AMHERST, N.Y. — Amherst police have released body camera footage of a violent encounter on July 12 in which a man stabbed an officer before being shot by police during a domestic disturbance call.
Officers responded around 5 p.m. to a home on the 4800 block of Bailey Avenue. The suspect, 26-year-old Rayquell Grant, was wanted on two active warrants. Lt. Matthew Lobuglio and Officer Aidan Vangelov attempted to make contact when Grant allegedly exited the back window armed with two knives and charged at Officer Vangelov, stabbing him within seconds.
Lt. Lobuglio rushed to assist, deploying a Taser as Vangelov kicked Grant to the ground. Grant got back up, refused to drop his weapons, and took an aggressive stance. Both officers fired their weapons, discharging a total of five shots. The entire incident lasted just six seconds.
Officers provided first aid to both the wounded officer and suspect. Officer Vangelov was treated and released from ECMC. Grant remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Grant was later arraigned at ECMC on charges including first-degree attempted murder and assault. He is being held without bail. The Erie County DA concluded the officers’ use of force was justified and cleared them of any criminal wrongdoing.