(WNY News Now) – A Hamburg man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian in Tonawanda, fleeing the scene, and carjacking a second victim in a dramatic sequence of events.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the arraignment of Mark G. Whalen, 31, of Hamburg, on serious felony charges including Manslaughter in the Second Degree, following a fatal hit-and-run and carjacking incident in the City of Tonawanda. Whalen was arraigned before Tonawanda City Court Judge Mark E. Saltarelli, facing a series of charges related to reckless driving, vehicle theft, and drug possession.
The charges stem from an alleged incident on Monday, November 11, 2024. According to the District Attorney’s Office, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Whalen was driving without a valid license when he struck a 40-year-old pedestrian crossing Delaware Street near Benton Street. Whalen allegedly drove off without notifying authorities, leaving the victim, who succumbed to his injuries, at the scene.
Shortly afterward, Whalen reportedly caused a rear-end collision near Delaware and Broad Street. Following the collision, he allegedly stole the other driver’s vehicle to continue his flight. Authorities apprehended Whalen after he was involved in yet another crash, this time in North Tonawanda. During his arrest, police allegedly discovered a small quantity of suspected cocaine in his possession.
Whalen is set to return to court for a felony hearing on November 15, 2024, and remains held without bail. If convicted of the top charge of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
District Attorney Keane commended the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the City of Tonawanda Police Department, North Tonawanda Police Department, and Town of Hamburg Police Department, in this complex investigation. The case, being led by Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, remains under investigation with the possibility of additional charges.
As with all accused individuals, Whalen is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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