Buffalo Hit-and-Run Suspect Sought After Fatal Crash
Crime Stoppers WNY is offering a reward for information regarding a deadly four-vehicle collision in downtown Buffalo.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Accidents
Authorities are searching for a driver who fled the scene on foot following a four-vehicle accident in Buffalo that resulted in the death of 54-year-old Jermone Laster. The incident took place at the intersection of Broadway and Oak Street.
Why it matters
The search for the suspect remains active as officials work to hold the driver accountable for the fatal collision. Public assistance through the Crime Stoppers reward program is being sought to advance the ongoing investigation.
Crime Stoppers WNY has authorized a maximum reward of $2,500 for information leading to the suspect. The incident involved four vehicles, and police are currently tracking the suspect who was last seen fleeing on foot.
The players
Crime Stoppers WNY
This local organization provides a secure, anonymous channel for the public to report information on unsolved crimes in exchange for potential cash rewards.
Jermone Laster
He was a 54-year-old resident who succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run vehicle accident.
ECMC
The Erie County Medical Center is a major hospital in Buffalo that serves as a primary trauma and emergency care facility for the region.
The details
The collision occurred at 4:30 p.m. when the suspect's vehicle struck others at the intersection of Broadway and Oak Street. After fleeing on foot, the individual was seen heading west on Broadway before turning north onto Ellicott Street.
Timeline
The four-vehicle accident occurred at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2026.
Jermone Laster died at ECMC on Oct. 3, 2026.
Legal Context
This investigation reflects standard procedural responses to fatal traffic incidents in New York, where authorities frequently rely on public tips to identify suspects who flee the scene. Such cases highlight the persistent challenges local agencies face when tracking individuals who abandon their vehicles to evade immediate capture.
Residents and business owners in the area near Broadway and Oak Street should remain alert as the police investigation continues. Any witness who observed the suspect fleeing toward Ellicott Street is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers WNY.
The takeaway
Hit-and-run incidents often rely on community vigilance to bridge the gap between initial police response and suspect apprehension. Residents are reminded that providing even small, seemingly insignificant details to investigators can be critical to solving these cases.
Further reading
For more information on local traffic investigations, visit the Accidents section.
