Amherst officer apprehends robbery suspect

A car chase that started in Cheektowaga ended in Buffalo on Jan. 16 but only after leading several agencies into Amherst.

The HSBC Bank at 4237 Union Road, near the Kensington Expressway, was robbed at gunpoint around 10:30 a.m. The three suspects left the bank, driving onto the Kensington Expressway and merging onto Interstate 290 before exiting onto Main Street, driving west into Buffalo.

Amherst police were called to assist in the chase when it was determined the suspects were heading into Amherst, Captain Patrick McKenna said.

The suspects entered the city, exiting the vehicle near East Delevan and Cambridge avenues in Buffalo. An Amherst officer jumped a fence, causing a puncture wound to his hand, but was able to apprehend one of the suspects, Junius Hodge Jr., 20, of Buffalo. He was assisted by two Cheektowaga officers, McKenna said.

The Amherst officer asked to remain unnamed and was being treated for his injury.

Also joining the chase and apprehension of suspects were the Buffalo Police Department and Erie County Sheriff's Department helicopter team.

During the chase, the suspects were reportedly throwing stolen money out of the vehicle's window. Another suspect, Damone Cannon, 19, of Buffalo was also apprehended at the scene.

Information on the third suspect was not available at press time.