09-07-2025
Driver charged with fatally striking Good Samaritan in Buffalo
A West Seneca man was indicted on charges Tuesday related to a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian in Buffalo.
Samuel Baer, 44, of West Seneca, was arraigned Tuesday before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with one count of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death (Class 'D' felony under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law).
About 11 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2024, a person fell onto the road while crossing at an intersection near the 2000 block of Elmwood Avenue between Hertel and Hinman avenues in north Buffalo. Joseph W. Domnissey, who was stopped at the red light in the northbound lane, exited his vehicle to attempt to help the victim and stop incoming traffic.
Baer was driving his pickup truck south on Elmwood Avenue when he drove through the green light and hit Domnissey in the roadway. After the impact, Baer veered into the northbound lane and onto a grass covered lot before he continued to drive south on Elmwood Avenue, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.
Domnissey, 59, was taken by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Baer is accused of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death without notifying police.
Baer was held without bail on Tuesday. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the charge, Baer faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane commended the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Patrick B. Shanahan of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
