Woman safe as police investigate abduction outside Walden Galleria

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — A person who was abducted outside of the Walden Galleria on Monday evening is now home safe, Cheektowaga Police confirmed to WIVB News 4.

News 4 has also learned the victim was an adult woman.

Cheektowaga Police said the victim was abducted just before 7 p.m. on the Walden Galleria property, outside of the area’s largest shopping mall. Police said early information suggests that the victim may have been abducted “for the purpose of forcing a bank withdrawal.”

A police spokesperson told us, as the incident evolved, the victim was able to contact police immediately after the incident and is now back with her family.

No arrests have been made as detectives work to pin down who took the woman.

Many details about this case, including whether or not the perpetrator and the victim were known to one another, remain unanswered.

As for the Walden Galleria, management released this statement:

“Safety continues to be our highest priority at Walden Galleria as we work closely with Cheektowaga police in the investigation of this incident. As this is an ongoing investigation, we will not be commenting further at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Cheektowaga Police dispatch to leave an anonymous tip at 716-686-3510.

Cheektowaga Police issued a general safety reminder to the public to walk in well-lit areas and be aware of their surroundings.

Law enforcement has yet to share if there are any persons of interest.

This is a developing story.

Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter .