Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Samuel Baer, 44, of West Seneca, was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Resulting in Death (Class “D” felony under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law).
It is alleged that on September 25, 2024, at approximately 10:56 p.m., the victim fell onto the road while crossing at an intersection near the 2000 block of Elmwood Avenue between Hertel Avenue and Hinman Avenue in North Buffalo. A Good Samaritan, who was stopped at the red light in the northbound lane, exited his vehicle to attempt to help the victim and stop incoming traffic.
The defendant was allegedly driving his pickup truck south on Elmwood Avenue when he drove through the green light and hit the victim in the roadway. After the impact, the defendant allegedly veered into the northbound lane and onto a grass covered lot before he continued to drive south on Elmwood Avenue.
The victim, 59-year-old Joseph W. Domnissey, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was pronounced dead. The defendant is accused of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death without notifying police.
Baer was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the charge, Baer faces a maximum sentence of 7 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 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.