Hamlin man admits guilt in hit-and-run in Orleans, causing serious injuries to 14-year-old
ALBION – A Hamlin man admitted he had been using heroin and other drugs on Sept. 16, when he hit a 14-year-old girl with pickup truck and then fled the scene.
Cody L. Buzard, 23, of Redman Road pleaded guilty this afternoon in Orleans County Court to attempted vehicular assault in the second degree, driving while ability impaired by drugs and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Buzard faces a maximum of a year in jail for the attempted vehicular assault, a maximum of a year for driving while ability impaired and up to 30 days in jail for AUO in the third degree.
As part of a plea deal, there are no sentencing promises. Buzard could be sentenced to a combination of the sentencings, or the sentence could run concurrently (at the same time.)
Buzard was driving a pickup truck on Sept. 16 when he hit the girl on County Line Road. After driving away, he came back to the scene and turned himself over to investigators about an hour after the incident. He was arrested after failing field sobriety tests, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reported on Sept. 21.
The girl suffered serious injuries, including a broken femur, shattered pelvis, and laceration to her spleen. She was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by Mercy Flight.
District Attorney Joe Cardone said in court today that the girl will face permanent arthritis and a rod in her leg.
Buzard also admitted he was driving with a suspended driver’s license due to an unpaid ticket.
He will be sentenced on July 10.
