Teen to be sentenced as adult for hitting and critically injuring Cheektowaga police officer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The teen accused of severely injuring a Cheektowaga police officer during a 2023 pursuit will now be charged as an adult, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

A judge will allow the teen to withdraw a previous guilty plea because he will no longer be offered youthful offender status, officials said.

Officials say the teen, who was 17 at the time, is accused of stealing a car and hitting officer Troy Blackchief on Union Road in February 2023 during a pursuit. The 45-year-old father of three was hit while deploying stop sticks at Route 33. He was assisting officers from Depew at the time.

Blackchief underwent at least four cranial surgeries following the incident, including one where he had to receive a 3D-printed skull bone. Along with ECMC, Blackchief received treatment at facilities in Illinois and Texas. He returned home after months of recovery in December.

The teen accepted a plea deal in May that would've made him eligible for a shorter sentence.

He can now spend anywhere between five to 25 years behind bars and is due back in court in two months.