Woman allegedly robbed in home after leaving casino

Amherst police are investigating a reported burglary and robbery that occurred early Monday morning at a residence on Sweetwood Drive.

A female resident reported that she had returned home from a visit to a Niagara Falls, N.Y., casino and was accosted in her garage by a male subject, being assisted by two other male parties in the same area.

Police reported a struggle ensued between the victim and suspects, with the victim's purse being stolen.

The woman sustained a substantial laceration to her head, reportedly as a result of being struck by one of the suspects with a garden rake during the course of the theft.

All suspects immediately left the scene in an unknown vehicle, with the victim's purse.

Upon broadcast of the initial suspect/vehicle information, Officer Thomas Barillari checked the near vicinity of the incident and located a vehicle on Chestnut Ridge Road containing three suspects.

Further investigation by Barillari reportedly led to the recovery of stolen property within the vehicle, linking the occupants to the Sweetwood Drive burglary and robbery.

A continuing investigation by Barillari, and detectives John Trabert and Edward Guzdek Jr., with other night platoon officers, led to the arrest of three individuals.

They are Matthew A. Rimmen, 25; Michael A. Rimmen, 30; and Curtis Pugh, 23. All are Niagara Falls residents. They were charged with burglary in the first degree, robbery in the second degree, assault in the second degree and conspiracy.