(WNY News Now) – A City of Buffalo garbage truck operator has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges for recklessly driving in reverse down a one-way street and striking a 17-year-old pedestrian, resulting in the amputation of his leg.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that Sasiya M. Davis-Johnson, 47, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty Wednesday morning before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and one count of Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law.
The plea agreement was offered with the consent of the victim.
The incident occurred on October 2, 2024, around 8:16 a.m., near the intersection of Rhode Island Street and 14th Street on Buffalo’s West Side. Davis-Johnson, employed by the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, was operating a garbage truck when she reversed down Rhode Island Street — a one-way street — in the wrong direction. During the maneuver, the vehicle struck a 17-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the street.
The teenager suffered serious physical injuries, including the amputation of his left leg, and was transported by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). He underwent multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized in a long-term care facility.
Davis-Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail when she returns to court for sentencing on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. She remains released under supervision pending sentencing.
District Attorney Keane commended the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their thorough work on the case.
The prosecution was handled by Chief Patrick B. Shanahan and Assistant District Attorney Natasha G. Greenan of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
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