CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WBEN) A stretch of Union Rd. in Cheektowaga was closed for several hours Monday morning after an officer was struck by a stolen car.
At around 4:30 a.m. Officer Troy Blackchief was deploying stop sticks on Union Road at Route 33, in an attempt to end a pursuit related to stolen vehicles in the village of Depew.
One of the suspected stolen vehicles struck him.
"Officer Blackchief was transported to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance," said Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Gould. CPD says Blackchief is in critical but stable condition following surgery at ECMC.
Officer Blackchief is a 17 year veteran of the Cheektowaga Police.
Police have located one of the suspect vehicles. There are currently no suspects in custody.
"There is a second stolen vehicle that we believe was involved. We are asking for the public's help in finding the vehicle. Plate number KKS 5300. A 2019 maroon Jeep Cherokee," added Gould.
Anyone with information about the vehicle is asked to call 716-686-7461.
Confidential tips can be sent via text to 847 411. In the body of the text, start with CPDNY and then text your tip.
You can also go to the town website, CPDNY.org for a link to submit an anonymous tip. Crime Stoppers WNY is offering up to a $5000 reward for
"You'd have to be living under a rock to know that stolen cars are not a problem, especially with young people," said Gould. "It is a concern."
"Someone knows who did this," said Gould. "Someone knows who these suspects are. We will find these people. I'm confident of that."
Gould told reporters his thoughts at this time are with his officer who is injured and fellow officers. "At some point when we review this, and have more information on the suspects, you will hear more from me on stolen vehicles," he said.