Buffalo woman sentenced for injuring state trooper while driving through police blockade at protest

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 34-year-old Deyanna J. Davis of Buffalo was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to 2½ years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision.

On Monday, June 1, 2020, at approximately 10 p.m., the defendant recklessly caused serious physical injuries to a New York State Police trooper by driving her vehicle through a law enforcement blockade during a protest on Bailey Avenue and Decker Street in the City of Buffalo. The trooper was run over by the defendant’s vehicle.

The victim spent several weeks at ECMC where he was treated for injuries to his back, a shattered pelvis and a broken leg. He was unable to return to work and retired from New York State Police due to the injuries.

Davis pleaded guilty to one count of assault in the second degree (class “D” felony) on Feb. 1, 2023. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on the day jury selection was scheduled to begin in her trial.

“This defendant’s reckless behavior caused life-altering injuries to a state trooper who was working to keep people safe during a protest,” DA Flynn said. “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 being sentenced to a term of imprisonment for this crime. I wish him well in this continued recovery.”

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 Sept. 23, 2022. He was sentenced to seven years in prison followed by five 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.