West Seneca man sentenced for attacking female jogger

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 21-year-old Ryan J. Strunk of West Seneca was sentenced yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to four years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision.

On Sept. 11, 2021, at approximately 1 p.m., the victim was jogging on the New York State Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) campus on East and West Road in the Town of West Seneca when she was attacked by the defendant. The defendant hit the victim numerous times with a tree branch as she attempted to run from the attack.

The defendant continued to chase and hit the victim with the tree branch until she was able to escape into an occupied DDSO patrol officer’s vehicle. The patrol officer called 911 and the defendant, who was not known to the victim, was taken into custody. The victim suffered various cuts and bruises to her body.

On Jan. 10, 2022, Strunk pleaded guilty to one count of assault in the second degree (class “D” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge in the indictment against him.

As part of his sentence, a final order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim, which remains in effect until 2030.

DA Flynn commends the West Seneca Police Department for its work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Timothy J. Garvin of the narcotics/intelligence unit.