Amherst police led on chase, locate missing van

Amherst Police Officer Steve Larwood was led on a car chase during the middle of the day on Sunday.

Police reported that Peter Wittermann, 40, of Roycroft Boulevard sped away during an attempted traffic stop around noon. Larwood was trying to stop Wittermann for a loud muffler when he drove off on Bernhardt Drive to Kensington Avenue, reaching estimated speeds of 80 mph.

Wittermann reportedly went through several stop signs and red lights, causing motorists to swerve out of his way, police said. No accidents occurred. He eventually

stopped his vehicle on Cleveland Drive where he reportedly exited the car and took off running. Larwood was assisted by Officer Tom Phielman in taking the suspect into custody after a short foot chase.

Charges include several traffic violations, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance and having a suspended license.

Stolen minivan recovered Amherst police reported the arrest of

40-year-old Stewart Sloan of Buffalo. Police responded to the Jolly Jug on Niagara Falls Boulevard around 10:30 p.m. Sunday on the report of a man selling items to patrons in the bar.

When questioned, Sloan reportedly fled on foot and was apprehended shortly after. Police discovered that he was driving a stolen minivan taken earlier in the day from the City of Buffalo.

Stewart was charged with felony assault for causing injury to a police officer, unauthorized use of a vehicle, obstruction, possession of stolen credit cards and providing a false name.

Robbery suspect sought

Police responded to the Noco Express on the corner of Main Street and Youngs Road shortly after midnight on Sunday on the report of an armed robbery.

The clerk told police a black male, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and a ski mask, revealed a handgun. The man left, with a couple of hundred dollars in cash, possibly driving a white, four-door car.

Police continue to investigate and will be using video surveillance from the store.