Buffalo man admits to assaulting police officer after dragging him with his vehicle

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini

24 minutes ago

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Buffalo man pleaded guilty Tuesday morning in connection with a 2023 incident that left a Tonawanda police officer seriously injured, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office said.

On May 29, 2023, a 2019 Kia Sportage was reportedly stolen in East Aurora. Later that day, 20-year-old Dareious Akbar was reportedly arrested in the same vehicle by a Tonawanda police officer.

Akbar had run a red light at the intersection of Sheridan Drive and Sheridan-Parkside Drive, authorities said.

During the traffic stop, Akbar fled the scene, dragging one of the officers who had stopped him. Officer David Piatek was taken to the control and monitoring center for treatment for serious physical injuries, including a head injury.

Akbar was initially charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder, one count of aggravated assault on a police officer, and one count of first-degree assault. On June 6, 2024, the charges were dropped. The district attorney’s office said it is appealing the court’s decision.

He is now charged with the following counts:

• two counts of first-degree assault
• one count of assault on a police officer
• one count of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree
• one count of third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle

Akbar faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 10 and remains held without bail.