Buffalo man beat woman, stole her car, then tried to rob 80-year-old woman

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo man faces up to 15 years in prison after admitting to beating a woman, stealing her car and then, days later, trying to rob an 80-year-old woman outside a grocery store while that he using this stolen car.

Michael Sawyer, 34, pleaded guilty Tuesday to all 13 charges against him, including assault, attempted robbery, grand larceny, strangulation and grand larceny.

On April 1, 2022, Sawyer punched and slapped a woman multiple times during an argument at a Buffalo home. Sawyer also choked the victim with his hands until she lost consciousness, then threw her to the ground. The victim suffered a concussion and bruises.

After the assault, Sawyer took the victim’s phone, preventing her from calling for help. He also stole her car.

A few days later, on April 5, Sawyer attempted to steal an 80-year-old woman’s purse outside a grocery store on Harlem Road near Kensington Avenue in Cheektowaga.

Sawyer was driving the vehicle he stole when he grabbed the purse handles. The victim did not let go of his bag and was dragged by the moving vehicle. She was seriously injured.

The stolen vehicle was found on Miller Avenue near Broadway. When Sawyer walked toward the vehicle, he was confronted by police. He then tried to flee but was taken into custody after a quick chase.

Sawyer will be sentenced as a violent felony second offender on June 5. He is being held without bail.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of suffering from domestic violence, there is always help available through the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program. You can contact BE SAFE by calling 716-858-4630. You can also visit them online.