Defendant Pleads Guilty for Injuring Town of Tonawanda Police Officer While Fleeing Traffic Stop in Stolen Vehicle

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 20-year-old Dareious T. Akbar of Buffalo pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to two counts of Assault in the First Degree (Class "B" violent felonies), one count of Assault Upon a Police Officer (Class "C" violent felony), one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class "D" felony) and one count of Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class "A" misdemeanor).

On Monday, May 29, 2023, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Town of Tonawanda police officers initiated a traffic stop for a vehicle that allegedly drove through a red light at the intersection of Sheridan Drive and Sheridan-Parkside Drive. Earlier that day, the vehicle, a 2019 Kia Sportage, was allegedly reported stolen from the Village of East Aurora.

During the traffic stop, the defendant, who was the operator of the stolen vehicle, drove off. One of the police officers was subsequently dragged by the vehicle. The victim, Officer David Piatek, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was treated for a head injury and other serious physical injuries. Today, the defendant pleaded guilty to two assault charges under the different legal theories of acting recklessly evincing a depraved indifference to human life and causing serious physical injuries to the victim during the commission of a felony.

On June 6, 2024, Judge Case issued a written decision that dismissed the first three counts of the indictment, which included one count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Class "A-I" felony), one count of Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer, and one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class "B" violent felonies). Our office is appealing the court's decision to the Fourth Judicial Department Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Currently, Akbar faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. At the plea proceeding today, prosecutors indicated that our office stands by the injured officer and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department and will request that the court impose the maximum sentence. Akbar remains held without bail.

Acting DA Keane commends the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott and Assistant District Attorney Bethany A. Solek of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.