AMHERST, New York — A woman was surrounded by four armed strangers in a parking lot and had everything taken from her — including her car. Now Amherst Police are warning that she may not have been the only target.
The incident happened on the night of June 3 at around 10 p.m. in a commercial parking lot near Transit Road and Maple Road.
The victim told police she was approached by a group of four individuals. One of them displayed a handgun. The group then forcibly took her vehicle and other personal property before fleeing the scene.
Her stolen vehicle was later recovered in the City of Buffalo.
Detectives Think More Vehicles Were Targeted
The Amherst Police Department confirmed the investigation is active and ongoing.
But there is more to the story.
Detectives say they are aware of two additional incidents in the Town of Amherst where high-value vehicles may have been deliberately targeted in commercial parking lots.
It is not yet clear if the same group of suspects is responsible for all three incidents. However, the pattern has police on alert.
Police Are Urging Residents to Stay Alert
The Amherst Police Department is now asking residents and visitors to stay vigilant — especially when shopping, dining, or running errands in commercial areas.
The department was direct in its message: pay attention when you are walking to and from your car.
Motorists are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings every time they enter or exit a business or parking lot.
If something feels off — a person, a vehicle, or any unusual activity — residents are urged to report it to law enforcement immediately. Do not wait.
How You Can Help Catch the Suspects
Detectives are working to identify and locate the four individuals responsible for the June 3 robbery.
If you were in the area of Transit Road and Maple Road on the evening of June 3, you may have seen something without realizing it mattered.
Police are specifically looking for:
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Dash camera video from vehicles in the area
- Any eyewitness accounts of suspicious persons or vehicles that night
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Amherst Police Department directly at 716-689-1322.
Amherst Is Still Safe — But Stay Sharp
Police were clear that Amherst remains a safe community. This is not a reason to panic.
But it is a reason to be smart.
Parking lots — especially busy commercial ones — can be vulnerable spots. A few seconds of awareness when you step out of a store could make a real difference.
Lock your doors. Know who is around you. Trust your instincts. And if you see something, say something.
Did you witness anything suspicious near Transit Road and Maple Road on the night of June 3? Have you noticed anything unusual in Amherst parking lots recently? Share what you know in the comments — it could help bring these suspects to justice.
