Tragedy Strikes South Buffalo: Drunk Driver Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed Cyclist

A pall has been cast over South Buffalo following a devastating hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 54-year-old cyclist Gregory Andino. Authorities have swiftly moved to charge Stephen B. Emslie, a 29-year-old resident of the same area, with a litany of serious offenses that underscore the tragic consequences of impaired driving and utter disregard for human life.

The horrifying sequence of events unfolded early Saturday morning on South Park Avenue, near the bustling New York State Thruway exit.

Police reports indicate that Andino was simply riding his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle allegedly operated by Emslie. Instead of stopping to render aid or face the consequences, Emslie reportedly fled the scene, leaving a critically injured man behind.

However, the long arm of the law was not far behind.

Emslie was apprehended a short time later, and the ensuing investigation revealed a deeply troubling picture. He has been charged with first-degree vehicular manslaughter, a grave offense reflecting the severity of the loss of life. Compounding this, he faces charges for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a stark reminder of the legal and moral obligation drivers have after a collision.

Perhaps most damning are the charges related to his state of intoxication.

Emslie stands accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated under Leandra's Law, a particularly stringent statute applied when a child under 16 is present in the vehicle with an impaired driver. Disturbingly, a 10-year-old child was indeed in his car at the time of the fatal crash. Furthermore, he faces charges of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, indicating his driving privileges were already suspended, a fact reinforced by a prior DWI conviction in 2017.

The Buffalo News previously reported on the ongoing investigation, highlighting the diligent work of law enforcement in piecing together the events of that fateful morning.

The community now grapples with the senseless loss of Gregory Andino, a life cut short by choices that could have been avoided. This incident serves as a stark and somber warning about the perils of impaired driving and the profound ripple effects such actions have on victims, families, and the entire community.

As Stephen B.

Emslie awaits further legal proceedings, the focus remains on seeking justice for Gregory Andino and preventing future tragedies. This case powerfully illustrates the critical importance of responsible driving and the severe legal ramifications for those who choose to endanger others on our roads.