Garbage Truck Operator Pleads Guilty for Injuring Teenage Pedestrian

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Sasiya M. Davis-Johnson, 47, of Buffalo, pleaded yesterday morning before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Assault in the Third Degree (Class A misdemeanor) and one count of Reckless Driving (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law). The defendant was offered the reduced plea with the consent of the victim.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at approximately 8:16 a.m., the defendant was operating a garbage truck, while working for the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, near the intersection of Rhode Island Street and 14th Street in the City of Buffalo. The defendant recklessly drove the garbage truck by placing the vehicle in reverse and moving in the wrong direction on Rhode Island Street, a one-way street. A pedestrian was subsequently hit by the truck while crossing Rhode Island Street. The defendant recklessly caused physical injuries to the victim.

The victim, a 17-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he underwent several surgeries for serious physical injuries, including an amputation of his left leg. He remains hospitalized in a long-term care facility.

Davis-Johnson faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when she is sentenced on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. She remains released under supervision

DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Patrick B. Shanahan and Assistant District Attorney Natasha G. Greenan of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.