Anderson Arroyo, 29, of Amherst, and Timothy Reinard, 45, of Lockport, were arrested around 1:20 a.m. following the third holdup in recent weeks of the NOCO gas station at 5114 Transit Road. Police believe the pair may be responsible for other armed robberies over the last month in Amherst, Wheatfield, Medina and Tonawanda.
“We feel like we really accomplished a lot here getting these two off the streets and behind bars,” said Cheektowaga Police Capt. James J. Speyer Jr.
Two suspects wearing hoods and bandanas entered the NOCO around 1 a.m. this morning, displayed a gun and demanded money from the cash register, police said. The clerk complied and was forced to lie on the floor as the robbers fled.
While searching for the robbers, Officer Matthew Arnold saw a vehicle run a red light at the intersection of Losson Road and Towers Boulevard and stopped the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu registered to Arroyo as it turned onto Rushford Lane, police said. Proceeds from the robbery and clothes matching the suspects’ descriptions were found in the car, according to police.
“We’re very happy and, by the same token, very fortunate,” Speyer said, noting no one was hurt in any of the holdups.
Cheektowaga police said they are working with other area police agencies to determine if the other robberies were committed by Arroyo and Reinard, who face multiple charges including first degree robbery, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of stolen property and criminal possession of a weapon.
Speyer said he did not know the connection between Arroyo and Reinard or a possible motive.
They are being held tonight in town jail awaiting arraignment.
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