Buffalo police department patrol cruiser-stock photo — Buffalo police department patrol Cruiser-stock photo

BUFFALO, NY – An off-duty Buffalo police officer has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a homicide investigation in neighboring Niagara County, authorities confirmed early Sunday morning.

According to a statement from Buffalo Police Interim Commissioner Craig Macy, the department’s 911 Dispatch Lieutenant was contacted around 1 a.m. by the Lewiston Police Department, which was investigating a homicide and seeking the whereabouts of off-duty Officer Lance Woods.

Buffalo detectives immediately began coordinating with Lewiston Police to locate Woods, using investigative resources to track the vehicle he was believed to be driving. Woods was later taken into custody and formally charged with murder.

State Attorney General overseeing investigation

Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which governs officer-involved deaths, the case has been referred to the New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation. Buffalo Police said they are fully cooperating with that review.

Commissioner Macy said the department’s Internal Affairs Division is conducting its own administrative review to examine the timeline and handling of the case.

Off-duty Buffalo officer Lance Woods charged with murder
Arrest followed joint effort between Buffalo and Lewiston Police
Case referred to state Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation

Officials have not released details about the homicide or the victim’s identity, citing the ongoing investigation.

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