Garbage truck operator accused of reckless driving after 17-year-old left critically injured

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A woman has been accused of reckless driving and assault after she allegedly hit a 17-year-old boy with a city of Buffalo garbage truck in October, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

The boy, who Charles Desmond of Desmond Law identified in October as Klaw Reh, has since had his leg amputated, underwent at least fifteen surgeries and is paralyzed from the waist down, according an attorney hired by the boy’s family to sue the city.

On Oct. 2, 2024, 46-year-old Sasiya Davis Johnson allegedly reversed for a block down Rhode Island Street when she struck the 17-year-old. He still remains at ECMC where he is continuing his recovery. Johnson was put on unpaid leave.

She was charged Tuesday with reckless driving and second-degree assault and was released under probationary supervision. On her behalf, her attorney entered into a not guilty plea on Tuesday.

According to a police accident report provided to WIVB News 4 by Reh’s attorney, the truck was backing the wrong way on a one-way street without a spotter. It states that the driver said her spotter was in the passenger seat talking on his cell phone and that the driver used her airhorn while backing up while she struck the pedestrian.

The report also said while the driver was backing up, she noticed the pedestrian standing on the sidewalk next to the stop sign and did not see the pedestrian enter the street.

Lawyer Arthur Duncan said Johnson, who has no prior convictions, is torn up about what happened.

“She’s a member of my church and we’ve prayed for her on several occasions, prayed for the family,” he said. “She’s a mother, a grandmother, a member of my church, and never been in trouble before and this is a very, very unfortunate incident.”

Johnson was working with a garbage loader at the time, who will not be facing any charges.

If convicted, Johnson faces up to seven years in prison.

Watch Tuesday’s full press conference in the video player below.

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