Buffalo man sentenced to 15 years in prison for dragging, injuring police officer
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Friday morning after dragging and seriously injuring a Town of Tonawanda police officer in 2023, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.
Dareious Akbar, 21, abruptly drove off during a traffic stop on May 29, 2023. The responding officer, David Piatek, held on to the side of the vehicle, fell and struck his head on the pavement. He was taken to ECMC with serious injuries.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near the intersection of Sheridan Drive and Sheridan-Parkside Drive. Akbar was driving a vehicle stolen out of East Aurora at the time.
Akbar pleaded guilty to the following charges in July 2024:
- two counts, first-degree assault
- assault upon a police officer
- third-degree criminal possession of stolen property
- third-degree unauthorized use of motor vehicle
Additional initial charges were dismissed including attempted murder and aggravated assault upon a police officer. The Erie County District Attorney's Office said it requested the maximum sentence against him.
Along with the fifteen years, Akbar will receive five years of post release supervision.
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.