Woman was forced by gunpoint from parking lot in abduction at Walden Galleria, police say

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — It’s been a little over three weeks since a woman was abducted from the Walden Galleria parking lot. There have still been no arrests, but police tell us that a vehicle believed to have been involved is in custody.

Cheektowaga Police confirmed to WIVB News 4 that a woman was forced into her vehicle at gunpoint after leaving the Galleria from the lower level JCPenney.

A police spokesperson says on the evening of Sept. 23, at least two people, unknown to the woman, approached her.

It’s believed she was initially being forced to drive to an ATM for a bank withdrawal. Instead, police said that she drove to Jim’s Truck Stop across the street.

The two perpetrators got away in a separate vehicle, but not before stealing the woman’s phone and other belongings.

Police said they were able to identify the getaway vehicle within 24 hours of the abduction.

Cheektowaga Police previously told WIVB News 4 that as the incident evolved, the victim was able to contact police immediately after the abduction and return safely home to family.

Jeff Rinaldo is vice president of operations for Vista Security and has no involvement with this case.

He says people should generally avoid distractions when walking alone, focus on locking their car doors once inside and make a point to check your backseat before driving off.

“Lastly, if you are going to your vehicle and it’s late at night or you just don’t feel comfortable, you see someone suspicious outside in the parking lot, go back in the store,” said Rinaldo. “You know, malls, things of that nature generally have security. They can escort you to the car or at the very least, you can tell the store clerk, ‘hey, my car is parked right there. Can you keep an eye on me while I go and get in my car, please?'”

Rinaldo also says businesses should think outside of the box when approaching security.

“If you happen to be a business located in Place A, but you know that most of your customers park in Place B — have a conversation with the owner of that parking lot or that area,” Rinaldo said. “Find out what kind of surveillance that they have available. If something happens, who would you contact to get a copy of that video?”

A Cheektowaga Police spokesperson said investigators are making good progress on the case.

It’s unknown if any people of interest have been identified.

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