BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced an officer with the Buffalo Police Department has been cleared of wrongdoing after firing a shot at a woman accused of nearly striking him with a stolen vehicle. The district attorney's office says following its investigation, the actions of the officer were justified.
The incident occurred April 17, 31-year-old Amanda R. Turello of Buffalo allegedly stole a pickup truck near Broadway and Bailey Avenue. Buffalo police responded and located the stolen vehicle on Ambruster Street, the DA's office says that is where Officer Majed Ottman exited his patrol vehicle and Turello attempted to flee.
According to the district attorney's office, in Turello's attempt to flee she allegedly nearly struck Ottman which led to him firing shots at the vehicle. Turello was struck in the hand by one of the shots.
Turello abandoned the stolen vehicle on Shephard Street and was taken into custody behind a house and then transported to ECMC to be treated for her injuries.
She faces the following charges and her case is currently pending:
- Reckless endangerment in the first degree
- Criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree
- Unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree
