Man shot and killed by Orchard Park police identified, more information released

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — The man who was shot and killed by Orchard Park police on August 30 has been identified as James T. Cushman.

According to Chief Patrick Fitzgerald, police have responded to multiple mental health calls related to Cushman.

On Aug. 30, Fitzgerald said Cushman called 911 to report that his mother was outside their Hawthorne home, that she had a gun and that he had a knife. Cushman allegedly told the operator, “I’m leaving now,” the operator asked him what he meant by that and he allegedly said, “I’m going out with a bang.”

Fitzgerald said two patrol officers arrived at the scene and Cushman allegedly ran toward them with the knife. According to Fitzgerald, the officers repeatedly told Cushman to drop the knife, but he did not comply. At one point, Cushman allegedly chased the officers around the patrol car and the officers opened fire. They shot him a total of seven times.

According to Fitzgerald, Cushman dropped the knife but began to fight with one of the officers until he was placed in handcuffs. The officers then began performing life-saving measures on him. Cushman was pronounced dead at the hospital.

“They were out of options,” Fitzgerald said. “They found themselves in a terrible situation.”

According to Fitzgerald, all indications are that the officers’ actions were justified.

The officers involved have been identified as Thomas Fowler and Tanner Till. Officer Fowler is a five-year veteran. Officer Tanner has been with the department for one year.