Niagara Falls, New York – Two women from Niagara Falls have entered guilty pleas as part of a plea deal with prosecutors after being charged in connection with a violent attack on a female manager at a Tim Hortons restaurant last year. Brittny Robinson, 37, and Brionna Harris, 30, admitted to attempted second-degree burglary, a felony offense with a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison. However, a Niagara County Court Judge has indicated that the maximum prison time for the women will be capped at two years.
Initially facing charges of second-degree gang assault, the women were arrested by Falls police after being identified in a cell phone video capturing the attack on the 42-year-old manager on May 28, 2023. The video, widely circulated on social media, played a crucial role in their identification and subsequent arrest. Authorities have stated that the burglary charge was pursued as the strongest legal option based on the evidence presented.
District Attorney Brian Seaman emphasized the significance of the video evidence in building a case against Robinson and Harris. Additionally, Falls Police Superintendent John Faso commended the investigative work carried out to secure the arrests, noting the value of video footage in such cases. The involvement of a 13-year-old girl in the incident, charged with second-degree gang assault, further complicated the legal proceedings.
Following the altercation, which resulted in the manager sustaining serious injuries, the individuals involved were linked to a group of juveniles who had been asked to leave the restaurant due to disruptive behavior. The assailants were captured on security camera footage within the establishment, portraying a violent altercation near the drive-thru window. The victim, fortunately, is said to be in the process of healing from the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon her.
As the legal process unfolds, the fate of the 13-year-old charged remains undisclosed under New York’s Raise the Age Law. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of aggressive actions and the importance of upholding public safety within establishments. The community awaits the final sentencing of Robinson and Harris, as justice is sought for the victim and accountability is upheld for the perpetrators.