Tonawanda man charged with vehicular manslaughter following incident in 2024

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Tonawanda man is facing vehicular manslaughter charges after a man was struck and killed while riding his skateboard on Niagara Street in May 2024, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Brian M. Borth, 29, was arraigned Thursday afternoon on charges of second-degree manslaughter, two counts of second-degree vehicular manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting resulting in death.

Officials allege that Borth hit 21-year-old Allen Angel Ruiz in the southbound lane of Niagara Street at approximately 12:40 a.m. on May 8, 2024. Borth allegedly lost control of his vehicle, hit a parked car and crashed into a home before running away from the scene, officials said. A short time later, Borth was found by police near West Avenue and Albany Street.

It is alleged that Borth was driving at a high rate of speed while under the influence of alcohol and a drug when the incident occurred.

He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted of the highest charge. He is currently being held without bail, and a return court date has yet to be scheduled.