Driver pleads in thruway street sweeper crash
May 6—The 54-year-old driver of a street sweeper that crashed on the I-290 in April of 2023 accepted a plea deal on Monday.
Roger D. Murphy, 54, of Town of Tonawanda, pleaded guilty Monday before Tonawanda Town Court Justice Daniel T. Cavarello to one count of driving while ability impaired (violation under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law).
On April 7, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Murphy was driving a Town of Tonawanda street sweeper vehicle westbound on the I-290 when he caused the vehicle to crash near the Colvin Boulevard exit. After the crash, investigators found a single prescription painkiller pill inside of the vehicle.
After the crash, the defendant was placed on administrative leave from his position in the Town of Tonawanda Highway Department. His employment was later terminated.
Monday, Murphy received a one-year conditional discharge. As a condition of his sentence, he was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service. His driver's license has been revoked.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane commended the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel L. Schepart of the Justice Courts Bureau.
