Buffalo garbage truck driver's license was suspended at time of crash that critically injured 17-year-old

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo police revealed that the 46-year-old city worker behind the wheel of the garbage truck that hit and critically injured a 17-year-old Wednesday morning was driving with a suspended commercial driver's license (CDL).

The 17-year-old, who was backed into by the truck, remains in critical condition at Oishei Children's Hospital.

Police told WIVB News 4 that an issue with an endorsement on her CDL caused the suspension. Endorsements give CDL holders extra privileges, like transporting passengers.

Police said after the incident, the 46-year-old city worker went to reinstate her license.

Questions remain as to why the truck reversed down Rhode Island Street and through 14th Street before backing into the teenager.

Buffalo Department of Public Works Commissioner Nate Marton said that it's unusual for garbage trucks to reverse as far as this one did.

Marton said he's digging into how this employee's suspended license slipped through the cracks. An internal investigation is underway and Marton said he has met with employees to answer questions about best practices.

Niagara District Councilman David Rivera plans to speak with city department heads to ensure all employees are properly licensed.

"We're going to ask questions," Rivera said. "It puts the city at risk. And we want to make sure that we mitigate any risk in the City of Buffalo. And that includes people, operating vehicles, how they operate vehicles and whether or not they have valid license."

Rivera expressed frustration when asked for his reaction to the 17-year-old being critically injured.

"It's anger, frustration," Rivera said. "How can it happen? What can we do to prevent that from happening? Obviously, it is where we'd like to get to, to prevent incidents like this from reoccurring."

The incident remains under investigation by the Buffalo police and the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

No charges have currently been filed and driver remains on unpaid leave.