Gang of 4 arrested after 3 burglaries

AMHERST, N.Y. (RELEASE) - On 2/9/2010 at approximately 0230 hours the Amherst Police Department received a 911 call of unknown trouble. Officers responded to 229 American Campus Drive where they located one of the victims who reported that at least four suspects had broken into an apartment and burglarized property from 3 separate victims.

Responding officers observed two suspects fleeing the area on foot. One of the suspects was apprehended by Officer Julian Chinanna after a brief foot chase. The second suspect was apprehended by Officer Patrick Mayer and taken into custody after violently fighting with officers and refusing to comply.

The remaining suspects were located in a vehicle and taken into custody. Further investigation uncovered the fact that one of the suspects had been the victim of a burglary earlier in the day. He contacted the other suspects to tell them of the burglary and they responded to Amherst from the area of Syracuse, NY.

These suspects collectively intended to gain retribution for the earlier burglary and they believed at least one of the victims from American Campus Drive were responsible. During the course of events the suspects burglarized three apartments, held victims against their will and forcibly stole property.

Suspect Christopher Moro, 23, of Syracuse, NY was charged with Conspiracy 4th, Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd, Burglary 2nd, Criminal Mischief 3rd, Robbery 2nd and Grand Larceny 3rd. Suspect Tara Bouthillier, 19, of Cicero, NY was charged with Conspiracy 4th, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th. Suspect Jason Stevens, 19, of Syracuse, NY was charged with Conspiracy 4th, Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd, Burglary 2nd, Criminal Mischief 3rd, Robbery 2nd and Grand Larceny 3rd. Suspect Michael Stevens, 20, of Syracuse, NY was charged with Conspiracy 4th, Assault 2nd, Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd, Burglary 2nd, two counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd, Robbery 2nd, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Grand Larceny 3rd and Harassment 2nd.

The suspects are currently awaiting arraignment by Amherst Town Justice Mark Farrell.