Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Rayquell M. Grant, 26, of Buffalo, was arraigned this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi charging him with one count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class “A” Felony), one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class “C” violent felony) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” violent felony). Judge Bargnesi unsealed the indictment and arraigned the defendant at ECMC where he remains hospitalized.
It is alleged that on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at approximately 4:55 p.m., Amherst Police responded to a residence on the 4800 block of North Bailey Avenue after receiving a 911 call for a domestic violence-related complaint.
The responding officers saw the defendant, who was allegedly armed with two large knives, climb out of a rear window. The defendant immediately ran towards one of the officers and began to stab him with the knives, knocking the officer to the ground. The injured officer and another officer subsequently discharged their firearms, which resulted in injuries to the defendant. The officer was treated for two stab wounds to his arm. The defendant was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he continues to receive treatment for gunshot wounds to his chest and arm.
“My office conducted a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting. We have determined that the actions of the police officers were justified. The members of the Amherst Police Department who fired the shots that resulted in injuries to the defendant have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing,” said Erie County DA Mike Keane.
Grant was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time. If convicted of the highest count, Grant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
At the time of the alleged crime, the defendant was wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear in court on a pending domestic violence-related case. On April 29, 2025, Grant was arraigned before Amherst Town Court Justice Jeffrey E. Marion on one count of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree (Class “E” felony), one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) and one count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation). At the arraignment, our prosecutor requested that the defendant be remanded. Grant was released under supervision and an order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. On Thursday, June 5, 2025, a bench warrant was issued after the defendant failed to appear for a scheduled court proceeding.
DA Keane commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The cases are being prosecuted by Chief Ashley M. Morgan of the Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant Chief Gina M. Gramaglia of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence 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.