BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It was just after 5:00 p.m. Christmas night, when Kimberly Weston and her boyfriend Nathan Grammer took a walk on Middlesex near Lincoln Parkway in Buffalo to look at Christmas lights.
“The female victim was in a wheelchair and her boyfriend was pushing her down the street because of the amount of snowfall,” said Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo. “The sidewalks and handicap access on the curbs was not available due to the snow so they had to take to the streets,” he said.
It was then Buffalo Police say a car, came up behind the pair and hit both Nathan and Kimberly.
“The driver of the vehicle did not stop, did not attempt to render aid and just took off,” Rinaldo said.
Buffalo Police say Nathan suffered serious injuries and was in the ICU a number of days. His family says via a post on Facebook that he is out of the ICU now and in a regular room. They say he is coherent and doing better but still confused.
According to this Go Fund Me set up for “hardship expenses” Kimberly’s wheelchair was broken in the crash and she suffered minor injuries. She posted on her public Facebook page, “Guys, just keep Nate in your thoughts and prayers. I’m okay but in pain. He is my person.”
“It was getting dark. The street is well lit, but for whatever reason, this vehicle struck them on the driver’s side of the vehicle and kept going,” Rinaldo said.
Nathan’s mother, who did not want to interview, said “Kim and Nate are a devoted couple and two of the kindest people we know.”
Captain Rinaldo says this crash also serves as a sobering reminder for property owners about clearing sidewalks.
“There are people who utilize wheelchairs, so, just because the sidewalk is cleared to the point that you can step over obstacles isn’t always necessarily good enough,” he said. “People in wheelchairs don’t have the luxury to do that.”
Buffalo Police say they’re now looking for the driver of an older model Mercedes from 2013. Police say the car was a darker color sedan and should have damage on the driver’s side.
Anyone with information should contact the Buffalo Police Confidential Tipline at 716-847-2255.
