Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Deyanna Davis was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on Thursday, plus three years of post-release supervision for her role in running over a New York State Trooper with her vehicle during a Black Lives Matter protest in June of 2020.
"First of all, I would like to say I apologize to the Trooper. It was an accident. I didn't mean for anything to happen. I just was at the wrong place at the wrong time," said Davis during her sentencing on Thursday at Erie County Court. "If I could go back, I definitely would do it different. I don't want anybody to think I'm a bad person because of it, because I'm not.
"I took the plea, I kind of felt like I was forced to take it, but I didn't see no other outcome. I just tried to do whatever was best to get home to my kids. I just want to apologize to my family for leaving you with my babies. And I hope the Trooper can find it in his heart to forgive me. I really didn't mean it."
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It was at approximately 10 p.m. ET on Monday, June 1, 2020 when Davis recklessly caused serious physical injuries to Trooper Ron Ensminger by driving her vehicle through a law enforcement blockade on Bailey Avenue and Decker Street in the City of Buffalo.
Ensminger spent several weeks at Erie County Medical Center, where he was treated for injuries to his back, a shattered pelvis and a broken leg. He was unable to return to work and retired from New York State Police due to the injuries.
Ensminger was present for the sentencing on Thursday, along with support from his family, legal representation and other members of New York State Police. While he did not speak during or after the sentencing, his attorney Tom Grillo says Ensminger is relieved he was able to take a step forward.
"I know my client and his family are happy that they've had an opportunity to, at least, move forward today," said Grillo.
As for how Ensminger has been handling the past three-plus years since the incident, Grillo says his client has endured enough.
"They've been very unfortunate. He suffered career-ending injuries, so it's been an absolute tragedy," Grillo said. "He's continuously suffered, and will likely do so in the future."
In the months following the incident, Ensminger and his attorney filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Buffalo, which is still pending at this time.
Davis pleaded guilty to one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) on Feb. 1, 2023. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on the day jury selection was scheduled to begin in her trial.
The 34-year-old's sentence of two-and-a-half years in prison was agreed upon as part of a plea deal.
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“This defendant’s reckless behavior caused life altering injuries to a State trooper who was working to keep people safe during a protest. There were crowds of people on the streets that night and I am thankful that no one else was hurt during this incident. I hope that the victim feels that justice has been served by this defendant being sentenced to a term of imprisonment for this crime. I wish him well in this continued recovery,” said District Attorney John Flynn in a statement.
A loaded handgun was found inside of the defendant’s vehicle during the investigation. The weapon was reported stolen from West Seneca in January 2020. One of the passengers of the vehicle, 27-year-old Semaj Pigram of Buffalo, was linked to the illegal gun through DNA evidence.
Pigram pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) on Sept. 23, 2022. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
A third defendant was initially charged and arraigned in Buffalo City Court. The Grand Jury voted to no bill the case against that defendant and the charge was dismissed.