Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29-year-old Timothy M. Wagner of Buffalo pleaded guilty this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of Reckless Driving (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law). The defendant pleaded guilty on the day jury selection was scheduled to begin in his trial.
On April 19, 2021, at approximately 7:50 a.m., the defendant was driving a pickup truck eastbound on Losson Road in the Town of Cheektowaga when he veered onto the shoulder of the road and hit a pedestrian near Wedgewood Drive. The pedestrian was hit from behind, which forced him facedown onto the ground. The defendant left the scene without reporting the incident to police. Later that day, members of the Cheektowaga Police Department allegedly found the defendant’s vehicle with front end damage, which matched the description of the suspect vehicle provided by witnesses.
The victim, a 60-year-old man from Depew, was taken to the hospital. He underwent multiple surgeries for physical injuries. The victim consented to the plea to a reduced charge.
Wagner faces a maximum of 30 days in jail when he is sentenced on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. He was released on his own recognizance.
DA Flynn commends the Cheektowaga Police Department Traffic Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. Comfort of the Felony Trials Bureau.