant remains hospitalized to receive treatment for gunshot wounds to his leg and torso. The injured officer was also taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was hospitalized for one week to receive treatment for injuries to his upper arm and both legs.

"My office conducted a thorough review of this officer-involved shooting. We have determined that the actions of the police officers were justified. The members of the Buffalo Police Department who fired the shots that resulted in injuries to the defendant were justified in their use of force," said Erie County DA Mike Keane.

Siddiqui is scheduled to return for a pre-trial conference on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. He continues to be held without bail. A temporary order of protection, issued on behalf of the victim and witnesses, remains in effect.

If convicted of the highest count, Siddiqui faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.

DA Keane commends Detective Sgt. Keith Fitzner, Detective Raymond Krug, Detective Terrence Supples, Detective Anthony Shea, Detective Lauren/Thomas/Nicholas Herbert, Detective Adam Wigdorski, Detective Mark Costantino, Detective Rita Ruffin of the Buffalo Police Department and Buffalo Fire Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge, III, Chief Gina M. Gramaglia of the Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Homicide Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you or someone you know is a victim or may be at-risk of domestic violence, help is available through the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program. While our staff specialize in trauma-informed support and victim advocacy following the arrest of an offender, you do not need to have a pending criminal case to speak with an advocate and access services. For more information on BE SAFE, call 716-858-4630 or visit www.erie.gov/besafe.