Aug. 13, 2025

'Tragic accident' or criminal conduct? Lengthy probes of fatal crashes can end with no charges

This spring and summer have seen a notable number of crashes locally involving riders of bicycles, e-bikes and motorcycles who were fatally injured after colliding with a car or SUV.

The police agencies that respond typically release basic facts about the crash in the hours or days afterward. But they sometimes withhold identifying information and details about what caused the crash.

In fact, in six fatal crashes between late April and early August, police hadn't disclosed whether the surviving motorist was charged with a crime or cited for a moving violation.

The crashes occurred in Amherst, Lancaster, the City of Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, Sanborn and Genesee County. The six n

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