Modified: December 18, 2014 5:20pm
Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced that 22 year-old Asad Hixon of 4243 Dudley Avenue in the City of Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty as charged to Aggravated Vehicular Assault before Erie County Court Judge Michael F. Pietruszka. This was the highest count of the indictment and the highest charge for which the defendant could have been convicted had he gone to trial. Hixon also pleaded guilty to three counts of Assault in the 3rd Degree.
Hixon’s guilty pleas are in connection with a high speed chase through downtown Buffalo resulting in several persons being injured. Specifically, on November 3, 2013, Hixon fled from the New York State Police as they tried to pull him over for a traffic infraction on Niagara St. in the City of Buffalo. Driving in excess of 70 mph, Hixon drove the wrong way around the Niagara Square traffic circle and sped past the Convention Center (running several stop signs) before doubling back down Delaware Ave. Hixon’s high-speed escape was thwarted when he collided with two vehicles and rolled over his own in front of the Buffalo Club.
Hixon’s passenger, 18 year-old Dartanyon Robinson, was seriously injured and was placed in a medically induced coma for several days. 22 year-old Natalie Gilland, an occupant of the first car struck by Hixon, was injured, as were 32 year-old Kara Smith, 61 year-old Karen Smith, and 36 year-old Kristen Armstrong, the occupants of the second car struck by Hixon.
Despite being only 22 years-old, Hixon is no stranger to law enforcement, having previously been convicted of Driving While Impaired and Attempted Burglary in the 3rd Degree. Hixon is currently serving a five year prison sentence in connection with a recent conviction for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree. Hixon faces up to 15 more years in state prison when sentenced by Judge Pietruszka on December 5, 2014.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher H. Gresham, who is assigned to DA Sedita’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau.