Officers recover stolen cash, cell phone and two handguns after foot chase
ALLENTOWN, PA — Two masked men accused of robbing a woman at gunpoint near a bank in downtown Allentown were arrested after they fled from a patrol officer who spotted them moments after the robbery, police said.
The incident unfolded at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, when an Allentown patrol officer observed two men wearing face masks and black clothing near Eighth and Maple streets.
According to the Allentown Police Department, the two men immediately ran when they saw the marked patrol vehicle.
As officers pursued them on foot, witnesses reported the pair had just robbed a woman at gunpoint near a bank in the 00 block of North Eighth Street.
Investigators said the suspects stole a large amount of cash and the victim’s cell phone before fleeing.
Patrol officers caught and arrested both men after the chase.
Police said both suspects were carrying handguns, including one that was determined to have been stolen.
A search following their arrests led officers to recover the victim’s stolen cash and cell phone.
Police identified the suspects as 20-year-old Jahniel Perez-Matos of Nutley, New Jersey, and 20-year-old Alex Aracena Polanco of Deer Park, New York.
Perez-Matos is charged with robbery, person not to possess a firearm, theft, receiving stolen property, carrying a concealed firearm without a license and evading arrest.
Polanco is charged with robbery, theft, carrying a concealed firearm without a license and evading arrest.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Two suspects were arrested after allegedly robbing a woman at gunpoint near a bank in Allentown.
- Police recovered the victim’s stolen cash, cell phone and two handguns, including one reported stolen.
- The suspects face multiple robbery, firearm and theft-related charges.
