Driver Indicted for Leaving the Scene and Tampering with Evidence After Killing Pedestrian in Lovejoy

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Wendell M. Brooks, 44, of Buffalo, was arraigned this afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek on an indictment. Brooks has been charged with one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class C felony), one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Resulting in Death (Class D felony under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law) and two counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class E felonies).

It is alleged that on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the defendant was operating a Tesla Cybertruck eastbound on William Street in the City of Buffalo when he hit a pedestrian who was crossing the road at the intersection of Benzinger Street. The victim, 37-year-old Paache Spikes-Redding, was pronounced dead at the scene. The defendant is accused of recklessly causing the death of the victim while driving the vehicle at a high rate of speed. The defendant allegedly drove away from the scene without reporting the incident to police.

It is further alleged that the defendant, with the intent to prevent the production or use of certain physical evidence in an official proceeding, knowingly suppressed evidence through acts of concealment. After the crime, the defendant allegedly attempted to conceal the vehicle by abandoning the Cybertruck in a wooded area in the Village of Sloan. The defendant allegedly tampered with physical evidence by intentionally removing a flash drive from the center counsel, which contained the vehicle's recording data.

Our prosecutor requested that the defendant be held without bail. Justice Wojtaszek set bail at $350,000 cash or bond as well as release under supervision. Conditions of his pre-trial release include a curfew, treatment screening and an ankle monitor. Additionally, his New York State driver's license was suspended.

If convicted of the highest charge, Brooks faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

DA Keane commends Lieutenant Dennis Taylor, Officer Corey Krug and members of the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Natasha G. Greenan of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.