Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 26-year-old Zaire N. Pittman of the Town of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty this morning to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony), the highest charge in the indictment, and one count of Driving While Ability Impaired by a Drug (Class “A” misdemeanor).

On Friday, May 7, 2021, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant was driving a vehicle, while under the influence of cannabis, when he hit a female bicyclist on East Ferry Street near Wohlers Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 54-year-old Carolyn Carter, died at the scene.

Pittman faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case on January 31, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. He remains released on $50,000 bail previously posted in Buffalo City Court.

“This defendant drove a vehicle while high on marijuana and caused the tragic death of this woman. While it is legal to smoke or consume cannabis in New York State, driving while high is a crime. It is my duty as District Attorney to keep the roads in our community safe. If you are caught driving under the influence of marijuana, alcohol or any other illicit substance, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.  

The case was prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott and Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.