Driver admits to leaving scene after fatally injuring pedestrian in Cheektowaga

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- An Amherst man pleaded guilty Tuesday to fatally striking a pedestrian and leaving the scene during a winter storm earlier this year, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.

Officials said Matthew J. Althoff was driving a Ford SUV around 7:20 p.m. on Jan. 15 when he struck a pedestrian on Losson Road in Cheektowaga. Althoff then drove away from the scene without reporting the incident to police.

The victim, 41-year-old Antwain R. Hankle, was clearing snow from his vehicle in front of his home when he was struck, and he was later found injured in the roadway by an off-duty New York State trooper. Hankle was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he later died.

Althoff pleaded guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting resulting in a death, the highest sustainable charge. He faces a maximum of seven years in prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 8, and he remains released on a previously posted $10,000 bail.