Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Sasiya M. Davis-Johnson, 47, of Buffalo, was arraigned yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek on an indictment charging her with one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Reckless Driving (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law).
It is alleged that on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at approximately 8:16 a.m., the defendant, while working for the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, was operating a garbage truck near the intersection of Rhode Island Street and 14th Street in the City of Buffalo.
It is further alleged that the defendant recklessly drove the garbage truck by placing the vehicle in reverse and moving the wrong way on Rhode Island Street. A pedestrian was subsequently hit by the truck while crossing Rhode Island Street. The defendant is accused of recklessly engaging in conduct that caused serious physical injuries to the victim.
The victim, a 17-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he remains hospitalized. The victim underwent several surgeries for multiple serious physical injuries, including an amputation of his left leg.
Prosecutors requested that the defendant be held on bail set at $250,000. Davis-Johnson was released under supervision. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the highest charge, Davis-Johnson faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Patrick B. Shanahan and Assistant District Attorney Natasha G. Greenan of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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