Driver Arraigned for Injuring Pedestrian In Hit-and-Run Near Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Travis Rosario

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 50-year-old Travis Rosario of Niagara Falls was arraigned before Cheektowaga Town Court Justice David Stevens on one count of Leaving the Scene of Incident Resulting in Serious Injury (Class “E” felony).

It is alleged that on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 4:56 a.m., the defendant was driving on Luiz Kahl Way near the Buffalo Niagara International Airport in the Town of Cheektowaga when he hit a pedestrian who was crossing the road near Genesee Street. The defendant is accused of leaving the scene without reporting the incident to police.

The victim, a 44-year-old male from Williamsville, was taken by ambulance to ECMC with physical injuries, including a head injury and numerous fractured bones. The victim underwent surgery.

Rosario is scheduled to return on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. for further proceedings. He was released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.

If convicted of the charge, Rosario faces a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.

Acting DA Keane commends the NFTA Police Department and Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy 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.