UPDATE on NYS Police Troopers
By JOHN ANDERSON, update from the NY State Police
On May 17, 2025, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Julia C. Groff, 31 of Bolivar, NY for Attempted Murder, 1st Degree (2 counts A-2 Felony), Aggravated Assault upon Police Officer (2 counts B Felony), Menacing a Police Officer (2 counts C Felony), Grand Larceny, 4th Degree – motor vehicle (E Felony), Obstructing Governmental Administration, 2nd degree (A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor) and Criminal Possession Weapon, 4th Degree (A Misdemeanor).
On May 17, 2025, at approximately 3:25 P.M, Troopers out of SP Amity responded to Crosby’s Gas Station for a stolen vehicle report in the village of Bolivar. Troopers located the stolen, 2000 black Chevy Silverado at the gas pump. Troopers approached the operator, later identified as Groff. Groff violently resisted arrest and stabbed Trooper Jacob Klock a 9-year-veteran just above the eye and Trooper Michael Rich an 11-year-veteran in the head. In response to the assault, Trooper Rich discharged his issued firearm, but did not strike Groff. Groff was taken into custody with minor injuries.
Both Trooper Klock and Trooper Rich are being treated at Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. Groff was arraigned and remanded to the Allegany County Jail without bail.
Preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 21, 2025 at the Town of Bolivar Court. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation, NYSP Employee Assistance Program, Allegany County District Attorney’s Office and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department assisted in this investigation.
The law enforcement community posted well-wishes to the two New York State Police troopers who were seriously injured during an incident in Bolivar on Saturday.
Read our reporting from earlier this morning:
Local police officers who work with the state police said they are both outstanding troopers who work extremely well with other agencies and the public.
During an altercation at the Crosby’s gas station in Bolivar, the woman stabbed one trooper in the eye and the other was violently stuck with handcuffs in the head. Both were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester where they are being treated.
Despite being stabbed in the eye, the trooper continued to attempt to detain the subject with one arm, disregarding the blood and pain of the injury. When the woman got up with one handcuff, two customers rushed to the aid of the trooper with the head injury and helped take the suspect down and into custody. One customer helped take her down and went to the ground, all while talking to 911 operators on his cell phone.
One trooper discharged his firearm during the incident. The shot did not strike the offender who allegedly stole a vehicle as well.
The woman who injured the troopers is facing attempted murder charges.
Amity-based State Police charged Julia C. Groff, 31, of Bolivar with first-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault on a police officer, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, menacing of a police officer, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and fourth-degree grand larceny.
Groff was arraigned after being checked for injuries at Olean General Hospital and sent to the Allegany County Jail on no bail.
Troopers said the incident took place on Saturday at approximately 3:25 P.M, when troopers out of the Amity barracks located a stolen vehicle in the village of Bolivar.
Troopers performed a vehicle and traffic stop in the parking lot of Crosby’s Gas Station.
Troopers said during the arrest and response to the assault, one of the troopers discharged their division-issued firearm, but did not strike the suspect.
Here are links to our reporting and a video of the incident:
