Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Travis Rosario, 51, of Niagara Falls pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of Leaving the Scene of Incident Resulting in Serious Injury (Class “E” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge.
On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 4:56 a.m., the defendant was driving a vehicle on Luiz Kahl Way near the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport in the Town of Cheektowaga when he hit a pedestrian who was crossing the road near Genesee Street. After injuring the pedestrian, the defendant drove away from the scene without reporting the incident to police.
The victim, a 44-year-old male from Williamsville, was taken by ambulance to ECMC with serious physical injuries, including a head injury and numerous fractured bones.
Rosario faces a maximum of 4 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. He remains released on his own recognizance.
Acting DA Keane commends the NFTA Police Department and Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.