Driver Pleads Guilty for Leaving the Scene After Fatally Injuring Pedestrian in North Buffalo

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Samuel Baer, 44, of West Seneca, pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes to count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Resulting in Death (Class D felony under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law). The defendant pleaded guilty to the sole count of the indictment and highest sustainable charge.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at approximately 10:56 p.m., the victim fell onto the road while crossing at an intersection near the 2000 block of Elmwood Avenue between Hertel Avenue and Hinman Avenue in North Buffalo. A Good Samaritan, who was stopped at the red light in the northbound lane, exited his vehicle to attempt to help the victim and stop incoming traffic.

The defendant was driving his pickup truck south on Elmwood Avenue when he drove through the green light and hit the victim in the roadway. After the impact, the defendant veered into the northbound lane and onto a grass covered lot before he continued to drive south on Elmwood Avenue.

The victim, 59-year-old Joseph W. Domnissey, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was pronounced dead. The defendant left the scene of an incident resulting in death without notifying police.

Baer faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. He remains held without bail.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy and Chief Patrick B. Shanahan of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.