Knife-Wielding Hugh Davis Shot Dead by Buffalo Cops

BUFFALO, NY – Hugh Davis, 42, is dead after a violent confrontation with Cheektowaga Police Department (CPD) officers in Buffalo on August 13, 2025. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has determined that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s use of deadly force was not justified, effectively closing the case without charges.

The incident unfolded at approximately 12:35 p.m. when CPD officers arrived at Davis’ Buffalo apartment intending to arrest him for a prior alleged assault in Cheektowaga. According to OSI’s findings, officers announced their presence and attempted to gain entry. Repeated knocking led to a door panel collapsing inward, and Davis immediately lunged through the opening, brandishing a knife.

OSI investigators detailed how Davis began swinging the knife at the officers. He stumbled and nearly struck one officer while ignoring repeated commands to drop the weapon. It was then that an officer discharged their service weapon, hitting Davis. Paramedics pronounced Davis dead at the scene. A large kitchen knife was recovered as evidence.

The entire encounter was captured on the officers’ body-worn cameras, providing crucial evidence for OSI’s investigation. New York State Executive Law Section 70-b mandates OSI review all cases where a law enforcement officer may have caused a death, regardless of circumstances – on or off duty, armed or unarmed, in or out of custody. This isn’t about defending cops; it’s about a thorough, independent review of force used in the field.

While OSI’s Notification of Investigative Findings concludes that prosecution isn’t viable, a full Investigation Report will be released at a later date, detailing the complete findings of the investigation. This report will likely contain the bodycam footage and a more granular breakdown of the timeline of events. The lack of charges doesn’t mean the incident is without tragedy; it simply means the evidence doesn’t support a criminal case against the officers involved.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as the full Investigation Report becomes available. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both law enforcement and civilians during potentially volatile encounters. The question remains: could de-escalation tactics have prevented this outcome? That’s a question the full report may address, but legal justification doesn’t always equate to a perfect outcome.