Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Ryan J. Strunk of West Seneca pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge.

On September 11, 2021, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the female victim was jogging on the New York State Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) campus on East and West Road in the Town of West Seneca when she was attacked by the defendant. The defendant hit the victim numerous times with a tree branch as she attempted to run from the attack. The defendant continued to chase and hit the victim with the branch until she was able to escape into an occupied DDSO patrol officer’s vehicle. The security officer called 911 and the defendant was taken into custody.

The victim suffered various cuts and bruises to her body.

Strunk faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. He was held without bail.

DA Flynn commends the West Seneca Police Department for their work in this investigation.   

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Timothy J. Garvin of the Felony Trials Bureau.