Two Amherst Police officers were hospitalized after attempting to stop a shoplifter outside the Walmart on Sheridan Drive.Amherst Assistant Police Chief Charles Cohen says one officer was dragged by the suspect’s fleeing vehicle. He says another officer was injured, as he tried to help…
“During the encounter, unfortunately, Officer Corey Brown was struck by a responding patrol car. Officer Brown was on foot, trying to assist the Officer being dragged,” said Cohen.
Both officers were taken to ECMC. Brown is recovering from surgery as of Sunday evening, and is said to be in serious condition. The other officer was treated and released.
Cohen says the suspect - 33-year-old Ronald Kerling - was apprehended by Amherst detectives in the City of Buffalo. Kerling has an extensive criminal history, and was on parole at the time of the incident. He now faces five separate criminal charges.
