Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 33-year-old Deyanna J. Davis of Buffalo pleaded guilty this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on the day jury selection was scheduled to begin in her trial.
On Monday, June 1, 2020, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the defendant recklessly caused serious physical injuries to another person by driving her vehicle through a law enforcement blockade during a protest on Bailey Avenue and Decker Street in the City of Buffalo. A New York State trooper was run over by the defendant’s vehicle.
The victim spent several weeks at ECMC where he was treated for serious physical injuries, including a shattered pelvis and a broken leg. The victim was unable to return to work and retired from New York State Police due to his injuries.
“This defendant’s reckless behavior injured a State trooper who was working to keep people safe during a protest. There were crowds of people on the streets that night and I am thankful that no one else was hurt during this incident. I hope that the victim feels that justice has been served by this defendant pleading guilty today,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.
Davis faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when she is sentenced on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. She remains released pending sentence on a $200,000 bond previously posted in Buffalo City Court.
A loaded handgun was found inside of the defendant’s vehicle during the investigation. The weapon was reported stolen from West Seneca in January 2020. One of the passengers of the vehicle, 27-year-old Semaj T. Pigram of Buffalo, was linked to the illegal gun through DNA evidence.
Pigram pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) on September 23, 2022. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.
A third defendant was initially charged and arraigned in Buffalo City Court. The Grand Jury voted to no bill the case against that defendant and the charge was dismissed.
DA Flynn commends the New York State Police, Buffalo Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the Homicide Unit and Assistant District Attorney Ryan M. Flaherty of the Felony Trials Bureau.
